I'm Here, Just Took Time

Hey All,

Sorry I was away for so long, but I was busy with various things. Work was the biggest thing to get in the way.

If you recall, my local school district was on strike. This issue was remedied about a week later, when the teachers finalized a contract and got the kids back in school. Since that first day, I have been subbing at the high school for a paraeducator. For those of who that don't have a clue, a paraeducator is a conglomeration of teaching assistant, personal assistant and glorified babysitter. I was called that first morning thinking it would only be for a day. Man, was I ever wrong about that. I've been there since the first day and lasted thru to Wednesday afternoon, and still don't know when this assignment will end. It has been rewarding, but I'm getting that itch to do some real teaching again.

I've also been working at my church with sound stuff. That's had its moments of greatness or craziness, though more the latter. This weekend and into tomorrow, I've been at my church quite a bit Yes, thankfully I do get paid for this work that I do, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough, but that's just what I get is enough money to make do.

Also, for the last two-and-a-half weeks, I've garnered the title of "Uncle Chad". My brother and his girlfriend had a baby earlier this month. He's still kinda tiny, but he's doing well. I've held him one, and found that he likes to bop his head to the Apple iPhone commercial. Besides that, just getting ready to give him his first Christmas gifts, of which I bought him a couple of dvds. You may be saying he's not old enough for dvds, but its never wrong to get an early start on helping a kid find the right movies.

I hope everyone who reads this is well and happy. Have a very Merry Christmas and a genuinely Happy New Year. If you live in my hometown and read this, give me some idea of what you're doing for New Years. I'm open for anything, just want to get out of the house mostly. Take care and I'll write later this week.

Teacher's Strike

So I got all excited about substitute teaching starting again, only for the school district I work in to go on strike this week. What fun, let me tell you!! I was supposed to work tomorrow, but with school cancelled, I get to sleep in some more and stay up a bit late. Besides that, I might go join some of the teachers as they walk the line of pickets and sidewalks, at least it will give me something to do.

I just want to get back to school, like all the kids do...weird huh, all the kids want to go to school, only to wish they weren't back when the time comes...funny how we'd all be the same way about that too. Til next time...

Subbing Already...

Its only August and I've already used two of my 90 days of substittute teaching. It seems odd because the school year just started something like two weeks ago, but it was a challenge that's for sure. I didn't expect 2nd graders to be that wild. They definitely have a lot of energy and gave me a run for my money. It was interesting subbing for a high school friend of mine, but I don't know if I'll be able to handle that classroom again, at least while the kids are still getting settled into a routine... I can't wait for what's in store with the school district, at least once the teachers have an official contract and the kids don't have to worrry about losing school days due to an unnecessary teacher's strike.

I will admit, teacher strikes are a common reaction to labor and money problems in the school district. I believe it stems from the school board's disinterest in knowing what the teachers really do. Its become too political and "Hey, Look at me!!" for its own good. Contracts should not take this long and be drawn out by the media, like they are here. I don't know the details of what the teachers want besides pay raises aggregate to their experience and education levels (masters and continuing ed classes to help improve how they teach, not what they teach.
Well, I've talked about it long enough...I'll keep you posted as to when school will start for all the other kids because the ones I had the last two days are a year-round magnet program in the same district, so they might go on strike soon themselves. Take care all!!

I Don't Know What to Say...

At this time, I don't know what to put in here, but maybe I'll have something later...keep checking in.

It's July Already....???

Is it just me or is this year moving ridiculously fast? I feel like I don't know what happened to the entire month of May...besides my working a lot then...where did it freakin' go? I hope July doesn't fly that fast...I'm not ready to consider the fact that I'm going to be an uncle by the end of the year. (Thanks for that one bro!!) Anyhow, I hope everyone has a fun 4th of July and you all stay happy and healthy during the day and don't do anything stupid that night... Just enjoy the fireworks and then get home..you still have to work the next day, maybe??

