Post Christmas

I'm getting ready to take Dad back to Jefferson City to his assisted living apartment with, of course, very conflicted feelings. Part of me just wants him to move up here. I realize that would take some MAJOR adjustments in my lifestyle and commitments. I am already OVER committed. Could I manage my own stress and that of my family with an additional member? Of course, driving to Jeff City every Saturday has it's own version of stress. And, having Dad here might take some load off of my brother who has plenty on his plate.

As my dad likes to say, "everyone wants to live forever, but no one wants to get old." How true. We, as a society, are not ready for the demands and the needs of our rapidly aging population. Of course, how old age looks in 10 or 20 years will be quite different as the baby boomer generation complete with Ipads and cell phones and electric cards becomes 70, 80, and 90.

Christmas

It's Christmas Eve. I am always nostalgic about the holiday. As most of us do, I remember Christmases past. Pajamas from Grandmother Wright. The Missouri cedars that we used as Christmas trees until Mom protested and we got a pine (and then Phil met Sue and we got an artificial one). They were so fragrant (and prickly). The "kitchen cabinet" Santa brought me Christmas Day evening, made by my dad's friend, Jim Clark. The lights on Anchor Mill in the shape of a star. Christmas pageants at school Singing Hear Comes Santa Claus as a local boy dressed up as Santa distributed bags of candy, nuts, and oranges to the excited kids. Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart, bringing Connie and then Kenny with us. Turkey for dinner. Friends, family, love.

I always wish at this time of year for the Big Christmases that I hear others talk about where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins get together for food and games. Thinking back, though, that was not a part of my childhood either. We lived far from our cousins, aunts, and uncles and it was always us, plus my two grandmothers.

I love Christmas. Or at least the idea of Christmas. When the kids were younger, I would get so stressed by the expense and the busyness of the season and although there is still some of that, I am able to enjoy the holiday a little more. I miss the little ones with their excited anticipation, but this is nice too. Three young adult children who can share in the season. My dad is here, too, and that is nice, although it is bittersweet as well.

I made some gingersnaps today. I don't think I have made any gingersnaps since high school home economics where I made enough to feed the 11th Army. A post by my friend Vicki gave me the idea and turned out to be delicious and they filled the house with a delightful aroma.

I'm nervous about the new year. I have no idea what will become of us really. I'm not sure how we can deal with Bill's job loss and with my dad's increasing fragility. I'm trying to stay positive, something that is generally easy for me, despite teasing from my brothers and others about my pollyanna nature. I'm trying to prepare while being positive.

My class of AP US History is going well. I'm enjoying the technology I'm using and every day I read blogs and tweets that challenge my thinking and improve my teaching (I hope). I get envious of some of my twitter friends. . .Angela Cunningham who has her course so organized that it's almost unbelievable and the other teachers who seem to be able to inspire critical thinking with their creative lessons and high expectations. They challenge me each day to be better.

Patron Saints

On a blog I follow, the author talks about her "patron saints". I decided to think about that and I have come up with a tentative list.
Winston Churchill whose eloquence gave hope to a beleaguered people.
Abraham Lincoln who grew into the moral conviction that slavery was wrong and the Union must be preserved.
Harry Truman who said what he meant and did what he said.
Maran Wright Edelman whose passion for justice and children inspires me to never give up or in.
St John Baptist de la Salle who inspires some of th best teachers I know.
Amela Earhardt who followed a dream.

Playgrounds

It occurred to me today as I was walking back from celebrating Mass with our students, across the hill that separates St. Regis and O'Hara, that playgrounds are made up of hardscabble dirt and random weeds that somehow manage to hang tenuously on to life and that these playgrounds are the same whether one is playing soccer in a barrio of south L.A. or basketball in Zimbabwe. It reminded me again of the commonality that we share with all people. Children play. In Africa, In Latin America, In Europe, In North America.

Yard Work

I am not sure how I find time for yard work. Dad moved into assisted living yesterday. He's not completely happy about his new circumstances, but he is adapting better than I had hoped. I wish, for the 100th time at least, that he lived here or that I lived in Jefferson City. It's so tough, running between my family here, my students here, and my dad there. They all need me in some differing kinds of degrees. Last night I made it home by 11:30. I have had a peaceful day today, partly because I worked in the yard. There I don't have my cell, my iPad or my laptop. I can chop and dig and spread; and, in a few days I can actually see the results of my work in the new grass that springs up (if I remember to water).

