I am going to try to get all of this in here as close to chronological as possible.
Last year, my program was flagged. This means that the state was watching my numbers (primarily enrollment) as a means to determine whether the class should continue. The state required a ratio of around 10 students per class. That recently changed to 12.5 per class. My numbers were around 11.
Sometime in the middle of the year, I got a letter that my program was subject to closure. All the while, every person I spoke with in the department in which I worked assured me that the state had never closed a program that they could recall. Now, this is not to say that I relied on that fact.
My program was just in its third full year. Every year the ratio increased. Each time it got close to the number required, it seemed that the state raised the number. What I didn’t understand, and I do consider myself to be somewhat intelligent, was how I was supposed to increase the numbers for my program. Every time the numbers were brought up, everyone looked in my direction for answers. I am a teacher and an electrician. I am not an administrator. I am not a career counselor. I am not at the high school where I meet students. The students that I meet are the 300 students out of 1750 that have decided to take a class at the ATC (Area Technology Center.) Recruiting these students would only steal them from other programs and not fix the overall problem.
Anyway, there was a meeting. Everyone was there, almost. The Director of the OCTE (Office of Career and Technical Education,) the Deputy Director of the OCTE, the area supervisor (over 12 schools,) my principal, several counselors from GRC (George Rogers Clark High School,) and one of the associate principals from GRC, and the Superintendent of the Board of Education of Clark County, and myself. Missing were my advisors to my program. The meeting was scheduled for an earlier date which all of them planned to attend. The rescheduled meeting did not work with schedules, so they couldn’t be there.
In the meeting, I was given a few minutes at the start to talk about my program. I talked for about 5 minutes and answered a few questions. Then I left. The meeting progressed without me.
The following morning, I got the news on the results of the meeting. I needed to invite speakers to talk to my classes about employment opportunities after graduation. Their concern here was that we hadn’t placed any students into the trade. Of course, what was not taken into consideration was that this was just my third full year, and the first year I had ‘completers’ that could go into the field.
The next thing I needed to do was to add the names of 30 students that would be interested in taking my class the following year. They didn’t have to schedule my class per say, but they did have to put on their schedule that they were interested.
Oh yeah, I had ten days to do this.
Next: The challenge …
Friday, July 04, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
mucho grande apology
Yes, I do realize it has been a month since I posted. There have been some major issues that have had to be addressed and are still being addressed. Nothing relationship wise, Tammy and I are still great. There have been some issues at work. I will delve into all of that as soon as we get some things resolved there .. but ..
Here is something I wrote when I was up at 2 in the morning this morning:
A Traveler
Traveling through this oddly familiar forest
Recognizable were some of the trees and brush
Beckoned by the memorable woods
I appeared to know the direction to take
Though the path was a stranger to me
But soon the vines tried to hold me
And the underbrush tried to encumber me
I found myself lost and running
Why is it
When you aren’t sure where you are going
Getting there faster seems like a good idea?
Finally I emerged from the thickness
Into the clearing
The bluest ocean I had ever seen
Gently brushed against the greenest shoreline
Nearly at the waters edge
Was a light on a blackened mast
Reminiscent of days gone by
That seemed to shine
Brighter than light of the cloudless sky
I was draw inexorably toward it
As I got closer it appeared to brighten
There beside the light was a bench
Of wrought iron and wood
Ornate and inviting as the light
The bench welcomed me
As I sat on it
I could feel that welcome
Nearly as an embrace
I luxuriated in the warmth of the light
My every sense sought out its affection
The more I reached
The more I realized
There was no light
On that blackened post
The light was no light at all
But a bell
Blackness enveloped me
As the ringing rang out
I was bathed in the coldness
Of the sound
The ocean grew fainter
The lush shoreline faded
All that was left
Was the embrace of the bench
And the sound
Ringing
Sweeping over me
Rocking me
In the darkness of sound
The cold emotionless wave
Eroded the edges of my hurt
It filled me
It covered me
It lulled me into its sleep
Possibly to dream
Or just to stop thinking
For one night
Just one night
Ron Simpson, Jr.
May 25, 2008
Here is something I wrote when I was up at 2 in the morning this morning:
A Traveler
Traveling through this oddly familiar forest
Recognizable were some of the trees and brush
Beckoned by the memorable woods
I appeared to know the direction to take
Though the path was a stranger to me
But soon the vines tried to hold me
And the underbrush tried to encumber me
I found myself lost and running
Why is it
When you aren’t sure where you are going
Getting there faster seems like a good idea?
Finally I emerged from the thickness
Into the clearing
The bluest ocean I had ever seen
Gently brushed against the greenest shoreline
Nearly at the waters edge
Was a light on a blackened mast
Reminiscent of days gone by
That seemed to shine
Brighter than light of the cloudless sky
I was draw inexorably toward it
As I got closer it appeared to brighten
There beside the light was a bench
Of wrought iron and wood
Ornate and inviting as the light
The bench welcomed me
As I sat on it
I could feel that welcome
Nearly as an embrace
I luxuriated in the warmth of the light
My every sense sought out its affection
The more I reached
The more I realized
There was no light
On that blackened post
The light was no light at all
But a bell
Blackness enveloped me
As the ringing rang out
I was bathed in the coldness
Of the sound
The ocean grew fainter
The lush shoreline faded
All that was left
Was the embrace of the bench
And the sound
Ringing
Sweeping over me
Rocking me
In the darkness of sound
The cold emotionless wave
Eroded the edges of my hurt
It filled me
It covered me
It lulled me into its sleep
Possibly to dream
Or just to stop thinking
For one night
Just one night
Ron Simpson, Jr.
May 25, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
My prejudice .. and yes .. I have them
I have to admit that I do have prejudices.
Everyone has them, regardless of how enlightened we think we may be. We are all subject to the pangs of preconception when we are faced by certain elements in individuals. These pangs have nothing to do with the individual, generally, and are based on some notion we have about a characteristic of the person.
Now, to clarify, my prejudice is not based on color, creed, religion, or county of national origin. My prejudice is based on past actions. While that is sometimes a healthy barometer to use, it is not always correct.
That much being said, let me continue my ranting:
Recently, a judge in New York acquitted several police officers in the killing of Sean Bell. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, here is a synopsis. Bell and some of his friends went to a strip club on the night before his wedding for an impromptu bachelor outing. The club was under investigation by local police for prostitution.
By the end of the event, Bell was dead (shot 50 times) and his friends were wounded. The officers in question claimed to have overheard one of Bell’s companions say something about “getting his gun “ and tried to stop them when they left the club. According to the story, Bell bumped the officer with his car and hit an undercover police car arriving at the scene. Then one of the occupants of the car appeared to be reaching for something and the shooting began.
The officers relinquished their right to a jury trial, opting to have their case heard by a judge. The judge cited inconsistent testimony, courtroom demeanor and rap sheets of the prosecution witnesses — mainly Bell's friends — "had the effect of eviscerating" their credibility. He stated that the state failed to remove unreasonable doubt in whether or not the officer’s actions were warranted.
Now, my opinion on this matter not withstanding, we approach my prejudice.
Into this fray steps, Al Sharpton. This is where my prejudice hits.
In 1987, Sharpton burst onto the national scene in the Tawana Brawley case. She was a 15-year-old black girl, was found smeared with feces, lying in a garbage bag, her clothing torn and burned and with various slurs and epithets written on her body in charcoal. Brawley claimed she had been assaulted and raped by six white men, some of them police officers, in the village of Wappingers Falls, New York.
A grand jury was convened and after seven months concluded that the Brawley story was fabricated. Sharpton, Maddox (atty), and Mason (atty) accused the Dutchess County prosecutor, Steven Pagones, of racism and of being one of the perpetrators of the alleged abduction and rape. The three were successfully sued for slander and ordered to pay $345,000 in damages, the jury finding Sharpton liable for making seven defamatory statements about Pagones, Maddox for two, and Mason for one.
In 1995, a black Pentecostal Church, the United House of Prayer, which owned a retail property on 125th Street, asked Fred Harari, a Jewish tenant who operated Freddie's Fashion Mart, to evict his longtime subtenant, a black-owned record store called The Record Shack. Sharpton led a protest in Harlem against the planned eviction of The Record Shack. Sharpton told the protesters, "We will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business."[ On December 8, 1995, Roland J. Smith Jr., one of the protesters, entered the store with a gun and flammable liquid, shot several customers and set the store on fire. The gunman fatally shot himself, and seven store employees died of smoke inhalation. Fire Department officials discovered that the store's sprinkler had been shut down, in violation of the local fire code. Sharpton claimed that the perpetrator was an open critic of himself and his nonviolent tactics. Sharpton later expressed regret for making the racial remark, "white interloper," and denied responsibility for inflaming or provoking the violence.
On March 11, 2007, Sharpton held a press conference to highlight what he said was unequal treatment of four suspected rapists in a high-profile crime in the Dunbar Village Housing Projects in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspects, who were young black men, were arrested for allegedly raping and beating a black Haitian woman. The crime also involved forcing the woman to perform oral sex on her 12-year-old son.
At his press conference Sharpton said that any violent act toward a woman is inexcusable but he felt that the accused youths were being treated unfairly because they were black. Sharpton contrasted the treatment of the suspects, who remain in jail, with white suspects involved in a gang rape who were released after posting bond.
Sharpton is just a glory hound parasite on society. He shows up where publicity is high to make sure he gets his name in the paper or his face on TV. He does more to hurt the credibility of any case than he ever does to help it.
In the case of Sean Bell:
Sharpton lambasted the judge who acquitted the detectives in the killing of Bell and wounding of his two friends, saying a jury should been seated to decide guilt or innocence.
"If people are on the public payroll, doing their public duty, they should be required to face a public jury," Sharpton said. The officers had opted to have the judge instead of a jury decide the case.
It is my constitutional right to decide if I want a jury trial or a judge trial. That right is determined by me, not by my job, not by my lawyer, not by the public, and least of all not by some parasitical glory hound. Al Sharpton, stay off of my constitution.
Sharpton later promised to "shut the city down" with organized civil disobedience. "Shut it down! Shut it down!" supporters chanted.
Oh yeah, here is a righteous act of a Godly man. Make threats to shut down one of the busiest cities in the world. Fortunately, he has about as much chance of shutting down New York City as he does of stopping a tornado by standing in front of it.
I am sympathetic to the Bell family. I hope they find that measure of justice and peace they deserve; I hope they all find happiness. Al Sharpton is not the path to those things.
There ya go. That is my prejudice. It boils my blood. I just can’t stand those that propagate there living on the backs of people steeped in misery. They build their reputation on the pain of others.
Peace to the Bell Family. You are in our prayers.
Everyone has them, regardless of how enlightened we think we may be. We are all subject to the pangs of preconception when we are faced by certain elements in individuals. These pangs have nothing to do with the individual, generally, and are based on some notion we have about a characteristic of the person.
Now, to clarify, my prejudice is not based on color, creed, religion, or county of national origin. My prejudice is based on past actions. While that is sometimes a healthy barometer to use, it is not always correct.
That much being said, let me continue my ranting:
Recently, a judge in New York acquitted several police officers in the killing of Sean Bell. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, here is a synopsis. Bell and some of his friends went to a strip club on the night before his wedding for an impromptu bachelor outing. The club was under investigation by local police for prostitution.
By the end of the event, Bell was dead (shot 50 times) and his friends were wounded. The officers in question claimed to have overheard one of Bell’s companions say something about “getting his gun “ and tried to stop them when they left the club. According to the story, Bell bumped the officer with his car and hit an undercover police car arriving at the scene. Then one of the occupants of the car appeared to be reaching for something and the shooting began.
The officers relinquished their right to a jury trial, opting to have their case heard by a judge. The judge cited inconsistent testimony, courtroom demeanor and rap sheets of the prosecution witnesses — mainly Bell's friends — "had the effect of eviscerating" their credibility. He stated that the state failed to remove unreasonable doubt in whether or not the officer’s actions were warranted.
Now, my opinion on this matter not withstanding, we approach my prejudice.
Into this fray steps, Al Sharpton. This is where my prejudice hits.
