Blog Archives - The Land of the Weird

The Land of the Weird

Baby Brother’s Wedding

8/31/2018

Today was the big day, and it was nearly perfect. While the outdoor pictures were a bit hot, the thunder and downpour waited until everyone was at the reception and ended by the time we left. The bride was gorgeous, the bridesmaids beautiful, the groomsmen handsome, and the groom dashing (but thankfully not away).

Unfortunately, I am too tired to give a more detailed accounting. Suffice to say, people were enjoying the service, dinner, and dancing. I had a wonderful time, but I certainly missed having Janelle and the kids with me. Thankfully, Katrina was there.

In Chicago

8/30/2018

It’s been a beautiful and busy day. I did not get much sleep last night due to the cramped conditions of the packed airplane. Still, I was excited to see my brother and help him prepare for tomorrow.

The day was filled with errands, and it felt good to know that I contributed in several small ways to his upcoming wedding. We also got to spend time in his new home. It’s quite a place and seems to fit my brother and his bride quite well.

I was also happy to reunite with Katrina, my parents, my sisters and their families, and my aunt and uncle. In some ways, it felt like I just saw them recently. It was also fun to meet my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s family. I hope I made a decent impression even if my tiredness did not allow me to be at my best.

I’m looking forward to see what tomorrow holds.

August 29th, 2018

8/29/2018

I feel better about being away from my classroom knowing my lessons are ready and printed out, waiting for my sub. A lot of the stress I’ve been feeling these past few days is melting away as I get closer to the actual event. Right now, I’m sitting in the Anchorage airport, having taken the 27 minute flight from Kenai, waiting for my flight. This will be a four hour layover. I will be arriving in Chicago at about the same time that I would be waking up to get ready for school. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sleep on the plane.

As much as I love the drive from Soldotna to Anchorage (and back), I also recommend a window seat on the flight from Kenai for some gorgeous sights. I have only made the flight in the summer, but seeing the large areas of untouched forest and lakes stretch out with mountains standing stark in the distance has continually impressed me. I also marvel at the homes that sit out there, often so isolated from other habitation. One looked like they had mowed their own private golf course complete with water and sand traps, the lawn a vibrant green. Others were less impressive, looking like wreckage from a disaster movie was swept into their yards. Meanwhile, the flight is only long enough that no sooner do we reach our cruising altitude of 5,000 feet than the stewardess announces our descent into Anchorage.

I also love the Anchorage airport. A wall of windows looking out from the gate show the nearby mountains. I watched as they went from fully illuminated to silhouette with a brief (due to the clouds) reflection of sunset in between. I wonder if those who live in continual view of this majesty take it for granted after a time. To me, it continually impresses.

By tomorrow I will be among one of humankind’s attempts to match such grandeur in towering testaments to innovation and construction. While not quite the same, I experience a sense of awe from the Chicago skyline. I suppose those who live within view of it probably take it for granted as well.

Mostly Packed

8/28/2018

Aside from the toiletries that I will need to pack after I use them tomorrow, I am set for tomorrow's trip. Considering that I've been wearing shorts and t-shirts while the weather here has been in the sixties, I brought my middle-aged white guy uniform--Hawaiian shirts and cargo shorts--for the warmer temperatures in Chicago (where the lows have been in the sixties). Despite this also being the first week of a new quarter at Walden, I'm not bringing my laptop with me (although I am bringing my iPad). This might make my daily posts a bit more of a challenge for the next four days.

I still need to finish writing out the lessons plans for my sub. I've already emailed her the main content of my lessons for the two school days that I will miss, but I have yet to send out a full schedule--even though I have confidence that she can play it by ear with what she has. I don't like being gone from the classroom, and it feels even stranger since it's only the second week of school and we are still getting used to our modified block schedule. Man, I can feel my blood pressure rising at the thought.

Still, I'm excited about going and standing by my baby brother at the altar. It should be a hectic, but fun time. With any luck, I'll get some good Chinese food while I'm down there too.

The McCain Divide [controversial]

8/27/2018

The death of Senator John McCain has brought a surprising clarity to me about the role of our governmental leaders and the current political divide in our country. By far, most of my friends (who run the gambit from conservative to liberal) posted reverent remembrances of the man and condolences for his family. They emphasized his qualities as a statesman of not driving into the muck that swallows so many political campaigns, and his determination to stand up for his constituents. Several shared personal stories about encounters that they had with him, and spoke of his professionalism and integrity.

