For those of us with some wisdom behind us, 2001 was a million years away when that movie came out. They all pass so quickly. We really must take time to smell the roses and be nice to one another and care for our earth.
There remains too much violence. Too many seem to be more concerned about self and full of greed and selfishness. The needs of people all over the world are many. And there are many in our own neighborhoods in great need.
If there is to be improvements it will begin with each and every one of us. The small first steps are the most important. What would happen if each and all of us took one step toward that cause each of us felt to be the most important?
May 2010 be a year of joy and wonderment. In a few days more than five months, this school year will be over. Is it all that we want it to be?
Have a great winter break and may the new year be one of peace for you and all your families and loved ones.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Mighty Ducks - Mascot SW Grad
The Oregon Ducks are going to the Rose Bowl to play Ohio State. One of the icons of football is the mascot. For college teams, the mascot is an important member of the team and athletic program.
The Oregon Duck is on the preview tapes to the upcoming game, in various TV spots and news print. Inside that colorful mascot is a recent Southwest Graduate. I am going to speculate that the duck will get several minutes of air time before and during the game. That doesn't even count the parade time and all the other special appearances for the teams.
Southwest graduates are everywhere and in all walks of life. Check out the Oregon Duck. What is your favorite alumni success story?
The Oregon Duck is on the preview tapes to the upcoming game, in various TV spots and news print. Inside that colorful mascot is a recent Southwest Graduate. I am going to speculate that the duck will get several minutes of air time before and during the game. That doesn't even count the parade time and all the other special appearances for the teams.
Southwest graduates are everywhere and in all walks of life. Check out the Oregon Duck. What is your favorite alumni success story?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Winter Wonderland
Hope your winter break plans are not disrupted by the snow for the season. The city is full of activities. Great hills and frozen lakes for those with winter legs and lots of warm clothes. The Museums and Libraries are open during the break and make a nice diversion from the TV and video games.
Have a great winter break with family and friends.
Have a great winter break with family and friends.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Two weeks is a long time
Two weeks in the life of a teenager is several years long. The social network is vastly improved in recent years with computers and facebook and tweeter, but there still is nothing to substitute face-to-face. Older kids usually have means of transportation and even jobs sometimes, But for the younger ones this time of year can be "lonely."
It isn't that they are getting too old for family events and in most cases they really do enjoy the normal family customs and rituals. They just don't act like it. They miss their friends and the daily contact and interactions that comes with school.
For some school is a pseudo-independence and growing up. The holidays and family gatherings quickly remind them they are still children. In some cases older siblings return home and some even bring their own children. Thus, attention is scattered across numerous people that are not part of the happenings in the previous months.
Continually attempting to include a growling young one doesn't seem that pleasant but is important. The 13 or 14 year old will maintain his/her independence by claiming isolation and separation especially from the events associated with being young, but they really do want to be part of the family. Your "forcing" them helps them save face by at least protesting.
There may be events that the young people could skip. Kids do grow up and what is great fun for a 10 year old might just not make it with a 14 year old. But in many cases those difference are obvious.
Watching the young people grow up is difficult. The holiday season can be one of the times that it all comes crashing together and be its own source of conflict and confusions. The first step is to recognize the possibilities of problems and attempting to deal with them realistically and with kindness.
All family time together should be meaningful and fun. And there are times you have to repeat that frequently to yourself when you live with a teenager.
It isn't that they are getting too old for family events and in most cases they really do enjoy the normal family customs and rituals. They just don't act like it. They miss their friends and the daily contact and interactions that comes with school.
For some school is a pseudo-independence and growing up. The holidays and family gatherings quickly remind them they are still children. In some cases older siblings return home and some even bring their own children. Thus, attention is scattered across numerous people that are not part of the happenings in the previous months.
Continually attempting to include a growling young one doesn't seem that pleasant but is important. The 13 or 14 year old will maintain his/her independence by claiming isolation and separation especially from the events associated with being young, but they really do want to be part of the family. Your "forcing" them helps them save face by at least protesting.
There may be events that the young people could skip. Kids do grow up and what is great fun for a 10 year old might just not make it with a 14 year old. But in many cases those difference are obvious.