In 1987, Sharpton burst onto the national scene in the Tawana Brawley case. She was a 15-year-old black girl, was found smeared with feces, lying in a garbage bag, her clothing torn and burned and with various slurs and epithets written on her body in charcoal. Brawley claimed she had been assaulted and raped by six white men, some of them police officers, in the village of Wappingers Falls, New York.
A grand jury was convened and after seven months concluded that the Brawley story was fabricated. Sharpton, Maddox (atty), and Mason (atty) accused the Dutchess County prosecutor, Steven Pagones, of racism and of being one of the perpetrators of the alleged abduction and rape. The three were successfully sued for slander and ordered to pay $345,000 in damages, the jury finding Sharpton liable for making seven defamatory statements about Pagones, Maddox for two, and Mason for one.
In 1995, a black Pentecostal Church, the United House of Prayer, which owned a retail property on 125th Street, asked Fred Harari, a Jewish tenant who operated Freddie's Fashion Mart, to evict his longtime subtenant, a black-owned record store called The Record Shack. Sharpton led a protest in Harlem against the planned eviction of The Record Shack. Sharpton told the protesters, "We will not stand by and allow them to move this brother so that some white interloper can expand his business."[ On December 8, 1995, Roland J. Smith Jr., one of the protesters, entered the store with a gun and flammable liquid, shot several customers and set the store on fire. The gunman fatally shot himself, and seven store employees died of smoke inhalation. Fire Department officials discovered that the store's sprinkler had been shut down, in violation of the local fire code. Sharpton claimed that the perpetrator was an open critic of himself and his nonviolent tactics. Sharpton later expressed regret for making the racial remark, "white interloper," and denied responsibility for inflaming or provoking the violence.
On March 11, 2007, Sharpton held a press conference to highlight what he said was unequal treatment of four suspected rapists in a high-profile crime in the Dunbar Village Housing Projects in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspects, who were young black men, were arrested for allegedly raping and beating a black Haitian woman. The crime also involved forcing the woman to perform oral sex on her 12-year-old son.
At his press conference Sharpton said that any violent act toward a woman is inexcusable but he felt that the accused youths were being treated unfairly because they were black. Sharpton contrasted the treatment of the suspects, who remain in jail, with white suspects involved in a gang rape who were released after posting bond.
Sharpton is just a glory hound parasite on society. He shows up where publicity is high to make sure he gets his name in the paper or his face on TV. He does more to hurt the credibility of any case than he ever does to help it.
In the case of Sean Bell:
Sharpton lambasted the judge who acquitted the detectives in the killing of Bell and wounding of his two friends, saying a jury should been seated to decide guilt or innocence.
"If people are on the public payroll, doing their public duty, they should be required to face a public jury," Sharpton said. The officers had opted to have the judge instead of a jury decide the case.
It is my constitutional right to decide if I want a jury trial or a judge trial. That right is determined by me, not by my job, not by my lawyer, not by the public, and least of all not by some parasitical glory hound. Al Sharpton, stay off of my constitution.
Sharpton later promised to "shut the city down" with organized civil disobedience. "Shut it down! Shut it down!" supporters chanted.
Oh yeah, here is a righteous act of a Godly man. Make threats to shut down one of the busiest cities in the world. Fortunately, he has about as much chance of shutting down New York City as he does of stopping a tornado by standing in front of it.
I am sympathetic to the Bell family. I hope they find that measure of justice and peace they deserve; I hope they all find happiness. Al Sharpton is not the path to those things.
There ya go. That is my prejudice. It boils my blood. I just can’t stand those that propagate there living on the backs of people steeped in misery. They build their reputation on the pain of others.
Peace to the Bell Family. You are in our prayers.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
once more into the abyss ..
There are two things I want to share today.
1st .. I have just returned from my book signing at the local public library. It was a blast. We live in a very small community, so I did not expect much. While we were small in number, however, it gave us more time to talk one on one with people. That was amazing. People, strangers to us, sharing their lives with us. Each ones story becoming part of us and ours becoming part of them. One of the librarians told me that she checked out my book from the library (which is way cool in and of itself) to scan it before we were there so she would have some idea of what it and we were about. When she got to the half way point in the book, reading instead of scanning, she realized it was not a book that could be just scanned. She told me in the first few pages the story grabbed her. She is dealing with similarities with her own mother.
Then I come home from this heart wrenching reprisal and begin reading the news online. I come across this story about certain comments made by Obama about people and frustrations and holding to their religion and guns, yadda yadda yadda, It seems that his opponents grabbed hold of this to say that he was aloof and considered himself to be ‘superior’ to the common man. (like any of them have their finger on the pulse of the common man in America)
It is amazing to me the double standard to which we expect our leaders to adhere. While leading the greatest nation in the world, we expect our president to be down to earth like us. While I feel a connection to America and American citizens is vital, it is irrational to expect our elected leader to be ‘one of the boys’.
I am fairly intelligent, and yet, I don’t have the first clue what to do about the war in Iraq. I don’t have the foggiest notion of how to balance the nations budget or right our failing economy. It is all I can do to control the spending in my own house and adhere to some semblance of a budget.
I hope to be considered for the volume of my work in my life, rather than a random statement made on a bad day at the wrong time. Everyday, I deal with my problems, my wife’s problems, my children’s problems, and then the problems of my sixty-five students. It is unfathomable to me to consider dealing with the pressures of the problems of this nation. I do not want my president to be ‘one of my boys’. I want my president to be one of the nations elites surrounded by the rest of the nations elites.
I want my president to display greater wisdom than I can. I expect greater clarity. I demand a level of intelligence that could well be considered superior. I am where I am because of who I am. I expect my president to be a president, capable of making one decision that will affect the six billion residents of this planet and to do so without worrying if some opponent or newspaper is going to try to rake him over the coals for it.
Yes, I expect my president to be in touch with me as much as we are both human beings living on the same planet. I will not agree with every word. I will not accept every statement. I will not support every idea. I will, however, support my president. I will give the benefit of the doubt. I will accept that, while I may not always agree with policy, the decision was made in the best interest of the nation as a whole.
Please deliver me from petty minded individuals that cannot see past the end of their noses. Deliver me from those who cannot accept the ramifications of daily decisions but want to make worldly decisions based on their own bias.
It seems these days, in politics, getting the job is harder than doing it.
1st .. I have just returned from my book signing at the local public library. It was a blast. We live in a very small community, so I did not expect much. While we were small in number, however, it gave us more time to talk one on one with people. That was amazing. People, strangers to us, sharing their lives with us. Each ones story becoming part of us and ours becoming part of them. One of the librarians told me that she checked out my book from the library (which is way cool in and of itself) to scan it before we were there so she would have some idea of what it and we were about. When she got to the half way point in the book, reading instead of scanning, she realized it was not a book that could be just scanned. She told me in the first few pages the story grabbed her. She is dealing with similarities with her own mother.
Then I come home from this heart wrenching reprisal and begin reading the news online. I come across this story about certain comments made by Obama about people and frustrations and holding to their religion and guns, yadda yadda yadda, It seems that his opponents grabbed hold of this to say that he was aloof and considered himself to be ‘superior’ to the common man. (like any of them have their finger on the pulse of the common man in America)
It is amazing to me the double standard to which we expect our leaders to adhere. While leading the greatest nation in the world, we expect our president to be down to earth like us. While I feel a connection to America and American citizens is vital, it is irrational to expect our elected leader to be ‘one of the boys’.
I am fairly intelligent, and yet, I don’t have the first clue what to do about the war in Iraq. I don’t have the foggiest notion of how to balance the nations budget or right our failing economy. It is all I can do to control the spending in my own house and adhere to some semblance of a budget.
I hope to be considered for the volume of my work in my life, rather than a random statement made on a bad day at the wrong time. Everyday, I deal with my problems, my wife’s problems, my children’s problems, and then the problems of my sixty-five students. It is unfathomable to me to consider dealing with the pressures of the problems of this nation. I do not want my president to be ‘one of my boys’. I want my president to be one of the nations elites surrounded by the rest of the nations elites.
I want my president to display greater wisdom than I can. I expect greater clarity. I demand a level of intelligence that could well be considered superior. I am where I am because of who I am. I expect my president to be a president, capable of making one decision that will affect the six billion residents of this planet and to do so without worrying if some opponent or newspaper is going to try to rake him over the coals for it.
Yes, I expect my president to be in touch with me as much as we are both human beings living on the same planet. I will not agree with every word. I will not accept every statement. I will not support every idea. I will, however, support my president. I will give the benefit of the doubt. I will accept that, while I may not always agree with policy, the decision was made in the best interest of the nation as a whole.
Please deliver me from petty minded individuals that cannot see past the end of their noses. Deliver me from those who cannot accept the ramifications of daily decisions but want to make worldly decisions based on their own bias.
It seems these days, in politics, getting the job is harder than doing it.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
In Memory
The pastor that married Tammy and I passed away this week after a long struggle with cancer. He was my friend of more than 30 years. He was a missionary to Nigeria, Taiwan, and Liberia in his lifetime. He was pastor of several churches and Principal of a Christian school as well.
I wrote this for him:
As He Goes Home
All over the world he has walked
He carried the Word of God with him
It was his shield and buckler
It was his undying strength
Throughout the states
Across the ocean
To the fields of Africa
This word and his faith sustained him
He carried the Truth
He carried God’s spirit
He carried his own smile
And his bright vision
He took it to friends
He took it to strangers
Which were merely friends
Not yet made
He was surrounded by faith
He was circled by love
All of which was partially
A reflection of the love within him
By this shall all men know
And we knew
Because he refused
Not to share his fortune
When he got it inside
Those many years ago
It constantly spilled out
And affected us all
Even when the cancer
Tried so hard
To dampen his light
It shined the more
His strength in his frailty
His faith in austerity
His love in the darkness
His hope in hopelessness
Still, in his weakest
He carried us
Today he carries us with him
As he goes home
Thanks for the love
In memory
Addison “Pete” Keaton, Jr.
March 27, 2008
Ron Simpson, Jr
I wrote this for him:
As He Goes Home
All over the world he has walked
He carried the Word of God with him
It was his shield and buckler
It was his undying strength
Throughout the states
Across the ocean
To the fields of Africa
This word and his faith sustained him
He carried the Truth
He carried God’s spirit
He carried his own smile
And his bright vision
He took it to friends
He took it to strangers
Which were merely friends
Not yet made
He was surrounded by faith
He was circled by love
All of which was partially
A reflection of the love within him
By this shall all men know
And we knew
Because he refused
Not to share his fortune
When he got it inside
Those many years ago
It constantly spilled out
And affected us all
Even when the cancer
Tried so hard
To dampen his light
It shined the more
His strength in his frailty
His faith in austerity
His love in the darkness
His hope in hopelessness
Still, in his weakest
He carried us
Today he carries us with him
As he goes home
Thanks for the love
In memory
Addison “Pete” Keaton, Jr.
March 27, 2008
Ron Simpson, Jr
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Anniversary
Yesterday was one year.
One year ago, Dad died.
One year ago, we began a journey that didn't slow down until we had been to five funerals. It still added three more funerals before the family thing stopped. Regular readers of my blog (if I have any after my nearly a month sabbatical) recall the whirlwind.
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of dad's death.
About a week before the day, My oldest daughter called me to ask if the family was doing anything organized to remember the day. I called my sister and nothing was planned. I figured we would all do the remembrance thing in private ways. Kind of like the way that dad affected us all, both generally and specifically.
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of dad's death.
About a week before the day, My oldest daughter called me to ask if the family was doing anything organized to remember the day. I called my sister and nothing was planned. I figured we would all do the remembrance thing in private ways. Kind of like the way that dad affected us all, both generally and specifically.
How did I spend the day?
I woke up early (I usually wake up prior to the alarm going off on weekdays, and my body refuses, generally, to let me sleep in on weekends unless I am ill.) I looked at the clock. It said 6:45. I got up, went to the bathroom, and sat down at the computer to work a little, play a little, read a little, and wait for the sun to come up. I was sending a reply email and it said something about my email being sent at 3:45. I was like, "What??" I checked the clock again and sure enough, it was only a quarter til four. Back to bed I went. I have no clue what time it was when I got up, so no clue how long I had been up either.