Several of my friends whose views are aligned with the fanatical right were conspicuously silent in regards to McCain's passing; although one posted a few veiled barbs about loyalty and another defended the White House's recent flag fiasco. I expected this as McCain stood against the current administration on several major pieces of legislation and received a great deal of political blowback as a result. However, I was surprised to find a couple friends whose views align with the fanatical left also displaying irreverence for the man and his passing--from inappropriate cartoons that belittled those showing respect for McCain, to memes that mocked his passing, to trolling on other people's posts that showed support for some of McCain's actions.

Although I did not agree with all of McCain's beliefs or policies, I do recognize that he represented a bridging of political ideas and an example of civil discourse in a harsh political climate. I recently watched a Deep Space Nine episode where Worf is asked to consider why he would continue to back government officials who are so dishonorable. I thought about our current Congress and administration in light of this, and I realized that life is not as diametric as fiction (or current politics) would have us believe. There are good women and men who are trying to serve our country to the best of their ability. McCain was one of them.

The Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/26/2018

God gives us the free will to decide if we want to follow Him or not. Both today's first reading and the Gospel emphasize this idea. God's way is the path of life, but it is up to us to chose to take that path or another one.

Our lives are continually full of choices. In many cases, we choose to make no choice and thus allow others to make those decisions for us. Perhaps this is why God's path can be so difficult for us. We are asked to actually make a choice.

Even with Jesus standing among them performing miracles, many people still chose to walk away from Him. What He asked was too bizarre for them, too strange to fully comprehend. Yet His disciples continued to follow Him. When He asked why, Peter responded by asking where else would they go. Jesus holds the answers; He brings eternal life. Nothing else can compare to His promise.

Immersion

8/25/2018

There's something deliciously satisfying about losing myself in a good story. Whether a book, a TV show, a movie, or a video game, I enjoy wrapping myself into the lives of the characters I am following. As much as I love the life that I have been blessed with, it is invigorating to live someone else's life if only for a moment. Often the problems of fictitious characters help me put my own problems into perspective. It is certainly harder to complain about minor aches and pains when reading about heroes who are suffering to save the world.

By far, my favorite tales to follow are those that are on other worlds or in other times. Seeing humanity in extreme or wildly alien situations helps to better define what humanity truly is. I am also intoxicated by the idea of looking up into a sky that holds multiple moons, walking through fields of alien vegetation, or looking upon vistas that defy our world's laws of gravity and other physics.

Moreso, reading about people infused with power resonates within me. Watching them struggle with their abilities as they try to live their lives makes me wonder how I would fare in their same position. Particularly well crafted stories infest my dreams, allowing me to live in their worlds for a time. I awake filled with a sense of living between worlds, of having lived the life of a hero.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to finish reading this book.

Fear Itself

8/24/2018

When discussing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships as part of our "4th R" curriculum, I told the students that we tend to hold on to toxic relationships (especially friendship) because we are afraid. We are afraid of being alone; we are afraid of the toxic friend revealing the secrets we have confided; we are afraid of hurting the other person (a student brought this on up); and we are afraid of the unknown or unfamiliar. These fears are often about the uncertain future and what change might bring. These fears bind us to terrible things out of the belief that there are worse things out there.

Fear is a main driver in politics. Fear of change is a big factor here too, but it is also often a fear of the unfamiliar. Politicians gain support by rousing our fears, thus giving us a focal point to rally behind (e.g. fear of guns, fear of immigrants, fear of immigrants with guns ...).

My dreams have been expressing some of my own fears lately. I've spent many of the past few nights running down unfamiliar streets, trying to get to places that are unfamiliar. I had similar dreams every time I'm about to travel to a city on my own. In this case, it will be for my brother's wedding next week. I am unfamiliar with cities, and that unfamiliarity magnifies into fear.

I remember once talking with one of my cousins who lived on the outskirts of Chicago. She asked how I could stand living out in the country. She said that she would be afraid of getting lost out in the middle of nowhere, coming across a trigger-happy farmer who doesn't like trespassers, or getting attacked by wild animals. I remember thinking then how much fear was a matter of perspective. It was a moment of clarity that I call to mind when I reflect on my own fears or hear people telling others to be afraid.