Got A New Computer

As I sit here, I type to my loyal followers in Blogland on a brand new Apple MacBook. Its great because I'm not tied down to a desk and forced to stare at a huge monitor. I'm enjoying that the keys are huge, but I still have a lot to learn about an Apple computer. This will definitely test my patience over time, especially with a long week of work on top of it. I hope this is a lot more fun than the waiting around for it was. Gosh, it was a tough almost week, now I just need the wireless router and I won't be tied down to a stinking cord for my internet access. Take care all of you in Blogland! I'll check in with you all later when I've had a full night of work to put behind me.

More Tunes to Write About...I'm Sure You're Sick of it By Now

I decided to turn on the internet radio and catch what I could of music at a boring moment in the evening last night. Here are the tunes are artists I heard last night in Oldies radio...

The Rascals People Got To Be Free
Jay & The Americans This Magic Moment
The Beatles She Loves You
The Beach Boys Surfin' U.S.A.
Miss Peggy Lee Fever
Sly & The Family Stone Everyday People
The Byrds Turn! Turn! Turn!
The Isley Brothers Twist and Shout
Roy Orbison Crying
Simon & Garfunkel The Sound of Silence
Van Morrison Brown Eyed Girl
Chuck Berry School Day
Paul Anka Put Your Head On My Shoulder
Tom Jones It's Not Unusual
Percy Sledge It Tears Me Up
The Shirelles Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Aaron Neville Tell It Like It Is
The Mamas & The Papas I Saw Her Again Last Night
Barbara Lewis Hello Stranger
Smokey Robinson Shop Around
Joey Dee Peppermint Twist
Buddy Holly Oh Boy
Little Caesar Those Oldies But Goodies

There is the newest list. These were some good tunes, although some I had to be careful about wanting to sing out loud, so I wouldn't wake the neighbors or others in my house who were sleeping.

Nothing too exciting happening here...

Sorry for the lack of fun stories or fun updates, but nothing too exciting has been happening lately. I'm just kinda bored, but I think its just because I live at home? Who knows, maybe I'm totally wrong, but I hope not.

Farewell to Chief Illiniwek

Tonight is the final appearance of the some say 'beloved' mascot at the University of Illinois. The dance happy Chief Illiniwek is being retired partially as response to the money-forfeited ability to host NCAA Tournament events on campus. This hurt the recruiting for the school as well as offended many who wanted to see this mascot retired decades, or as recently as last month, ago. I don't necessarily see it as a problem at all. Honestly, if someone is going to have a problem with a Native American mascot, how are they not going after the NCAA to tell schools like Valparaiso and Holy Cross to change their mascot to something other than "Crusaders". I mean I've heard the discussions for both sides and I think that we're showing respect to our understandings of how Christians became what they are because of these holy wars for their religion. I respect what these men fought for so we could have open beliefs, not beliefs that are forced on us. I'm much happier with the freedom of beliefs than I would be if I was having to live under the auspices of the Church of England and forced to believe in something that I'd rather fight against.

Sorry, I got on a rant there, but that's my thoughts on why I think the whole matter is absurd and should be left alone. If the Native American nations had an issue with it, they could have spoken up and helped the universities find some options for new mascots that could work or ways to make the current mascot seem more respectful of what the tribe would consider a proper rendering of what they meant to the state or community in which the school is a part of.

Bracketbuster Weekend

It is the biggest regular season weekend for all of us who are college basketball fans and are alumni of what are considered mid-major schools. Some of our schools are getting some awesome exposure in top quality basketball games this weekend on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. This should be a fun weekend. I know I'm looking forward to these games most of all..to see which teams may have it in them to make a difference in my NCAA tournament brackets this season. I know tonight I'll be watching Winthrop play Missouri St. on ESPN2, and then I'll listen to Albany and Boise St. online. (This would be the same Boise St. University that won a BCS Bowl game in January.)

I hope we all get to enjoy this great weekend. In my excitement, I say "Go Valpo!" They'll be playing Western Michigan out of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Can You Smell It?