The next thing I knew, my phone was ringing and it was 9:30.
The next thing I knew, my phone was ringing and it was 9:30.
We had about 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground. I was mixed with a little ice. (How much ice needs to be mixed in to make it impassable? Who know?) Tammy and I had things to do, so we ventured out. The roads were mostly good. I had the truck in 4-wheel/all wheel drive, so it was good. We went to Winchester to pick up some things at school, and then off to Richmond to meet with Jesse. He is my Cingular/ATT connection.
We hit a few slick spots on the back road, but nothing to make us turn around. The interstate was great. (75 MPH Great) I bought a new phone from Jesse. One of my students wanted my phone. So, I sold it to him for $50 less than I was buying the new one from Jesse. I had the Cingular 8525 Pocket PC. I bought an 8925 Tilt. Sweet phone/PDA/Pocket PC.
We came back home and chilled the rest of the day, mostly.
We hit a few slick spots on the back road, but nothing to make us turn around. The interstate was great. (75 MPH Great) I bought a new phone from Jesse. One of my students wanted my phone. So, I sold it to him for $50 less than I was buying the new one from Jesse. I had the Cingular 8525 Pocket PC. I bought an 8925 Tilt. Sweet phone/PDA/Pocket PC.
We came back home and chilled the rest of the day, mostly.
So, what did I do to commemorate one of the hardest days of my life?
I lived. I did the daily things that make a life. I did the one thing Dad wanted me to do: to go on living.
I am doing that again today. I am fairly sure I will do it again tomorrow. I hope to do it for a while yet.
Every day, I miss him. Every day, something he has done or said affects some part of my life. Every day, I live, and in doing so, he lives, through me.
Every day, I miss him. Every day, something he has done or said affects some part of my life. Every day, I live, and in doing so, he lives, through me.
I miss you terribly, dad.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
V Day approaches ...
and of course, the romantics in us all clamor for attention.
I told TJ that I had an unfair advantage as a poet in the personal gifts department. I had to do something spectacular, therefore.
Here is what I did: I took a black box that a pocketwatch came in and decorated it with sand, and fish on the sides all around. I put stars on the top lid. On the lid inside, I put some 3D roses with stems stickers. Then I put hearts and stars (little hard cardboard ones from the WalMart craft aisle) inside the box.
Now, just in case you are totally confused as to the signifigance of all these things, here is the poem I wrote for her:
The Day of My Valentine
So many days
So many ways
I love you
But there is a day coming
That I am expected to show you
Just how much I love you
To accomplish this,
I must bring you the oceans
And, I mustn’t forget the stars
Nor the heavens, which contain them
I must bring you
The essence of laughter
The soul of tears
And the plethora of everything between
If I try to bring to you
All the things you have brought to me
The oceans bed, now empty
Will not hold them
The heavens expanse, now devoid of stars
Cannot contain them
As the oceans tide lays down
And the stars fade from view
The love you have given to me
Still roars against the shore
And shines out above the rest
What can I give
To show the depth and breadth
How can I clarify
What words cannot describe
How can I
In one unabridged attempt
Show the overflowing of my heart
From the infilling of your love
What hope do I have
Except to know
That you know
Already ….
The ocean in the blue of my eyes
The stars in their sparkle
The laughter and the tears
That we have mixed
And the simple truth of the love we share
It just is … and that is enough … always
Ron
To my ‘Heart & Soul’
February 12, 2008
Happy Valentines Day to everyone.
I told TJ that I had an unfair advantage as a poet in the personal gifts department. I had to do something spectacular, therefore.
Here is what I did: I took a black box that a pocketwatch came in and decorated it with sand, and fish on the sides all around. I put stars on the top lid. On the lid inside, I put some 3D roses with stems stickers. Then I put hearts and stars (little hard cardboard ones from the WalMart craft aisle) inside the box.
Now, just in case you are totally confused as to the signifigance of all these things, here is the poem I wrote for her:
The Day of My Valentine
So many days
So many ways
I love you
But there is a day coming
That I am expected to show you
Just how much I love you
To accomplish this,
I must bring you the oceans
And, I mustn’t forget the stars
Nor the heavens, which contain them
I must bring you
The essence of laughter
The soul of tears
And the plethora of everything between
If I try to bring to you
All the things you have brought to me
The oceans bed, now empty
Will not hold them
The heavens expanse, now devoid of stars
Cannot contain them
As the oceans tide lays down
And the stars fade from view
The love you have given to me
Still roars against the shore
And shines out above the rest
What can I give
To show the depth and breadth
How can I clarify
What words cannot describe
How can I
In one unabridged attempt
Show the overflowing of my heart
From the infilling of your love
What hope do I have
Except to know
That you know
Already ….
The ocean in the blue of my eyes
The stars in their sparkle
The laughter and the tears
That we have mixed
And the simple truth of the love we share
It just is … and that is enough … always
Ron
To my ‘Heart & Soul’
February 12, 2008
Happy Valentines Day to everyone.
Monday, January 28, 2008
been on hiatus
sorry about the long gap.
Things have been busy around the house and then when it isn't, there really isn't much to say. I have been using much of my free time to gather and organize my poems into some publishable format. I have managed to gather 175 or so of my works.
Things at home are relatively calm.
I will post more later.
Things have been busy around the house and then when it isn't, there really isn't much to say. I have been using much of my free time to gather and organize my poems into some publishable format. I have managed to gather 175 or so of my works.
Things at home are relatively calm.
I will post more later.
Friday, January 11, 2008
yes, it has been 9 days
Here are the highlights:
Been sick with cold/flu thing. I missed Friday due to sickness.
State Program Assessment visit at the school on the 9th .. worked 5 hours overtime on Monday and Tuesday getting ready for it.
High winds blew off part of the guttering and siding, exposing a fascia board that needs to be replaced as well. Sounds like fun for me and the insurance company.
I have been working on organizing my poetry. I have 175 pieces of work in a notebook, so far. We are seriously considering doing the publishing thing.
Other than that, it has been the usual stuff, sleep, eat, beat kids, etc, etc.
State Program Assessment visit at the school on the 9th .. worked 5 hours overtime on Monday and Tuesday getting ready for it.
High winds blew off part of the guttering and siding, exposing a fascia board that needs to be replaced as well. Sounds like fun for me and the insurance company.
I have been working on organizing my poetry. I have 175 pieces of work in a notebook, so far. We are seriously considering doing the publishing thing.
Other than that, it has been the usual stuff, sleep, eat, beat kids, etc, etc.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
New Year off and running
2008 is off and running.
We were glad to see 2007 go. There was so much heartache in it. It is not the we would erase the year, but it would have been nice to spread the sorrow out of a decade rather than 8 months.
Of course, not to be left out, 2008 had to get in it's kick.
Last night as she was getting ready for bed, one of C's friends had to call her and tell her about a mutual friend/classmate that hung himself over a girl not liking him. C had a hard time with it for a bit, then she rebounded. She has decided that no one should have the right to do that to their friends. No one has the right to impose such hurt on their friends and family. She agrees that it is a totally selfish thing to do.
Poor C, she feels things so deeply and is so quick to try to figure out how she could have prevented or changed things. There are just some things you cannot do anything about.
My Dad pastored a church and led a small religious organization while I was growing up. I remember a pastor in Columbus, Ohio, that had a conversation with Dad once while I was with him. It went something like this:
Poor C, she feels things so deeply and is so quick to try to figure out how she could have prevented or changed things. There are just some things you cannot do anything about.
My Dad pastored a church and led a small religious organization while I was growing up. I remember a pastor in Columbus, Ohio, that had a conversation with Dad once while I was with him. It went something like this:
Pastor JG: You know, some of my people think I am Jesus Christ.
Dad: How so ?
Pastor JG: They bring me their problems like I can just fix them all.
Dad: I see.
Pastor JG: You know, the worst thing about that is that sometimes I think I am Jesus Christ as well. because I will take them and try to fix them.
Most things are outside the realm of our control. I can control, with some success, my own life. Even that is a tenuous control. When I drive to work, I control my driving, but not the driving of the 1000 or so that I will drive beside or pass on my way to work and back. In that, if one were looking statistically, I have about a .1% amount of control. I control my actions at school, but have little or no control over the actions of the 300 students that visit our small technical school each day. Again, statistically I have about .33% amount of control.
It is better at home in the control factor, but there are outside influences that i have no control over. I cannot control the weather. I cannot control those that drive by my house each day.
That is something C needs to learn. She is responsible for how she acts or reacts. She is answerable for her actions. The actions of her friends, however hurtful, are outside her realm of control or responsibility.
She says that her strength is a reflection of those that love her. She is a smart kid.
Happy 2008 to all.
It is better at home in the control factor, but there are outside influences that i have no control over. I cannot control the weather. I cannot control those that drive by my house each day.
That is something C needs to learn. She is responsible for how she acts or reacts. She is answerable for her actions. The actions of her friends, however hurtful, are outside her realm of control or responsibility.
She says that her strength is a reflection of those that love her. She is a smart kid.
Happy 2008 to all.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
My First Without Dad
It wasn't as bad as I imagined. Still, it was hard.
somethng I wrote ...
We followed you
When we were young,
We would follow you around the house
We would go from room to room,
Crawling or toddling, as children do
We didn’t know where you were going,
Or where the journey would end
We simply knew,
We wanted to follow you
We were scattered severally
Across a ten year span
So, while some crawled, some walked
But each of us, in our own way
Followed you
You never really acknowledged
That you knew how closely we watched
Or how hard we tried to follow
But I am sure you knew
And you led, and we followed
Some of us, or just one of us
So bold in our teenage rebellion
Promised we would never walk your paths
We would blaze our own trails
In opposite or perhaps obstinate directions
Not realizing that in doing so
We were following you
You taught us to travel
And follow our own courses
You gave us more than you ever had
You didn’t change our diapers
Or feed us our meals
While some doctor of figuring out reasons
Would have a field day with those
Still we never doubted your love
And still, we followed you
A while back
You stepped through a door
And we could follow you no more
At least not for a long while
But, you left a trail
A pattern if you will
A shining example
While we cannot follow you as closely
As when we crawled behind your heels
We can still follow you
We can follow your example
We can follow your life
Which you lived fully and openly
We can follow your words
Which you shared without hesitation
We can follow your heart
Which you gave without reservation
We can follow your faith
Which was manifest in everything you did
You lived right
You left too soon
I hope
When my day comes
I have the same faith
I have the same course
I hope
I have followed as you followed
I hope
We have followed you
Ron
December 22, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Christmas blog
It is that time of the year again. Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Independence Day is my fave, however, Christmas is in my top four. I do like the holiday. It just isn't one of my top three. I am sure it was my favorite when I was a kid. That being said, we continue.
Christmas is about stress. Boy, do we need stress.
There is stress about what present to get for this one and that one. Tammy will tell you that I increase that stress because I never want anything. If someone asks what I want, I will tell him or her just that, nothing. I really do not mean to be frustrating in that. Dad was the same way. If he needed something, he bought it. Therefore, he needed nothing, basically. He was hard to buy for. I am a lot like him in that, I suppose.
Then, there are the money issues. It is an American tradition to spend more than you can afford at Christmas time. In that, we are just like most. We will spend more than we should. The spirit of Christmas giving captures us and we always want to give more. We want the kids to have a good Christmas.
In spite of all that has happened this year, we are still happy. We want to share that happiness to those we love and those that surround us. Our lives are still touched by all that has came to pass. My oldest said something about Christmas being different this year because of dad’s passing. I thought about it and decided that every Christmas is different each year. Each year, we would gather at dad and mom’s house on Christmas Eve. Every year, there would be someone or so new in the crowd. There would be a new boyfriend or girlfriend. There would be a new husband or new wife. There would be new babies.
This year will be different again. There will be new boyfriends, girlfriends, hubbies, wives, and babies. However, this year, there will be minuses as well, especially for Tammy and I. Chella stated that everyone in our house lost a father this year. It was a stunning statement. So, Christmas will be very different this year.