Fear can be beneficial as it can keep us from danger, but living in fear can also keep us from truly living at all.

Hoop Jumping

8/23/2018

Well, I've been working with an Initial Teaching Certificate (and its extensions) for the past three years here in Alaska. It's time to move on to the Professional Certificate; however, they make the process ridiculously convoluted. Here is what I need to provide (note that they already have a copy of my still valid Professional Teaching Certificate from Michigan):

Six pages of forms - check (although they still need to be notarized)
Proof of two years employment as a certified teacher at a state-approved school (without which I would need an additional form and another FBI fingerprint check) - check
Transcripts from universities attended where I received my teacher's degree - check
Transcript verifying completion of Alaska Studies course - check
Transcript verifying completion of Alaska Multicultural coursework - check
Proof of completion of the four mandatory trainings in the past five years (or one year in the case of a newly revised training) - check
Official proof of passing scores on a basic competency exam (which I took [and aced] over 20 years ago) - check (even though I couldn't have a Michigan teacher's certificate without one)
Official proof of passing scores on content area exams (English and history - which I also took [and aced] over 20 years ago) - check (same issue as the one above)
Pay $200 - when I send the packet (ironically, I can't use a check)

and here's the kicker that I'm currently waiting on:

State-approved program verification form - They want the form sent to the school which ran my student teaching (Spring Arbor University) over 20 years ago. The university's Certification Officer is supposed to fill out the form to show that I received proper instruction and student teaching supervision ... even though A) that info is already listed on the transcripts they required B) I must have done so to get a Michigan teaching certificate C) I've been teaching for 20 years D) I've personally supervised five student teachers.

Oh, the certification officer at SAU is currently on vacation. Thankfully, I have until December.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

8/22/2018

It was on my third attempt to read Douglas Adams' classic work of comedic science fiction that I finally managed to get past the first couple of chapters and read the entire story. While the destruction of the Earth still sets my teeth on edge (which is why I hadn't made it past the first couple of chapters in previous attempts), I am glad that seeing Katrina with the book this summer finally pushed me to read it (it's actually a compilation of five books and a short story). As for what I thought about it, I meant it when I gave the book the honorific of being a classic.

Sure, the book is bizarre with strange jumps in logic as well as creatures and events that are so alien yet so familiar to our society. Yet the story of the lost Arthur Dent obtusely moving around the galaxy (and multiple dimensions) while managing to have an impact on it strongly reminded me of the island travels of Lemuel Gulliver. Adams is a modern Swift, mixing satire in with adventure all while poking fun at the world (and its politics).

I often found myself laughing out loud while reading this series. Frequently, I repeated elements that I found amusing to anyone who was near. By far, my favorite book was the fourth one--So Long and Thanks for All the Fish. Yet I'm also glad that it didn't end there.

I have not read, and probably never will read, the appended book to Dent's adventures that was written after Adams passed away. To me, the five books felt complete. Sure there were questions left unanswered, but the series managed to come full circle by the end in a way that both set my teeth on edge and felt satisfying.

I recommend reading the book if you have not. I only suggest that you don't take it too seriously ... but I still think it should be taken seriously.

First Day of School 2018

8/21/2018

I have to admit that I have been both excited and a bit trepidatious about this coming school year. The nerves are largely due to this being our first year using a modified block schedule. Considering that we weren't even in the block schedule today, I'm still a bit curious about how the 85 minute periods are going to go.

My excitement is due to a number of reasons. For one, I have five classes of 11th graders, which means I have almost all of them with the exception of those who took AP US History and those who took the class online. These students were 8th graders during my first year at Skyview, and I had many of them as students. Thus, looking at my class lists, I already know most of the students in each of my classes. Today, after I brought them down to the library to get their books, I shook each of their hands and either greeted them by name or introduced myself. A number of students were amazed that I remembered them (for that matter, considering my problem with names, I was pretty amazed myself). It was like meeting up with past friends.