Thank you Steve Jobs

Thank you Steve Jobs for your passion, your creativity, and your out of the box thinking. You have inspired millions, including some future "Steve Jobs" who has yet to change the world. For your parents who encouraged you and your family who sustained you, thoughts and prayers.

Revolution.

What a great discussion today in 3rd hour (and to a lesser extent in 6th) about Jefferson's "all men are created equal."

Lincoln's words about the Declaration: "Ibelieve the entire records of the world, from the date of the Declaration of Independence up to within three years ago, may be searched in vain for one single affirmation, from one single man, that the negro was not included in the Declaration of Independence. I think I may defy Judge Douglas to show that he ever said so, that Washington ever said so, that any President ever said so, that any member of Congress ever said so…. And I will remind Judge Douglas and this audience, that while Mr. Jefferson was the owner of slaves, as undoubtedly he was, in speaking upon this very subject, he used the strong language that "he trembled for his country when he remembered that God was just."

Jefferson's words always inspire controversy. How could a slaveowner write these words? Was Jefferson a hypocrite? Was he a product of his time? As I explained to the class, the discussion illustrates the complicate nature of race in American history from the very beginning. To understand Jefferson is to understand, in some measure, the issue of race and the role it has played in shaping our nation.

Labor Day Weekend

Ok. Not one of my best mothering moments, driving to my dad's to pay his bills, while screaming at my girls in Columbia to "get their stuff together" and I CANNOT handle this, on top of everything else. Of course, once they slept and ate, the girls are at least headed home safely. They CANNOT socialize together. One's too stubborn by half, one's a drama queen. I'll let you guess which is which. Earlier in the week they sent me the most gorgeous flowers that I've ever gotten. And, a great quote. If He brought you to it, He will bring you through it.

Excitement in AP

Scroll down to the "flipped classroom." I like the graphic about inverting the class.

Despite the last two crazy weeks, I've been very excited about my class. I love using the Web 2.0 tools. I am a little concerned that the students are overwhelmed, but I am confident they will "get it". We have a test on Tuesday, so time will tell.

Tough Week

Wow, this has been a tough week. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, that this is the kind of week that the nuns back at Sacred Heart were talking about when they said that "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." I'm not so sure about that, but knowing that these ladies thought so does give me some confidence that at least God has faith in me to accept if not master the situation. How do I do it? Some people ask me. I am not sure, really. I have the greatest kids and they are a source of confidence and inspiration. They are busy living their lives, somehow trusting that I'll figure out how to help us make it. I have wonderful, loving supportive friends. I share what's going on in my life. Maybe that's how I do it. I talk. And, I try and listen. And, I accept hugs when they're offered, cards, smiles, emails, facebook messages, and tweets. The events of this week have taken my focus off of my students for a bit, and I have to try and remember that when I'm with them, I need to be WITH them.

My Dad

I think that I am a good teacher. And a good mom. On most days I make way more mistakes than I should. But if I am good at either job, a big debt is owed to my mom and dad. But it's dad that I want to focus on. I just spent Saturday with him and although he's 92 he's still as sharp as he was at 52(a fact that gives me great hope). I have so many memories of my dad. I don't remember Dad yelling. He would get upset, of course. He would get frustrated. Dad never said anything negative to me about my figure, my ability, my work ethic.

A few of my memories stand out. In 1982 when I took a group to England, my dad stood on our front porch and told me he'd gotten a passport. I assumed he was going back to India or China where he had served in the war. No. He said "if you need me while you're in England, I can come and get you."

In college I was miserable. William Woods had a rule that you could not spend the night in the first term more than 4 nights in a semester. So every Sunday my dad came to Fulton to get me. And he took me back every Sunday night. My mom told me that he cried seeing me so unhappy. But he didn't let me quit. He just made it possible for me to stay.