There will be presents. There will be joy. There will be singing. There will be family. There will be happiness. There will be celebration. There will be giving. There will be receiving. There will be eating. There will be gathering. And, there will be sadness for the missing ones.
This Christmas, like all the other Christmases in my life will come and go. It will provide some joy and some sorrow. It will bring some smiles and some tears. It will be one more good reason to gather with family.
Merry Christmas to you … and to yours …
And a Happy New Year !
Christmas is about stress. Boy, do we need stress.
There is stress about what present to get for this one and that one. Tammy will tell you that I increase that stress because I never want anything. If someone asks what I want, I will tell him or her just that, nothing. I really do not mean to be frustrating in that. Dad was the same way. If he needed something, he bought it. Therefore, he needed nothing, basically. He was hard to buy for. I am a lot like him in that, I suppose.
Then, there are the money issues. It is an American tradition to spend more than you can afford at Christmas time. In that, we are just like most. We will spend more than we should. The spirit of Christmas giving captures us and we always want to give more. We want the kids to have a good Christmas.
In spite of all that has happened this year, we are still happy. We want to share that happiness to those we love and those that surround us. Our lives are still touched by all that has came to pass. My oldest said something about Christmas being different this year because of dad’s passing. I thought about it and decided that every Christmas is different each year. Each year, we would gather at dad and mom’s house on Christmas Eve. Every year, there would be someone or so new in the crowd. There would be a new boyfriend or girlfriend. There would be a new husband or new wife. There would be new babies.
This year will be different again. There will be new boyfriends, girlfriends, hubbies, wives, and babies. However, this year, there will be minuses as well, especially for Tammy and I. Chella stated that everyone in our house lost a father this year. It was a stunning statement. So, Christmas will be very different this year.
There will be presents. There will be joy. There will be singing. There will be family. There will be happiness. There will be celebration. There will be giving. There will be receiving. There will be eating. There will be gathering. And, there will be sadness for the missing ones.
This Christmas, like all the other Christmases in my life will come and go. It will provide some joy and some sorrow. It will bring some smiles and some tears. It will be one more good reason to gather with family.
Merry Christmas to you … and to yours …
And a Happy New Year !
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thank you
Thank you for being my release.
Thank you for kind words.
It has been a dickens of a year. As it slowly grinds to a close, we can only hope for a better next year. It has been bleak, but there have been bright spots. There have been new births and new adventures. There have been losses, but we are still here, and we are still standing. We may wobble or limp on occasion, but, we are still walking.
There is still a sun shining in our lives. It shines brightly.
We will come through this. We may be scathed. We may be knocked around. However, we will still emerge victorious.
Christmas is coming soon. It won't be the same, but, then again, it never is.
I will post soon with much more to say. For now, I will say that I am alive and kicking.
Thank you for kind words.
It has been a dickens of a year. As it slowly grinds to a close, we can only hope for a better next year. It has been bleak, but there have been bright spots. There have been new births and new adventures. There have been losses, but we are still here, and we are still standing. We may wobble or limp on occasion, but, we are still walking.
There is still a sun shining in our lives. It shines brightly.
We will come through this. We may be scathed. We may be knocked around. However, we will still emerge victorious.
Christmas is coming soon. It won't be the same, but, then again, it never is.
I will post soon with much more to say. For now, I will say that I am alive and kicking.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
ITS OUT !!!
Bittersweet
My book is now available thru the publishers website. I got an email from the publisher telling me it was now available for purchase.
The url for ordering is:
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47770.aspx
I got the email as we were driving to Florida for the funeral of the kids dad.
The family is telling us that Tammy is not allowed to attend. The family says there is a list of people allowed to attend. The kids boyfriends are not allowed (according to the contact.) S's daughter, his granddaughter, is supposedly not on the list. It is such a travesty. They have completely ignored what R would have wanted. They are using his funeral to hurt the family members they don't like.
What a bunch.
My book is now available thru the publishers website. I got an email from the publisher telling me it was now available for purchase.
The url for ordering is:
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47770.aspx
I got the email as we were driving to Florida for the funeral of the kids dad.
The family is telling us that Tammy is not allowed to attend. The family says there is a list of people allowed to attend. The kids boyfriends are not allowed (according to the contact.) S's daughter, his granddaughter, is supposedly not on the list. It is such a travesty. They have completely ignored what R would have wanted. They are using his funeral to hurt the family members they don't like.
What a bunch.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Welcome to the avalanche
As inconceivable as it seems, the boulders just keep coming down the mountain. Last night we were out with some old friends. One or more of them commented on our "bad" year. We put a humorous spin on it and said, "But we are out of relatives to kill." For the uninformed, we have had six family deaths since March.
This afternoon, we were in the sitting room. I was working on some grading for my classes at school, and was about to show Nick some pictures Sierra wanted him to see, that were on my computer. The phone rings, and it is the kids grandfather's number. He is calling to tell us that the kids Dad, Tammy's ex, has committed suicide.
These kids have been through so much. They got very close to my parents. Dad's death was a monumental loss to them .. Then Tammy's dad dies .. Then my grandmother .. Then my great aunt .. Then our next door neighbor .. Then Tammy's grandmother .. Then another of my great aunts .. and now this ....
This afternoon, we were in the sitting room. I was working on some grading for my classes at school, and was about to show Nick some pictures Sierra wanted him to see, that were on my computer. The phone rings, and it is the kids grandfather's number. He is calling to tell us that the kids Dad, Tammy's ex, has committed suicide.
These kids have been through so much. They got very close to my parents. Dad's death was a monumental loss to them .. Then Tammy's dad dies .. Then my grandmother .. Then my great aunt .. Then our next door neighbor .. Then Tammy's grandmother .. Then another of my great aunts .. and now this ....
It feels like being buried under an avalanche.
They are reeling from the blows.
I was thinking of them, and counselling them, and loving them, and talking to them, and praying for them .. and I wrote (which I do)
Easy .. That ain’t me
I suppose
In light of it all
No one would be shocked
Some would even nod
And say it was expected
It isn’t as if life
Gave me a break
At all this year
It would almost be easy
Almost
But it wouldn’t be me
Surrounded by the dark
Though the light fights
It seems the darkness
Will not be denied
It will have its day
The losses
Have been colossal
Depending on the person
There have been dads
And grandfathers,
And grandmothers,
And great grandmothers,
And great aunts,
And even a neighbor
That have walked
Into that great unknown
And each journey
Has taken our hearts
And our spirits
And lain open our souls
And robbed us of strength
I suppose
In light of it all
No one would be shocked
Some would even nod
And say it was expected
It would almost be easy
To give up
Almost
But it wouldn’t be me
It amazes me
How much we lean
On these pillars
In our lives
As I look around me
There are plenty of new gaps
But still, there are pillars
And I can still lean
And then I see
There are those
Leaning on me
It would almost be easy
To falter
To fall
Almost
But, it wouldn’t be me
Cause, easy
That just ain’t me
For the kids ...
Ron
November 25, 2007
I suppose
In light of it all
No one would be shocked
Some would even nod
And say it was expected
It isn’t as if life
Gave me a break
At all this year
It would almost be easy
Almost
But it wouldn’t be me
Surrounded by the dark
Though the light fights
It seems the darkness
Will not be denied
It will have its day
The losses
Have been colossal
Depending on the person
There have been dads
And grandfathers,
And grandmothers,
And great grandmothers,
And great aunts,
And even a neighbor
That have walked
Into that great unknown
And each journey
Has taken our hearts
And our spirits
And lain open our souls
And robbed us of strength
I suppose
In light of it all
No one would be shocked
Some would even nod
And say it was expected
It would almost be easy
To give up
Almost
But it wouldn’t be me
It amazes me
How much we lean
On these pillars
In our lives
As I look around me
There are plenty of new gaps
But still, there are pillars
And I can still lean
And then I see
There are those
Leaning on me
It would almost be easy
To falter
To fall
Almost
But, it wouldn’t be me
Cause, easy
That just ain’t me
For the kids ...
Ron
November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanks (How else would a Thanksgiving Day blog start ?)
Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect over the past year and give thanks for things that have happened. It would be easy to just look at the last eight months and wish we could erase it all, for the most part. Tammy and I were counting, and death has crossed our path closely seven times in that time period. We both lost our fathers and our grandmothers. I have lost two great aunts, and we lost our next door neighbor. How simple it would be to take a giant eraser and begin rubbing away those months.
However, in that same year long time frame, there have been shining moments as well.
In December, we welcomed Abigail Kennedy to our small but growing list of grandchildren.
In June, we welcomed the six week early arrival of Cloe Danielle.
In August, we began the publishing process to have my own baby, "Journey Into Darkness." It is scheduled to arrive by the end of November or the first of December.
Add to that, that on any given day, I can call or find any of my seven children (yes, I do claim them all.) Every day I am surrounded by the love of those around me. Everyday, the tall redhead finds ways to show me how much she loves me and gives me room to fall more deeply in love with her.
You can keep that day eraser away from my year. I'll take the hard with the pleasant. I'll keep the sorrow stored neatly beside the joy. I will be thankful, for while I did lose a few this year, I had the joy of knowing them for many years.
I am thankful today, as I try to be every day. I am thankful for the things left to me. I am thankful that I can feel the loss and can tell the difference. I am thankful that we are adding to family and making new friends, even in the midst of our losses. I am thankful for so many positive changes in my life. I am thankful to God for His Love, His Grace, and His Mercy.
I am thankful for you.
However, in that same year long time frame, there have been shining moments as well.
In December, we welcomed Abigail Kennedy to our small but growing list of grandchildren.
In June, we welcomed the six week early arrival of Cloe Danielle.
In August, we began the publishing process to have my own baby, "Journey Into Darkness." It is scheduled to arrive by the end of November or the first of December.
Add to that, that on any given day, I can call or find any of my seven children (yes, I do claim them all.) Every day I am surrounded by the love of those around me. Everyday, the tall redhead finds ways to show me how much she loves me and gives me room to fall more deeply in love with her.
You can keep that day eraser away from my year. I'll take the hard with the pleasant. I'll keep the sorrow stored neatly beside the joy. I will be thankful, for while I did lose a few this year, I had the joy of knowing them for many years.
I am thankful today, as I try to be every day. I am thankful for the things left to me. I am thankful that I can feel the loss and can tell the difference. I am thankful that we are adding to family and making new friends, even in the midst of our losses. I am thankful for so many positive changes in my life. I am thankful to God for His Love, His Grace, and His Mercy.
I am thankful for you.
Monday, November 19, 2007
on again, off again, and a poem
When Dad died in March this year, it started a cascade of bad news. For those not following the blog, let me give you the readers digest versions. Dad dies in March. Three weeks and five day later, Tammy's father dies. Two days later, my grandmother dies. A week later, one of my great aunts dies. As we are returning from the funeral of the great aunt, we find out that our next door neighbor died.
Then there was a brief respite.
Fast forward to October. Tammy's grandmother dies. Two weeks later (Sunday) my Mom calls me to tell me that the last remaining (I think) of my great aunts has died. So, you can see that it has been a very tough year, by any standards.
One of the things that changed when Dad died was one of my favorite holiday traditions. Every year on Christmas Eve, we would all gather at Mom and Dad's to celebrate, eat a holiday meal, and exchange gifts. The usual crowd would range between 45 and 55 participants. We would be together for about six hours. There would be no fighting, arguing, exchanging harsh words, or anything like that. It was six hours of peace and happiness with 50 or so of your closest relatives.
Mom decided that she didn't want to have the family gathering at the house this year, because it would be very hard for her, since Dad was gone. They had been together for 56 years. We all respected her wishes.
Then, last week, Mom informs me that she is going to have a Christmas dinner at her house for the family, but no gift exchange. Too which I responded, "Cool."