As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I'm also the lead advisor for the junior class (and responsible for prom). Having nearly all of the juniors as students this year makes that task much more personal. For that matter, I'm reminded of my first teaching job in Colon. The eighth grade class that I taught my first year there needed an advisor when they became freshmen. I took on the role, but did not do the best job. Thankfully, a great friend and coworker (thank you so much Sherry Engle) stepped up and shared the advisory role when that group became juniors, making certain that they still put on a great prom and graduation. I feel that I learned a great deal then . . . and since then. I hope to do right by these kids (thus more excitement and trepidation).

The day went by all too quickly. With 5 classes in a row of the same subject, followed by one of World History, I'm still not entirely certain what I said to which group. Still, the students were great today and everything seemed to move smoothly (considering that our bell and intercom system are out). Tomorrow is our first block day, which has me nervous and enthusiastic as well.

Seven Wonders Board Game

8/20/2018

Today, before I was fully inside the house, my youngest was asking me if we could play Seven Wonders. Trevor quickly chimed in that he wanted to play it as well. Unfortunately, today was busy evening of school visits and other tasks. However, I was quite tempted to take them up on the offer.

First introduced to me years ago during a friend's board game weekend, Seven Wonders is a relatively quick game to learn and play, yet it still has layers of complexity that make it entertaining for many playthroughs. It most reminds me of the computer strategy game, Civilization. Each player is given the city responsible for one of the classic Seven Wonders of the World. They progress through ages that each increase the power of the available abilities and buildings.

The game is nice in that no player is eliminated during the game; everyone is involved until the game comes to an end. It also plays quickly in that all of the players play simultaneously each turn and there are only 18 turns in the game. There is still luck involved, but it never feels truly unfair. For the most part, it is all about building structures (including the titular Seven Wonders) in the present with your eye on future turns.

I was surprised that everyone in the family took to the game so quickly. While the younger boys are still not planning ahead, they seem to get a lot of joy out of watching their city grow whether they win or not. Even Janelle is looking forward to playing more in the future.

Considering the board games we picked up this summer, I wonder if it's time to host our own board game day (or weekend).

The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/19/2018

Normally, I would focus my Sunday post on today's readings and the homily on them. However, today's homily was focused almost entirely on a letter from our archbishop which specifically addressed the recent grand jury findings in Pennsylvania and steps that have been taken within the Church both before and since to make certain such tragedies do not occur again. This is an issue that continues as long as people try to hide it away and pretend that it doesn't exist.

The priests, bishops, and other members of the Church who have sexually assaulted, abused, or harassed those whom they were supposed to protect should be held accountable for their actions. Their victims are many: the people they directly assaulted, their friends and loved ones who might not have known the cause but knew that something was wrong, the priests and other members of the Church who had no part or knowledge of these abuses but who now have to deal with the continual suspicion, and the many people who have turned away from God because of these assaults. Thankfully, the Church is taking steps to address the problem.

This is going to take some time. The total population of Roman Catholics around the world is over 1.2 billion. If that population was a country, it would be the third largest in the world. There are only about half a million priests to serve all of those people. For comparison, the United States has a population of around 325 million (around 70 million of them Catholic) for which it has around 23 million governmental employees to serve them (we can discuss oversized bureaucracies some other time). Any human organization of with that level of population, spread throughout the world, will have problems that it needs to overcome. Hopefully, we will continue to do and make the Church, and the world a better and safer place.

A Couple of '80s Movies

8/18/2018

Before the school schedule kicks into gear, I thought that the boys and I should watch a couple of movies that I enjoyed when I was around their age: Crocodile Dundee and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Janelle had no interest in seeing the movies again. However, as she has been on a late work schedule, we had the time and the opportunity to enjoy them.

I enjoyed getting to see them again even if they have not really aged that well. In particular, there were several comments made in both movies that bothered me due their sexist and homophobic natures. Still, they were a product of their time, and both movies still stand out due to their unique humor.

Of the two, Connor and Rowen liked Bill & Ted's the best while Dundee edged into Trevor's favor since it was not quite as ridiculous. For me, from the opening song from Bill & Ted's (I have subsequently not been able to figure out how to purchase it), I was surprised at how much of the movie and its humor still holds up. Also, I was again surprised by a movie showing a positive view towards a teacher (even if he is warning them that they will flunk if they don't do a great presentation). Meanwhile, Dundee still works as an advertisement for people to visit Australia. The boys were certainly interested in going there after watching.