In high school a friend of my brothers lived way out in the country. The family was poor and proud. Dad must have known something of their circumstances. This friend wanted to stay at school for the bb games. Dad figured out she was walking home in the dark more than 5 miles just so she could be a part of the school. Dad stopped her one night. She was stubborn and told dad he wasn't going to take a ride from him. He smiled and said okay but he wasn't leaving so she might as well get in the truck. From then on dad gave her a ride home. He was the only one who could have.

So if I am persistent or kind or friendly it's because I learned how to be at my dads knee. Thanks dad. I wish for every child a man like you in his or her life. You led by example. What I know and how I act I owe to you.

New Year

It's a new academic year and things are challenging at OHS. New school opening. Enrollment. New teachers. New faces. My promise to my students. I love the study of history and I love sharing that story with my students. I promise to be enthusiastic. I promise to listen and to care. I promise to challenge your preconceptions and make you think. And we will have some fun.

Back to School Blues

Usually I am quite excited to get back into the routine of school. But, this year feels a little different. For the first time in a long time (2002) I will not have a child at Archbishop O'Hara. How strange! Having your own child at the school where you teach is a balancing act. Sometimes you are too hard on them because you know too much. Sometimes you let them slide because you know too much. You are always mom first and remembering confidentiality, limits, boundaries, can be quite challenging! But, I will miss seeing Matt in the hall. And, now I will worry from a distance about whether he is going to class, who he is hanging out with, and what he is up too.

It's out last one to start college. It all seems so odd. Boys are definitely different than girls. We haven't had the countless trips to the mall to get just the right rug and bedspread. No 60.00 visits to Beauty Brands for the liter sale to stock up for all semester. I miss it. A little.

Teaching and Learning History in the Digital Age (AHA 2011) | Teachinghistory.org

Teaching and Learning History in the Digital Age (AHA 2011) | Teachinghistory.org

Drought in Eastern Africa

I was shocked to learn details about the drought in East Africa. I could not believe the pictures I saw this morning on Meet the Press. The drought in Somalia is so bad that hundreds of people are crossing into Kenya with literally nothing except the clothes they are wearing. Babies and small children are starving. Check out the website at Save the Children. http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm Give if you can.

Bastille Day!

It's Bastille Day! Celebrate French Independence Day!

Blog « Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Blog « Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Fourth of July: Nine Myths Debunked

Fourth of July: Nine Myths Debunked

History Now. The Historians Perspective

History Now. The Historians Perspective

Why Study History

Watch the video and post a comment about why YOU think the study of history is important. Or do you?

56 things I have learned in 56 years

Sarah suggested today that I write s book. 56 things I've learned in 56 years. I am not sure if these are in the right order. But. Here goes.
1. Find a job you love.
2. Marry only when you can't imagine your life without him or her.
3. Have children.
4. Go to church.
5. Pray often.
6. Avoid negative people.
7. Volunteer.
8. Recycle.
9. Pray.
10. Read a Lot.
11. Have a best friend.
12. Buy a house.
13. Learn some basic carpentry skills.
14. Hug someone you love everyday.
15. Take long walks.
16. Go on vacation.
17. Have a best friend.
18. Get a gym membership.
19. Get a library card
20. Learn how to swim. And sew.
21. Take lots of pictures.
22. Treasure your grandparents.
23. Never smoke.
24. Drink only in moderation.
25. Play in the snow.
26. Write thank you notes.
27. Read to your kids.
28. Get a dog.
29. Plant a garden.
30. Take family vacations.
31. Go see Wahington, D. C.
32. Never take one moment for granted.
33. Watch old movies like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind.
34. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
35. Read the Constitution. All of it. Twice.
36. Join a non profit organization.
37. Write your congressman.
38. Vote. In every election.
39. Call your mom or dad every day.
40. Learn how to play poker.
41. Go on a mission trip.
42. Learn how to cook.
43. Travel.
44. Read the Bible. All of it.
45. Learn to fish.
46. Don't get lazy.
47. Remember your siblings. They know how you grew up.
48. Nothing last forever.
49. The glass is always half full.
50. People will always fail. Love them anyway.
51. Donate time and money when you can
52. Never use credit.
53. If you do use credit, pay off your balances as quickly as you can
54. Save your money!
55. Never drink and drive.
56. Never smoke. Anything. Ever.