Yesterday, as I was driving home from church, I started thinking about Christmases of the past and thought about how this Christmas Dinner would be without Dad. I was in bed last night, when I had to get up and spit out my heart. Here is what came out:
He is here
I look in his chair and he isn’t there
But he’s here
I look at the counter where he would often sit
and he isn’t there
But he is here
I glance to the head of the table where he often ate
and he isn’t there
But he is here
He isn’t in the chair by the computer
But he is here
He isn’t on the phone talking to Germany
But he is here
All of the places I used to see him, he is not there
But he is here
He is here in this ones eye
He is here in that ones story
He is there in that laugh
He is over there in that tear
Everywhere I look are fleeting glimpses of him
He is there
And there
And there
And even over there
Someone told me that Dad would never be gone
as long as I was alive
And I agree
But more than me
There are five more, daughters and a son
That he lives within
There are sons in laws and daughters in laws
that keep him here
There are grandchildren that carry him as well
There is Mom
Doing what Mom does
And holding him close
Because he is here
He is here in every memory
That brings a smile or a tear
And sometimes both
He is not here (arms out)
But he is here (arms in)
Ron
Then there was a brief respite.
Fast forward to October. Tammy's grandmother dies. Two weeks later (Sunday) my Mom calls me to tell me that the last remaining (I think) of my great aunts has died. So, you can see that it has been a very tough year, by any standards.
One of the things that changed when Dad died was one of my favorite holiday traditions. Every year on Christmas Eve, we would all gather at Mom and Dad's to celebrate, eat a holiday meal, and exchange gifts. The usual crowd would range between 45 and 55 participants. We would be together for about six hours. There would be no fighting, arguing, exchanging harsh words, or anything like that. It was six hours of peace and happiness with 50 or so of your closest relatives.
Mom decided that she didn't want to have the family gathering at the house this year, because it would be very hard for her, since Dad was gone. They had been together for 56 years. We all respected her wishes.
Then, last week, Mom informs me that she is going to have a Christmas dinner at her house for the family, but no gift exchange. Too which I responded, "Cool."
Yesterday, as I was driving home from church, I started thinking about Christmases of the past and thought about how this Christmas Dinner would be without Dad. I was in bed last night, when I had to get up and spit out my heart. Here is what came out:
He is here
I look in his chair and he isn’t there
But he’s here
I look at the counter where he would often sit
and he isn’t there
But he is here
I glance to the head of the table where he often ate
and he isn’t there
But he is here
He isn’t in the chair by the computer
But he is here
He isn’t on the phone talking to Germany
But he is here
All of the places I used to see him, he is not there
But he is here
He is here in this ones eye
He is here in that ones story
He is there in that laugh
He is over there in that tear
Everywhere I look are fleeting glimpses of him
He is there
And there
And there
And even over there
Someone told me that Dad would never be gone
as long as I was alive
And I agree
But more than me
There are five more, daughters and a son
That he lives within
There are sons in laws and daughters in laws
that keep him here
There are grandchildren that carry him as well
There is Mom
Doing what Mom does
And holding him close
Because he is here
He is here in every memory
That brings a smile or a tear
And sometimes both
He is not here (arms out)
But he is here (arms in)
Ron
Saturday, November 10, 2007
new boy
I was online this morning and in the Louisville chatroom. There was a guy, Tim, trying to give away some dogs. One of the dogs was a 9 month old purebred boxer. I was on that. I checked with Tammy to make sure she was okay with it. She was and excited to boot.
We drove to Louisville and picked up Dusty. He loves the kids and the other dogs. It seems like a good fit.
Pics below
We drove to Louisville and picked up Dusty. He loves the kids and the other dogs. It seems like a good fit.
Pics below
Friday, November 02, 2007
Something I wrote for a friend
Grand Parenthood
How do you let go
Of someone you love so much
How do you let someone else
Make the life shaping decisions
You know are right
While you watch from the side
Ah, now you know
The curse of the grandparent
All of your parenthood
You have readily accepted
The importance of your role
In raising a proper child
All of your parenthood
You tried to instill the right life value
You tried to tell them enough
You tried to make them independent
Suddenly, all the lessons come home
Did I tell them this
Did I tell them that
Did I give them enough
This life
This oh so precious life
Held in your arms
Forever held in your heart
So reluctantly placed in the arms
Of two inexperienced children
You try
In every moment shared
To give just a little more
To share one more parent tip
To extend the protection
To augment the care
Here it is
Small and fragile
Precious and loved
Being strapped into a car seat
In the back seat of a car
That is going to drive away
Did I do enough
Do they know enough
(As if any of us knew enough)
Do they have enough
You watched them break their toys
You saw their irresponsibility
You silently pray
Those days are far behind
You know
Babies will grow you
Fast
You wonder
You hope
You love
You worry
You fret
You trust
You simply must
Welcome to the Grand time
Of Parenthood
Welcome to Grand Parenthood
Ron
How do you let go
Of someone you love so much
How do you let someone else
Make the life shaping decisions
You know are right
While you watch from the side
Ah, now you know
The curse of the grandparent
All of your parenthood
You have readily accepted
The importance of your role
In raising a proper child
All of your parenthood
You tried to instill the right life value
You tried to tell them enough
You tried to make them independent
Suddenly, all the lessons come home
Did I tell them this
Did I tell them that
Did I give them enough
This life
This oh so precious life
Held in your arms
Forever held in your heart
So reluctantly placed in the arms
Of two inexperienced children
You try
In every moment shared
To give just a little more
To share one more parent tip
To extend the protection
To augment the care
Here it is
Small and fragile
Precious and loved
Being strapped into a car seat
In the back seat of a car
That is going to drive away
Did I do enough
Do they know enough
(As if any of us knew enough)
Do they have enough
You watched them break their toys
You saw their irresponsibility
You silently pray
Those days are far behind
You know
Babies will grow you
Fast
You wonder
You hope
You love
You worry
You fret
You trust
You simply must
Welcome to the Grand time
Of Parenthood
Welcome to Grand Parenthood
Ron
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Hallowhen ?
We found out today that Mt Sterling is doing the whole Halloween Trick-or-treat tonight !!
They have moved Halloween. Kyle was aghast that they would move such a favored holiday. I told him they would have a hard time moving my favorite holiday (July 4th.)
They threw together some impromptu costumes (as if they wouldn't have done the exact same thing tomorrow night.)
The kids are going trick-or-treating. Tammy (who found out today that she has a torn muscle and a pulled hamstring) is going to pick up the brake pads for her Caddy. She is twitterpated because she got the Camaro started yesterday and it reminded her how much fun it was to drive. She is now back to vacillating between selling it or keeping it.
I am taking a blog break after finishing my college class and in the middle of doing a KTIP lesson plan for my Principal's observation tomorrow morning.
I was looking around and checked Tammy's blog. Two months ago she blogged about how it had been two months since she blogged and promised not to make y'all wait that long again. Ooops.
Anyway ... the book progresses on toward it publication date. Some of the teachers at the High School want copies. One of the counsellors said he wanted a 'signed' copy. It still freaks me out about signing a book. I don't know why.
Time to get back to work ... y'all have a good evening (or morning .. or whenever you read this .. have something good afterwards.)
They have moved Halloween. Kyle was aghast that they would move such a favored holiday. I told him they would have a hard time moving my favorite holiday (July 4th.)
They threw together some impromptu costumes (as if they wouldn't have done the exact same thing tomorrow night.)
The kids are going trick-or-treating. Tammy (who found out today that she has a torn muscle and a pulled hamstring) is going to pick up the brake pads for her Caddy. She is twitterpated because she got the Camaro started yesterday and it reminded her how much fun it was to drive. She is now back to vacillating between selling it or keeping it.
I am taking a blog break after finishing my college class and in the middle of doing a KTIP lesson plan for my Principal's observation tomorrow morning.
I was looking around and checked Tammy's blog. Two months ago she blogged about how it had been two months since she blogged and promised not to make y'all wait that long again. Ooops.
Anyway ... the book progresses on toward it publication date. Some of the teachers at the High School want copies. One of the counsellors said he wanted a 'signed' copy. It still freaks me out about signing a book. I don't know why.
Time to get back to work ... y'all have a good evening (or morning .. or whenever you read this .. have something good afterwards.)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
more comes
Got the cover of the book today for approval. It was cool.
It gets more real as it gets closer. All along, this has been kind of surreal. It is like it is happening, except to someone else.
Here is the link to the bookstore version of my book.
Journey Into Darkness
or: http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore
/ItemDetail~bookid~47770.aspx
It gets more real as it gets closer. All along, this has been kind of surreal. It is like it is happening, except to someone else.
Here is the link to the bookstore version of my book.
Journey Into Darkness
or: http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore
/ItemDetail~bookid~47770.aspx
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The usual catching up to do
Here it is mid October. So much has been happening. On the 11th day of the month, Tammy and I celebrated our 4th year wedding anniversary. It was a quiet celebration. We were supposed to go to our bedroom early and not be inundated with knocks on the door to interrupt us. (That would have been nice ... not practical, but nice.) I really do believe the kids tried to keep it to a minimum. ANYWAY ....
Wow, four years with a beautiful sexy loving caring woman. I am totally spoiled. It has been five and a half years counting the delightful dating and engaging period. Tammy has had such a positive influence in my life. She sometimes disagrees with that, citing all the drama that came with her, but overall, she had been wonderful for me. Dontcha think so, Red ?
There has been a lot going on at work.The first nine week grading period is ending this week. There was potential fireworks about Wednesday, the 17th. Allow me to explain:
Wow, four years with a beautiful sexy loving caring woman. I am totally spoiled. It has been five and a half years counting the delightful dating and engaging period. Tammy has had such a positive influence in my life. She sometimes disagrees with that, citing all the drama that came with her, but overall, she had been wonderful for me. Dontcha think so, Red ?
There has been a lot going on at work.The first nine week grading period is ending this week. There was potential fireworks about Wednesday, the 17th. Allow me to explain:
I have been in the process of getting a book published. I told my principal that I would be taking off a day in October to meet with the design team to go over cover design, back cover design, layout of the book, size, font to be used, and numerous other details before a first printing could take place. She was aware of this for a month or better.
October 1-5 was fall break. We had no students. I took off part of the week as did all of the other teachers. During the week off, the publisher called and scheduled the team meeting for the 17th. When I returned to school and told my principal that I needed to be off on the 17th, she balked. She told me she could not approve leave on that day, as we have students that day. No leave would be allowed except for sick leave. I was not going to lie to get the day off.
I told her I would take the day off without pay. There would be no need to pay me out of any of my three avenues to take time off (Annual leave, Sick leave, and Comp time) and therefore no problem. She informed me that I could not take leave without pay if I had any available leave time. She could only approve sick time.
As much as I hated doing it, I called my doctor's office and moved my November 23rd appointment to Oct 17 early in the morning. I filled out my leave slip as sick leave for a DR appointment.
I went to the DR at 8:45 AM and had my routine blood work done and picked up a DR excuse for work. From there, we went to Mom's house to visit, then to fill up with gas at $2.55 per gallon, then off to get my oil changed. Finally it was time to go to Bloomington, IN. It was a 198 mile drive. The first 115 miles were interstate. The last 83 miles were two laned country roads. Still it was a good drive and we got to the publishers early.
The meeting was fabulous. The team, consisting of Matt and Ryan, was great. We talked about sports teams and family for about 20 minutes before we ever got around to talking about the book. They didn't rush the process at all. There was a free sharing of ideas, and humorous stories about loved one and family. It was obvious that both had read at least part of the book and had a good feel for what we were trying to accomplish. JR, my author rep sat in on part of the meeting, which was not required at all. We chatted about UK sports and the mania in KY about it. Then it was back to book discussion. More often than not, it was me steering the conversation back to the book. It was just a good feel.
Up until now, the published thing was still an off there in the distant, can't really see it thing. Suddenly, we are talking a month.
The drive home was slow and easy. We got home about 8ish.
Back to work today. As always, after missing a day, there were numerous tales of mischief and revelry. All in all, the substitute said they were good kids and would be glad to sub for me anytime.
There ya go, all caught up.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Yep, it happened
50 happened.
On Oct 4, I turned the corner on my half century. the first thing i did afdter fielding call while still in bed, was sign on, and join AARP.
The weekend had two parties. My children couldnt come to the party on Saturday, so they all came down on Sunday and we had a second party. Yep, a birthday so big, it took two parties to cover it.
It was a good time. You have already seen my birthday present from my honey. The rest were assorted shirts and games. It was great.