Baseball season is in the air! Pitchers and catchers have started to report. It is exciting and I can't wait for the first pitches to be thrown as the weeks come along. It sure makes listening to MLB radio more exciting knowing that they are talking about one of the great sports to go watch with a group of friends. Its not so fast-paced that you miss time with the friends you enjoy and you can cheer or jeer whomever you want and the drunk sitting next to you might join in and you can help create the next set of 'bleacher bums' just by being a fun group of fans.

Go Cubbies!

The Long Term Subbing Assignment

Well, the long term subbing position I had was cancelled officially yesterday. It was a great two week experience and they were ready to offer me the position full-time, but someone within the district who was already under contract moved into it. I met her yesterday, and I don't see her lasting any more than a week. It sucks because I really felt like I was some good for those kids, but when I get screwed by district policy, or as my girlfriend calls it...the woman, that's what I get.
Many of the kids were great, although there were some moments, but it was like a family setting for me. The kids started to enjoy my being there because it helped the routine, but for some reason that I'm mostly glad I don't know... these kids get lost in the translation of time and get hurt. I hope for these kids and hurt for them, as I cried yesterday after I returned home, but I'm glad that they'll call me as they need me to be there, and heck..based on who this lady is...I may be back there before I realize it. Here's hoping..otherwise, I'll just sit by my phone waiting to hear where I'll work next.

Another Random Songlist of 80s Tunes

So it has been awhile, but I thought it was a good time for a new list of songs I heard on Launchcast.

Hall & Oates Kiss On My List
Tears for Fears Shout
Don Henley The End of the Innocence
U2 Pride
Yes Owner of a Lonely Heart
Naked Eyes Always Something There To Remind Me
The Buggles Video Killed The Radio Star
Eric Carmen Hungry Eyes
Foreigner I Want To Know What Love Is
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts I Love Rock N' Roll
Phil Collins In The Air Tonight
Madonna Material Girl
Katrina & The Waves Walking On Sunshine
Chicago You're The Inspiration
After The Fire Der Kommissar
Fleetwood Mac Little Lies
Bob Seger Shakedown
Red Rider Lunatic Fringe
Berlin Take My Breath Away
Devo Whip It!
Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al
Heart Never
Breathe Hands To Heaven
Belinda Carlisle Heaven Is A Place On Earth
Suzanne Vega Tom's Diner
Big Country In A Big Country
Billy Ocean Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car
Prince Kiss
Madness Our House
Pet Shop Boys West End Girls
Bryan Adams Summer of '69
Elton John I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

Well, there you have it. Yet another list of fun songs that I spent time listening to recently... It is always good times. Check back soon when a new list should appear.

Dating...A Sweet Life

Well, I suppose I never saw myself as much of a dater, but this girl I'm currently seeing is really worth it. She doesn't expect me to be the best guy out there, but just to be me. I met her when we both started a permanent substitute teaching position at the local high school. Within days there were thoughts and interests bouncing back-and-forth between us and then all of a sudden, we're a couple. She's wonderful though, and I feel blessed with the presence of a girl who lets me be me rather than hoping that I'm someone else.

I know there are times that I regret being tired when she's around, but then after a long day at work its always good to just sit and let it all sink in. She lets me do that, even when it seems like I'm too quiet compared to how talkative I normally am.

The common interests of music, sports, teaching and being good people are wonderful between us. We enjoy all the little moments we get together and just try to do all we can to enjoy the times we get to really enjoy the kind of company we share that brought us together. Over time, I hope this gets lots better.

Adding to the War

Now that President Bush is considering announcing sending more troops to the frontlines? Do you believe that the Democrats should seek true justification for why the added forces are needed or should they just support the president and send the troops and money?

I know I'd like the justification besides "stay the course and pulling out is not an option". I want more reason than this. What is on your mind about it? Agree with me or don't agree with me...I have no issue with that, I'm just asking for your opinion as a fellow American who cares about what is going on with our friends, family and loved ones in the Iraqi Civil War.