Watching the young people grow up is difficult. The holiday season can be one of the times that it all comes crashing together and be its own source of conflict and confusions. The first step is to recognize the possibilities of problems and attempting to deal with them realistically and with kindness.
All family time together should be meaningful and fun. And there are times you have to repeat that frequently to yourself when you live with a teenager.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Short Break but important
The winter break seems like long time but with the "obligations" of friends and families, the time seems to blur by quickly. Hope you have time to enjoy the time and refresh and renew.
With the college students back home and news of the events this past few months, the time is for reflection. I trust that provides both pleasant memories and a renewed energy for another calendar year.
Once upon a time 2001 was the title of some science fiction movie and now it is a distant memory. The year will be 2010 and we are talking to 8th graders who will be the graduating class of 2014. For those of us with some "wisdom" behind us, the time flies and it just doesn't seem possible that we could be using those kinds of numbers. But here it is.
I trust the season is a good one for you and your family. Every world custom has some reaction to the sun's directional changes. The majority involve hope and faith with a pause and then promise --birth, growing season, or new year.
May you celebrate in your own ways with your family and friends.
With the college students back home and news of the events this past few months, the time is for reflection. I trust that provides both pleasant memories and a renewed energy for another calendar year.
Once upon a time 2001 was the title of some science fiction movie and now it is a distant memory. The year will be 2010 and we are talking to 8th graders who will be the graduating class of 2014. For those of us with some "wisdom" behind us, the time flies and it just doesn't seem possible that we could be using those kinds of numbers. But here it is.
I trust the season is a good one for you and your family. Every world custom has some reaction to the sun's directional changes. The majority involve hope and faith with a pause and then promise --birth, growing season, or new year.
May you celebrate in your own ways with your family and friends.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
BLAST Day Success
Over $20,000 was raised to provide water to some of the worst drought areas in the world - countries in the horn of Africa. Student Council sponsored the effort to bring attention to the plight of people around the world and provide a way to support relief efforts.
Part of the day festivities was a dance program performed by the Southwest Dance department. Part of the funds went to the Dance dept. and part to the water relief effort. There were two sold-out shows for the performances.
Unhinged played to two full house productions of the Complte Wrks of Wlm Shakespeare - Abridged in the Black Box.
The class - Mr. West's Sophomore English class - was treated to a pizza party for being the top fund raiser in this effort.
The entire school lunch time was catered by Divine Swine to add a treat for the efforts of the student. Ice Cream was the dessert and probably one of the larger ice cream celebrations of the year.
The day was a community day of fun and good spirit as students shared in the idea of community supporting communities.
It would be hard to find another group of 1,900 people gathered together for over 6 hours in relatively unstructured environment that had so much fun as part of a community with common purpose and reason for being there.
A good day -- thank you Student Council. Thank you students and families.
Part of the day festivities was a dance program performed by the Southwest Dance department. Part of the funds went to the Dance dept. and part to the water relief effort. There were two sold-out shows for the performances.
Unhinged played to two full house productions of the Complte Wrks of Wlm Shakespeare - Abridged in the Black Box.
The class - Mr. West's Sophomore English class - was treated to a pizza party for being the top fund raiser in this effort.
The entire school lunch time was catered by Divine Swine to add a treat for the efforts of the student. Ice Cream was the dessert and probably one of the larger ice cream celebrations of the year.
The day was a community day of fun and good spirit as students shared in the idea of community supporting communities.
It would be hard to find another group of 1,900 people gathered together for over 6 hours in relatively unstructured environment that had so much fun as part of a community with common purpose and reason for being there.
A good day -- thank you Student Council. Thank you students and families.
Candy Cane Greetings
Friday morning the students came to their lockers and were greeted with candy canes in each of their lockers.
Student Council members were at school early to place in the outside lock part of the locker door a candy cane. Clever idea and gave a bright color look to the hallway.
Just another bit of community cheer to the students from the Student Council.
Student Council members were at school early to place in the outside lock part of the locker door a candy cane. Clever idea and gave a bright color look to the hallway.
Just another bit of community cheer to the students from the Student Council.
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