On Oct 4, I turned the corner on my half century. the first thing i did afdter fielding call while still in bed, was sign on, and join AARP.
The weekend had two parties. My children couldnt come to the party on Saturday, so they all came down on Sunday and we had a second party. Yep, a birthday so big, it took two parties to cover it.
It was a good time. You have already seen my birthday present from my honey. The rest were assorted shirts and games. It was great.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Simpson's Rockwell
Introducing "Rockwell"
We call him "Rocky"
Born August 8, 2007 ... He became ours on September 22, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
It is a small town
This morning we were awakened to the sound of sirens. There were police and fire trucks screeching their way around us. Now, we do live 2 blocks from the police station and just over 2 blocks from a fire station, so the sirens are not alarming. It didn't necessarily mean there was a fire in our neighborhood.
However, as we got moving about, we noticed a smell of smoke in the air. The fire was close. the smoke was hovering close to the ground because of the cool morning temps. We knew it was not far away. As I left for work, I went out the back and down to main street. Looking right, I could see about two blocks down a mass of flashing lights. The Police had the street blocked. Ambulances were scattered about. There are apartments in that area. I figured one had turned on some heat because of the low temps (50's) and started a fire. I hoped everyone was OK.
My day progressed. As I usually do as I drive home, I called Tammy. I asked her if she had heard of any news on the morning fire. Well, she had. That was when the humor of the situation started.
What was on fire, down the street, early in the morning, was the FIRE STATION. Yes, the only fire station located within the city limits was burning. There are 6 fire stations located in Montgomery County, but to my knowledge this is the only one within the city limits. No one was hurt in the blaze.
Yes, it is a small town.
However, as we got moving about, we noticed a smell of smoke in the air. The fire was close. the smoke was hovering close to the ground because of the cool morning temps. We knew it was not far away. As I left for work, I went out the back and down to main street. Looking right, I could see about two blocks down a mass of flashing lights. The Police had the street blocked. Ambulances were scattered about. There are apartments in that area. I figured one had turned on some heat because of the low temps (50's) and started a fire. I hoped everyone was OK.
My day progressed. As I usually do as I drive home, I called Tammy. I asked her if she had heard of any news on the morning fire. Well, she had. That was when the humor of the situation started.
What was on fire, down the street, early in the morning, was the FIRE STATION. Yes, the only fire station located within the city limits was burning. There are 6 fire stations located in Montgomery County, but to my knowledge this is the only one within the city limits. No one was hurt in the blaze.
Yes, it is a small town.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Remain or Become
Someone I love was the victim in a crime involving violence. This is for that someone ...
Remain a victim
Or become a victor
Victims live in fear
Victors live in victory
Victims cower in silence
Victors speak out in empowerment
Victims draw away from others
Victors draw others with their strength
Victims live
Victors give
Victims hide
Victors reside
In the victim, the act becomes a whirlpool,
pulling everything down with it,
even the good that was before and comes after
In the victor, the act becomes a stepping-stone,
leading to the next pinnacle in their lives.
Victims are powerless to rise
Victors refuse to stay down
Victim’s lives are reduced to the level of the least act
Victors make the act, the least thing in their lives
Victims believe in the strength of others
Victors find that strength within themselves
Victims will find a way to turn every victory into a defeat
Victors will turn defeats into steps toward victory
Victim can never separate failing in this one act, from being a failure
Victors fully understand that failure is a momentary event and not a character trait
We become the things we do continually
The victim will always find a way to remain a victim
The victor will always seek a way to become a victor
Which will you do, remain a victim, or become a victor?
The choice is yours.
Remain a victim
Or become a victor
Victims live in fear
Victors live in victory
Victims cower in silence
Victors speak out in empowerment
Victims draw away from others
Victors draw others with their strength
Victims live
Victors give
Victims hide
Victors reside
In the victim, the act becomes a whirlpool,
pulling everything down with it,
even the good that was before and comes after
In the victor, the act becomes a stepping-stone,
leading to the next pinnacle in their lives.
Victims are powerless to rise
Victors refuse to stay down
Victim’s lives are reduced to the level of the least act
Victors make the act, the least thing in their lives
Victims believe in the strength of others
Victors find that strength within themselves
Victims will find a way to turn every victory into a defeat
Victors will turn defeats into steps toward victory
Victim can never separate failing in this one act, from being a failure
Victors fully understand that failure is a momentary event and not a character trait
We become the things we do continually
The victim will always find a way to remain a victim
The victor will always seek a way to become a victor
Which will you do, remain a victim, or become a victor?
The choice is yours.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Saturday, September 01, 2007
for Jay
An old friend took his life a few days ago. As I tried to come to grips with the why's (we will never know) and the mindset, this is what my head spit out.
I am lost
I cannot recall the moment it slipped from my fingers
Even then, it was still in sight, like a well-known book of the shelf
I could draw strength just from the knowledge
It was still here
It wasn’t strength I would need every day
So the day it disappeared from its familiar place
Went unnoticed as well.
It might have been only hours, It might have been the day
It might have been a week, or a month, or a year
But the day did come and I went to that place
That well-known trusted place and there I found the empty
The place where it should have been
The place where it was before
The place, where, without being seen
It was taken away
There were always winds, and rains, and storms,
And thunder, and darkness, and clouds
But, there always was, in it’s own familiar spot
Shining through the shadows, a single piercing beam
Of life sustaining, of comfort providing
Of solace carrying, a ray of untainted hope
No matter how far I sank, I could find it in that known place
No matter the cares of life that assailed my mind
I could still find my way to that fullness
My soul would find a comfort
My mind would find a respite
My weariness would abate
Until today
Today, there is no rest
There is no breathing room
There is no alcove in which to draw myself
My mind is bombarded; my soul is compassed
Today, there is no hope
There is no anchor for my soul
Today, I am lost
Ron Simpson Jr.
September 1, 2007
I am lost
I cannot recall the moment it slipped from my fingers
Even then, it was still in sight, like a well-known book of the shelf
I could draw strength just from the knowledge
It was still here
It wasn’t strength I would need every day
So the day it disappeared from its familiar place
Went unnoticed as well.
It might have been only hours, It might have been the day
It might have been a week, or a month, or a year
But the day did come and I went to that place
That well-known trusted place and there I found the empty
The place where it should have been
The place where it was before
The place, where, without being seen
It was taken away
There were always winds, and rains, and storms,
And thunder, and darkness, and clouds
But, there always was, in it’s own familiar spot
Shining through the shadows, a single piercing beam
Of life sustaining, of comfort providing
Of solace carrying, a ray of untainted hope
No matter how far I sank, I could find it in that known place
No matter the cares of life that assailed my mind
I could still find my way to that fullness
My soul would find a comfort
My mind would find a respite
My weariness would abate
Until today
Today, there is no rest
There is no breathing room
There is no alcove in which to draw myself
My mind is bombarded; my soul is compassed
Today, there is no hope
There is no anchor for my soul
Today, I am lost
Ron Simpson Jr.
September 1, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Where to start ?
It has been a roller coaster ride.
So much is going on right now. Students are back. I have a bunch.
We hired a new Automotive teacher and new Information Technology teacher over the summer. The second day of school with actual students, the new auto teacher comes to work and quits. He said he didn't feel like he was cut out for teaching. He told my boss that he watched us during the two days of in-service we had before students arrived and he did not have what we had. I am not sure what we have, but I am sure there is a salve for it.
Karen (my Boss) closed the auto program for the time being and gave all the students the opportunity to transfer into other programs in our school. Many opted to leave and return to the High School for classes. Quite a few, however, chose to join the electricity program. Karen brought about 10 students into my 6th period class to give them an opportunity to check out the class and me. We were going over the driest part of our year (the handbook and paper work.)
Karen (my Boss) closed the auto program for the time being and gave all the students the opportunity to transfer into other programs in our school. Many opted to leave and return to the High School for classes. Quite a few, however, chose to join the electricity program. Karen brought about 10 students into my 6th period class to give them an opportunity to check out the class and me. We were going over the driest part of our year (the handbook and paper work.)
To my surprise, when they returned the the principal, every one of them wanted to take my class. My enrollment went up about 15 students. I now have about 60 students in the course of the day. My largest class is the last of the day, with 17 students.
Tammy is off work. She has pinched a nerve in her neck (or so we are led to believe) and her hands are numb and in pain. She has another appt in the morning. The same DR that told her there was nothing wrong three yrs ago when it was a workers comp case, now believes there are bone spurs in one of her wrists from a break about 3 yrs ago. Imagine that. Private insurance is footing the bill now. So, there is now something that needs to be fixed.
Cloe is doing great. She is growing (Tammy thinks it is by the minute.)
Days are too long. Nights are too short.
I start teaching night classes in October. My college class starts on Monday.
Did I mention "BUSY" ?
Tammy is off work. She has pinched a nerve in her neck (or so we are led to believe) and her hands are numb and in pain. She has another appt in the morning. The same DR that told her there was nothing wrong three yrs ago when it was a workers comp case, now believes there are bone spurs in one of her wrists from a break about 3 yrs ago. Imagine that. Private insurance is footing the bill now. So, there is now something that needs to be fixed.
Cloe is doing great. She is growing (Tammy thinks it is by the minute.)
Days are too long. Nights are too short.
I start teaching night classes in October. My college class starts on Monday.
Did I mention "BUSY" ?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Back in the swing
This year promises to be busier than ever. Already, before students arrive, I am slated to teach 3 classes to my fellow teachers. The three classes involve "Teaching across Poverty lines," "The power of I," and "PowerPoint Presentations."
The first and second are based on classes I attended in New Orleans. The latter is a request by my principal. It seems I am the only teacher creating his own PowerPoint presentations. She wants me to teach the other teachers how to do it.
We are back full time in the school. Students will be back August 13. We have a new schedule, a new way of working, two new teachers, and a whole new batch of rules (some good, some not so good.)
Today, I was invited to join the Electrical Curriculum Committee for the state. We worked today on revamping the way the state looks at class groupings for certificates. It was a good meeting.
Oh yeah, I finished my summer semester with an "A" and a "B" in the two classes I took. The fall semester starts August 20. I am taking one class this fall. Looks like more fun.
And I will be teaching the adult class for 4 weeks in September or October for the Community Education bunch.
As I said, Busy busy busy.
The first and second are based on classes I attended in New Orleans. The latter is a request by my principal. It seems I am the only teacher creating his own PowerPoint presentations. She wants me to teach the other teachers how to do it.
We are back full time in the school. Students will be back August 13. We have a new schedule, a new way of working, two new teachers, and a whole new batch of rules (some good, some not so good.)
Today, I was invited to join the Electrical Curriculum Committee for the state. We worked today on revamping the way the state looks at class groupings for certificates. It was a good meeting.
Oh yeah, I finished my summer semester with an "A" and a "B" in the two classes I took. The fall semester starts August 20. I am taking one class this fall. Looks like more fun.
And I will be teaching the adult class for 4 weeks in September or October for the Community Education bunch.
As I said, Busy busy busy.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Finally .. a moment to catch my breath
Well .. it has been a whirlwind since coming home from Nawlin's.
Our flight out of Nawlin's was delayed for about 40 minutes because the flight coming in was delayed. It had to divert about 100 miles out of the way to miss a storm. We got boarded and away we went. We arrived in Atlanta with just enough time to rush to catch the second leg of our flight home. We arrived in Lexington early. We must have caught a good tailwind. That part of the flight was just over an hour going down and under 45 minutes coming back. It was wonderful to be back in KY. Our luggage was not so happy. It was not back in Lexington yet. The 'luggage guy' (for lack of an official name for him) told Tammy and I that he had a note that our luggage was on a flight arriving at 11:30 PM if we wanted to hang around for an hour. Let's think about this ... in one hour we could be getting our luggage or be getting into our water bed. Hmmmmmm. Bed won. They delivered the luggage the following morning.
Sunday was a sleep day, for the most part. We were tired.
Monday was back to work for both Tammy and myself. I was doing staff exchange with Thoroughbred Electric all week. It was a blast to be back in the field. There was a slight catch. I had to keep a daily log, write a 3-page minimum report, and compose 2 lesson plans based on something worked on during that week and a week worked in June. So, it was busy. The work, reports, log, and lesson plans constitute 3 college credits.
Our flight out of Nawlin's was delayed for about 40 minutes because the flight coming in was delayed. It had to divert about 100 miles out of the way to miss a storm. We got boarded and away we went. We arrived in Atlanta with just enough time to rush to catch the second leg of our flight home. We arrived in Lexington early. We must have caught a good tailwind. That part of the flight was just over an hour going down and under 45 minutes coming back. It was wonderful to be back in KY. Our luggage was not so happy. It was not back in Lexington yet. The 'luggage guy' (for lack of an official name for him) told Tammy and I that he had a note that our luggage was on a flight arriving at 11:30 PM if we wanted to hang around for an hour. Let's think about this ... in one hour we could be getting our luggage or be getting into our water bed. Hmmmmmm. Bed won. They delivered the luggage the following morning.
Sunday was a sleep day, for the most part. We were tired.
Monday was back to work for both Tammy and myself. I was doing staff exchange with Thoroughbred Electric all week. It was a blast to be back in the field. There was a slight catch. I had to keep a daily log, write a 3-page minimum report, and compose 2 lesson plans based on something worked on during that week and a week worked in June. So, it was busy. The work, reports, log, and lesson plans constitute 3 college credits.While that was going on, I was catching up the other class I am taking. I am taking a Technology in Education class. I had about 10 excel assignments, a dozen access assignments, and a dozen powerpoint assignments to complete. Lots of computer time, Little fun time. I am nearly done. I will finish up tomorrow (they are all do tomorrow) and then take the final in the Technology class on Thursday night on campus.
This will give me 9 credits for the year. I am required to get 6 per year. This will give me 3 to carry over to next year if I decide to only take a fall class. I am sure i will take a fall and spring class, but it is good to have an option.
This week, so far, I have been in a suite at the Galt House in Louisville. It was the OCTE summer conference (attendance mandatory.) Tammy was not able to go with me, which sucked right out loud. The room was great. The bed was great. The conference was great. However, sitting here at my desk, looking into the bedroom and seeing our bed, knowing we will be in it together tonight, tops all of that. I was way bored without Tammy.
I work the rest of the week, then am off until Wednesday. Then it is back to the grindstone. Next day off ... Labor day!
here are some pics of the suite at the Galt.
It was 3 rooms and a hallway. Wowser!
This will give me 9 credits for the year. I am required to get 6 per year. This will give me 3 to carry over to next year if I decide to only take a fall class. I am sure i will take a fall and spring class, but it is good to have an option.
This week, so far, I have been in a suite at the Galt House in Louisville. It was the OCTE summer conference (attendance mandatory.) Tammy was not able to go with me, which sucked right out loud. The room was great. The bed was great. The conference was great. However, sitting here at my desk, looking into the bedroom and seeing our bed, knowing we will be in it together tonight, tops all of that. I was way bored without Tammy.
I work the rest of the week, then am off until Wednesday. Then it is back to the grindstone. Next day off ... Labor day!
here are some pics of the suite at the Galt.
It was 3 rooms and a hallway. Wowser!Thursday, July 12, 2007
and here ...
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Walgreens
Vaults at Cemetary
Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville in NO
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Cloe comes home
9 days after her birth, newly (nearly) born Cloe comes home. There were issues with premature lung disease and then the jaundice thing. Everything is cleared up and she is just gorgeous. She is not as big as half a minute. Honestly, her head is about the size of my fist. Her legs and arms are long, but tiny. She is an expert 'ooooooo' bringer. Everyone that sees her, goes "ooooooooo."
Sunday, July 01, 2007
for Cloe Danielle
Sweet Fragile Strength
I see the delicate fragility of your life.
Standing by your bed in the night
Your hands clenched as you struggle,
What is hidden from my sight
Every breath weak but deliberate,
More life in every gasp of air
Each one a bit stronger than the last,
Each carrying hope against despair
Scarcely one obstacle is passed,
And the next barrier appears
An issue of the blood,
Yells its thunderous fears
While worry rises,
In helplessness not concealing
Beneath it all,
Courage never stops healing
With only one gift,
Into this world you came
That one gift,
A bright and shining flame
The flame carries you,
It becomes just enough
It doesn't flicker or falter,
It never yields to life's bluff
No expertise,
No wealth to claim
Just life, a family's love,
And a family's name
Every day, you climb,
Every day, you rise
Every day you amaze,
With your sweet fragile strength
Welcome to the world, Cloe Danielle
Meet the hearts, That love you
Ron
July 1, 2007
I see the delicate fragility of your life.
Standing by your bed in the night
Your hands clenched as you struggle,
What is hidden from my sight
Every breath weak but deliberate,
More life in every gasp of air
Each one a bit stronger than the last,
Each carrying hope against despair
Scarcely one obstacle is passed,
And the next barrier appears
An issue of the blood,
Yells its thunderous fears
While worry rises,
In helplessness not concealing
Beneath it all,
Courage never stops healing
With only one gift,
Into this world you came
That one gift,
A bright and shining flame
The flame carries you,
It becomes just enough
It doesn't flicker or falter,
It never yields to life's bluff
No expertise,
No wealth to claim
Just life, a family's love,
And a family's name
Every day, you climb,
Every day, you rise
Every day you amaze,
With your sweet fragile strength
Welcome to the world, Cloe Danielle
Meet the hearts, That love you
Ron
July 1, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Move over, Nelson
There's a new symbol in town.
Move over, Nelson Mandela. After 2 excruciating days of holding all the horrors of her lengthy incarceration inside, Paris Hilton has decided to "break her silence" about her experience.
Yes, Nelson, I know you were imprisoned for 27 years, in which time you saw you wife only three times. I know you were on the run for 17 months in hiding. I know you were captured because the CIA reportedly tipped off ruling government to your whereabouts and disguise. Yes, you were imprisoned on an island prison for eighteen years at hard labor where black prisoners received less rations. Yes, you had a hard time of it, but now PARIS is here.
Move over, Nelson Mandela. After 2 excruciating days of holding all the horrors of her lengthy incarceration inside, Paris Hilton has decided to "break her silence" about her experience.
Yes, Nelson, I know you were imprisoned for 27 years, in which time you saw you wife only three times. I know you were on the run for 17 months in hiding. I know you were captured because the CIA reportedly tipped off ruling government to your whereabouts and disguise. Yes, you were imprisoned on an island prison for eighteen years at hard labor where black prisoners received less rations. Yes, you had a hard time of it, but now PARIS is here.
She had to tell the world of the terror of being strip searched. The horrific 23 days in her tiny cell as compared to her $3million mansion. Amazingly, in her 23 days, she accessed her entire life of luxury and excess and has come to terms with herself.
PLEASE !
When will we, as a society, stop empowering these spoiled brats by splashing their every exploit across national TV. I could care less if Paris or Brittney go to a club and show their panties. How many times do we need to see them accidentally showing more than they should before we tire of it? How many new and exciting ways will they find to make sure their pictures are splashed across the tabloids and entertainment magazines?
Color me: Sick of Paris and her ilk.
PLEASE !
When will we, as a society, stop empowering these spoiled brats by splashing their every exploit across national TV. I could care less if Paris or Brittney go to a club and show their panties. How many times do we need to see them accidentally showing more than they should before we tire of it? How many new and exciting ways will they find to make sure their pictures are splashed across the tabloids and entertainment magazines?
Color me: Sick of Paris and her ilk.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
returning from out of town
I am back from my Technical Update Training inLouisville, KY. May I say it was a great miserable time. The classes were wonderful. It was great to fellowship with other electricity teachers and pick their brains. It was good to see old friends in Louisville. It was miserable to try to sleep in a bed that is not my waterbed and without my sexy wife for cuddling. I do NOT sleep well the two nights I was in Louisville.
It felt so good to be back home in my bed.
Now, catch up time.
Chas and Chris came by on Sunday to visit for a bit. Ian and Abigail were in great form. Ian was delighted to show us all his new tricks and I was delighted to spray his hair a lovely shade of green (with parents permission, of course.) Here is Ian showing off his muscles:
Abigal is getting so big. she is growing muchly. Here she is trying to drink Tammy's Diet Dew:
What a doll !!
It felt so good to be back home in my bed.
Now, catch up time.
Chas and Chris came by on Sunday to visit for a bit. Ian and Abigail were in great form. Ian was delighted to show us all his new tricks and I was delighted to spray his hair a lovely shade of green (with parents permission, of course.) Here is Ian showing off his muscles:
Abigal is getting so big. she is growing muchly. Here she is trying to drink Tammy's Diet Dew:She is just a darling. she has Tammy wrapped around her fingers already. she is 6 months old.
What a doll !!Saturday, June 16, 2007
Legacy
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth”
What more could a man leave his children?
What riches could a father leave that would mean more than giving his children the basis of faith?
Long before I was aware of concepts of life and death, Dad was preparing for them. He ordered his life so that his life, or his death, would have far reaching effects.
I was completely unprepared for his passing. In my hearts imaginings, I had accepted that there would be a time in my life when I could not pick up the phone and call him for advice, or that I could not drive across town to sit down with him and tell him about my problems. That time was off somewhere in the far reaching future.
Dad used to joke with me, both of us being electricians, he had taught me everything I knew. I used to come back with, “No Dad, you taught me all that you know. The rest of this I learned on my own.” Neither of those was completely accurate. He hadn’t taught me all that I knew, nor had he taught me everything that he knew. What he had taught me was “enough.” The wonder of it all is that even now, he still teaches me more and more every day. His life teaches me as I listen to the stories told by those that knew him. His life continues to teach me as I recall conversations we had, sometimes in complete disagreement.
His death teaches me as well. It speaks more poignantly about the finiteness of life than any of his masterful lessons. Let me assure you fathers out there that no matter what you say to your children, you still hold the place of immortal in their lives. You must consider the words and actions you present to them. Dad did not leave me a vast estate with bulging bank accounts. What he did leave me, were his words and his actions. They were the sometimes-stumbling thoughts of a man keenly aware of his mortality to his son, stricken by the invincibility of his father. He knew what I could not know, and knew he had to prepare me for the time that I did know.
He left me a brilliant legacy. He gave me a radiant testament to faith in God. There is not enough time for me to tell you all the ways he helped shape and mold me. Time will not allow me to extol all his good and generous characteristics. More than a few have told me since his death that they see a lot of him in me. While I am not called to be, nor could I ever be, him, it is an honor to be compared to this tower of love and compassion.
This man you were fortunate enough to call friend or pastor, I was blessed to call Dad. I have never missed him more than I do today and that missing, is an integral part of my blessing. His profound influence on my life will ever be part of my banner, like the mantle of Elijah.
For more reasons than I can count, thank you, Dad.
Happy Fathers Day.
What more could a man leave his children?
What riches could a father leave that would mean more than giving his children the basis of faith?
Long before I was aware of concepts of life and death, Dad was preparing for them. He ordered his life so that his life, or his death, would have far reaching effects.
I was completely unprepared for his passing. In my hearts imaginings, I had accepted that there would be a time in my life when I could not pick up the phone and call him for advice, or that I could not drive across town to sit down with him and tell him about my problems. That time was off somewhere in the far reaching future.
Dad used to joke with me, both of us being electricians, he had taught me everything I knew. I used to come back with, “No Dad, you taught me all that you know. The rest of this I learned on my own.” Neither of those was completely accurate. He hadn’t taught me all that I knew, nor had he taught me everything that he knew. What he had taught me was “enough.” The wonder of it all is that even now, he still teaches me more and more every day. His life teaches me as I listen to the stories told by those that knew him. His life continues to teach me as I recall conversations we had, sometimes in complete disagreement.
His death teaches me as well. It speaks more poignantly about the finiteness of life than any of his masterful lessons. Let me assure you fathers out there that no matter what you say to your children, you still hold the place of immortal in their lives. You must consider the words and actions you present to them. Dad did not leave me a vast estate with bulging bank accounts. What he did leave me, were his words and his actions. They were the sometimes-stumbling thoughts of a man keenly aware of his mortality to his son, stricken by the invincibility of his father. He knew what I could not know, and knew he had to prepare me for the time that I did know.
He left me a brilliant legacy. He gave me a radiant testament to faith in God. There is not enough time for me to tell you all the ways he helped shape and mold me. Time will not allow me to extol all his good and generous characteristics. More than a few have told me since his death that they see a lot of him in me. While I am not called to be, nor could I ever be, him, it is an honor to be compared to this tower of love and compassion.
This man you were fortunate enough to call friend or pastor, I was blessed to call Dad. I have never missed him more than I do today and that missing, is an integral part of my blessing. His profound influence on my life will ever be part of my banner, like the mantle of Elijah.
For more reasons than I can count, thank you, Dad.
Happy Fathers Day.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
yes, the earth is round
For those of you that thought I had fallen off the edge.
It has been a busy couple weeks. We are trying to close out the school year. I am working for a contractor this week. It is more observation than work, but it is designed to keep me in touch with the craft that I teach. It has been fun so far. I try to go to different type jobs to glean the best information possible. Mike at Thoroughbred Electric is a great guy.
The kids left today for Florida for a month. It is going to be quiet around here. It is ironic. we are looking forward to the quiet, the peace, the lack of messes, etc.. but we miss them already. Reminds me of a little saying I heard years ago.
As a rule, man is a fool.
When it is hot, he wants it cool.
When it is cool, he wants it hot.
Man, generally wants, whatever it is not !
Ah, to be so predictable.
Next week I will be in Louisville. Tammy will be here by herself (well, maybe Sierra will be here, maybe a baby will be here.. who knows ?)
Other than that it has been peaceful. No drama is a good thing.
I'll catch ya up more as it goes.
It has been a busy couple weeks. We are trying to close out the school year. I am working for a contractor this week. It is more observation than work, but it is designed to keep me in touch with the craft that I teach. It has been fun so far. I try to go to different type jobs to glean the best information possible. Mike at Thoroughbred Electric is a great guy.
The kids left today for Florida for a month. It is going to be quiet around here. It is ironic. we are looking forward to the quiet, the peace, the lack of messes, etc.. but we miss them already. Reminds me of a little saying I heard years ago.
As a rule, man is a fool.
When it is hot, he wants it cool.
When it is cool, he wants it hot.
Man, generally wants, whatever it is not !
Ah, to be so predictable.
Next week I will be in Louisville. Tammy will be here by herself (well, maybe Sierra will be here, maybe a baby will be here.. who knows ?)
Other than that it has been peaceful. No drama is a good thing.
I'll catch ya up more as it goes.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Free at last
Just kidding.
Although ... I am without student for two and a half months. This can only be construed as a good thing. We are doing the end of the year process. I have a checklist of all the inane things I need to do to be away for the summer. It has to be done by the 15th of June, which is the last day I am supposed to be working until August 1st. Yeah, RIGHT !
I do have 10 days extended employment for which I will be paid. Then, there is the staff exchange, for which I will be paid. Then, there is the trip to New Orleans, for which the state is paying, and I will be paid. as of right now, it looks like I will be off for two weeks during the entire summer. I planned as best I could and got them to fall at the end of one week pay period and at the start of the next week pay period and still be two consecutive weeks. Looks like I will be off the last week of June and the first week of July. the kids will be in Florida (after June 12 until July 17, I think.) Tammy will be working, but we will still have free nights and weekends (Sounds like a calling plan rather than a 2 week vacation.) Of course, Tammy is going with me on the week trip to N.O. That will be cool. I have a conference with classes and such during the day, but nights will be ours in the Big Easy.
Other than that, things around here are comparatively quiet. There isn't much going on in the way of drama. Sierra is in labor. She is 32 weeks. The DR wants to hold her off as long as he can. He is striving for at least two more weeks. By then, Alivia will be developed enough to have the best chance to not be in an incubator. She is just over 3 pounds now, and her lungs have not fully developed.
Other than that, it is quiet. The kids school ends this week. Chella assures us her grades are now up to par. She is jazzed about getting off punishment, or "lockdown" as she calls it. There has been a restriction in her freedoms, but she is nowhere close to locked down. Maybe I can arrange a visit to a real 'lockdown' to show her the difference. I have a friend/fellow teacher that teaches at a womans facility. I am sure we can work something out sometime.
Kyle is Kyle. he is being all of eleven that he can be. I was talking on the phone to a good friend (Hi, Russ) Tuesday night and told him that during the upcoming baby shower, Kyle and I would be out and about looking to pick up some chicks. Kyle, from the back seat, with all the manliness an eleven year can muster, said, "Hey, I'm committed now." (Yes, Kyle has a girlfriend.) Tammy and I both said, "You need to be committed." It was funny to hear him say that. Like he has any idea what a relationship is. Too funny.
Ah, the summer looms before us.
I do have 10 days extended employment for which I will be paid. Then, there is the staff exchange, for which I will be paid. Then, there is the trip to New Orleans, for which the state is paying, and I will be paid. as of right now, it looks like I will be off for two weeks during the entire summer. I planned as best I could and got them to fall at the end of one week pay period and at the start of the next week pay period and still be two consecutive weeks. Looks like I will be off the last week of June and the first week of July. the kids will be in Florida (after June 12 until July 17, I think.) Tammy will be working, but we will still have free nights and weekends (Sounds like a calling plan rather than a 2 week vacation.) Of course, Tammy is going with me on the week trip to N.O. That will be cool. I have a conference with classes and such during the day, but nights will be ours in the Big Easy.
Other than that, things around here are comparatively quiet. There isn't much going on in the way of drama. Sierra is in labor. She is 32 weeks. The DR wants to hold her off as long as he can. He is striving for at least two more weeks. By then, Alivia will be developed enough to have the best chance to not be in an incubator. She is just over 3 pounds now, and her lungs have not fully developed.
Other than that, it is quiet. The kids school ends this week. Chella assures us her grades are now up to par. She is jazzed about getting off punishment, or "lockdown" as she calls it. There has been a restriction in her freedoms, but she is nowhere close to locked down. Maybe I can arrange a visit to a real 'lockdown' to show her the difference. I have a friend/fellow teacher that teaches at a womans facility. I am sure we can work something out sometime.
Kyle is Kyle. he is being all of eleven that he can be. I was talking on the phone to a good friend (Hi, Russ) Tuesday night and told him that during the upcoming baby shower, Kyle and I would be out and about looking to pick up some chicks. Kyle, from the back seat, with all the manliness an eleven year can muster, said, "Hey, I'm committed now." (Yes, Kyle has a girlfriend.) Tammy and I both said, "You need to be committed." It was funny to hear him say that. Like he has any idea what a relationship is. Too funny.
Ah, the summer looms before us.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial day weekend
The weekend started with a pain, literally. Tammy had her surgery. The DR did a Hysteronomy. It is supposed to be much less invasive than a hysterectomy. Tammy said it was the most pain she had ever had in her entire life. Considering the fact that she has given birth four times, I will safely assume it was very painful. I have never seen her in such pain since I have known her. She was, or should have been, tied to the bed. It was done out patient with only local anesthesia. She had incredible cramps and pressure. She had Lortab and that didn't even knock the edge off of it. I called the DR. He was on call, but never returned my call. I was not a happy camper.
It highlighted one of the drawbacks to living in a small town. There are only two gynecologists in town. Your choices are fairly slim. As disappointed as we are, there isn't really anywhere else to go for treatment. Rest assured, when she goes back for her check-up, there will be some stern words.
Saturday, she was stubborn and feeling slightly better. I emphasis slightly. She rode with me to Winchester to go to my school and pick up a cover I had altered on Friday. We went to the park then, and put the cover on the new junction box/former panel that we used to change out the service there. When we got back, she conceded that it might not have been the best idea she ever had. Needless to say, when it came time to go out that evening to see some friends, she was still adamant about going. I would have rather stayed home, but she insisted. It was great seeing our friends that we hadn't seen since March. However, it was too much for Tammy. We ate and left after very little socializing. She was exhausted and pale as a sheet at the JC Penney White Sale.
Sunday comes, and I have a singing engagement. It was the day I was to sing the National Anthem at the Lexington Legends baseball game. She was going if it killed her. I offered to stop at the school and get her a wheelchair. She said she was fine. Of course, once we got there, she conceded that the wheelchair might have been a good idea. It was too late to go get it. I had a sound check and then was to sing about an hour later. The singing went well. I couldn't find the exact note I wanted but I found one I could do it in. I found the note in the car, but lost it later. The range on that song is vast. Start too high, and you will croak by the end. Start too low, and you will bottom out in the beginning. I was still a bit throaty from the cold and congestion. Still, Tammy promises me that I did great. I believe her.
We made it home and both stayed in or near the bed for the rest of the day.
Monday, Tammy did something very un-tammy-like. She actually stayed in the bed till around eleven AM. She did get up and change out of her sleeping clothes. She can't stand to stay in them all day. I like it, since most of the time she sleeps (cover your eyes) naked.
She took a bath and washed her hair. We forced the kids to do some cleaning. She folded laundry and wore herself out again. I went on the rampage. I turned off the TV and took away books. I told the kids there would be nothing else done until the house was cleaned. Tammy asked them to do certain things and they took it that those were to be done at their leisure (translated never.) I showed them the error of their ways. The house looks much better now.
My daughter called me this afternoon. She was all apologetic. She was supposed to pass along an invitation to a family cookout today in Lexington. I assured her it was ok, since we wouldn't have been there anyway. Tammy was still in too much pain and discomfort to be traipsing all over town and beyond.
She is sitting on the couch now, because she doesn't have the energy to do the stairs just yet.
That is my weekend. How was yours ?
It highlighted one of the drawbacks to living in a small town. There are only two gynecologists in town. Your choices are fairly slim. As disappointed as we are, there isn't really anywhere else to go for treatment. Rest assured, when she goes back for her check-up, there will be some stern words.
Saturday, she was stubborn and feeling slightly better. I emphasis slightly. She rode with me to Winchester to go to my school and pick up a cover I had altered on Friday. We went to the park then, and put the cover on the new junction box/former panel that we used to change out the service there. When we got back, she conceded that it might not have been the best idea she ever had. Needless to say, when it came time to go out that evening to see some friends, she was still adamant about going. I would have rather stayed home, but she insisted. It was great seeing our friends that we hadn't seen since March. However, it was too much for Tammy. We ate and left after very little socializing. She was exhausted and pale as a sheet at the JC Penney White Sale.
Sunday comes, and I have a singing engagement. It was the day I was to sing the National Anthem at the Lexington Legends baseball game. She was going if it killed her. I offered to stop at the school and get her a wheelchair. She said she was fine. Of course, once we got there, she conceded that the wheelchair might have been a good idea. It was too late to go get it. I had a sound check and then was to sing about an hour later. The singing went well. I couldn't find the exact note I wanted but I found one I could do it in. I found the note in the car, but lost it later. The range on that song is vast. Start too high, and you will croak by the end. Start too low, and you will bottom out in the beginning. I was still a bit throaty from the cold and congestion. Still, Tammy promises me that I did great. I believe her.
We made it home and both stayed in or near the bed for the rest of the day.
Monday, Tammy did something very un-tammy-like. She actually stayed in the bed till around eleven AM. She did get up and change out of her sleeping clothes. She can't stand to stay in them all day. I like it, since most of the time she sleeps (cover your eyes) naked.
She took a bath and washed her hair. We forced the kids to do some cleaning. She folded laundry and wore herself out again. I went on the rampage. I turned off the TV and took away books. I told the kids there would be nothing else done until the house was cleaned. Tammy asked them to do certain things and they took it that those were to be done at their leisure (translated never.) I showed them the error of their ways. The house looks much better now.
My daughter called me this afternoon. She was all apologetic. She was supposed to pass along an invitation to a family cookout today in Lexington. I assured her it was ok, since we wouldn't have been there anyway. Tammy was still in too much pain and discomfort to be traipsing all over town and beyond.
She is sitting on the couch now, because she doesn't have the energy to do the stairs just yet.
That is my weekend. How was yours ?
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