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The Land of the Weird

One B, but Not Two Bs

8/16/2018

For the past seven terms at Walden, I managed to earn As in all of my classes. This streak ended during this eighth term as I earned my first (and hopefully only) B. While grades don't really matter at this point, I am still disappointed with this as I have discovered it was more my fault than I originally thought when I saw my grade.

I had problems this past term getting in contact with my instructor. As he is the chair for my dissertation committee, we were supposed to have regular video conferences to discuss the progress I was making on my prospectus (the paper that outlines my research proposal). We had a great deal of difficulties meeting up. This alone was frustrating itself, but the notes on my paper were incredibly short and formulaic, often ending with the phrase "review the comments."

The problem was that I didn't see any other comments. Unlike other instructors, he didn't attach an annotated draft of my graded paper and there weren't additional comments (other than the generic ones) on the rubric. When I emailed him about it, he told me that the comments could be found by clicking on the assignment, which is what I was doing that got the comment "review the comments." After seeing my final grade, and before I wrote a scathing review, I went back through my course ... and found the comments he was talking about.

I had been accessing the assignment through the My Grades section of Blackboard. However, it turns out that if I go to the course page, click on the assignments tab, and then click on the specific assignment, I can see my actual submitted assignment with his comments written on it directly. I then fumed a bit about not being informed about this process, but when I checked the announcements tab, I discovered that he had made an announcement about how to access the comments during this first few weeks of the course (which coincided with when we were in Michigan).

Moreover, our miscommunications about our video conferences also turned out to be my fault. I discovered that I entered the wrong email address (half of one and half of another) into the contact spot to set up our appointments. He had been trying to contact me and send the link to the video conference site, but to an email that I do not have access to (but that does exist, so I also feel bad for that other Paul Marks who was getting my conference invitations).

Thus, I feel I deserve that B. The good news is I now have access to the comments which have already shown me how to better set up the prospectus. As for the other class I took this past term, I was awarded an A (albeit grudgingly), but I know I earned that A.

Sleep Schedule

8/15/2018

I'm already feeling a bit jet-lagged, and I haven't even started getting up at the normal time for school. It usually takes a little while to readjust, but this year feels a bit more difficult since Janelle has been working late for a good portion of this summer. I was up past midnight much more often than I planned this last break.

The boys are also going through their adjustment phase. I've had them set their alarms this week to get them in the practice of waking up without someone having to wake them up. This has also meant earlier bedtimes (a key factor in Rowen's attitude the next day). Thankfully, they've been really good about the change. I think that they might almost be ready for the school year.

I hope that I can adjust as well. According to my Fitbit, I averaged about 7 1/2 hours of sleep a night during the summer, but during the school year I was averaging under 6 hours and 20 minutes each night (and that's with usually getting 8 hours from sleeping in a bit on Saturday and Sunday). I should really try to do better than that.

And We're Back

8/14/2018

Today was our first official work day back at school. For me, it was mildly momentous as it means that I now have tenure in the school district. It's nice to have another layer of security between being jobless again.

Today we went through the standard back-to-school introductions, reminders, and trainings. It was nice to be back in the building and to catch up with my fellow staff members. Even though I have only been there for the one year, it was strange to notice that some of the people I came to know are no longer there. It was also nice to be able to offer help to those who are new to the building (or area, or even state).

There were a couple of surprises waiting for me today. While I already knew that my schedule had been changed, I did not know that one of my prep periods had changed as well. Considering the way that my classes split, this new change should work as a buffer zone and time to change directions on Tuesdays and Thursdays (we are on a modified block schedule this year).

However, the biggest surprise was an asterisk next to my name that indicates I am the lead advisor for the junior class. For those who don't understand the significance, this means that I am supposed to organize prom this school year. I wonder if they are ready for a Star Wars theme.

I am also now on the site council, a group of teachers, administrators, parents, and other community members who meet to discuss the state of the high school as well as any proposed or upcoming changes. I was on a similar committee back when I worked at Colon, but this one seems to have a more pleasant focus rather than being the step before grievances were filed. Hopefully, I will be a positive addition to the group.

Connor's Birthday Weekend

8/13/2018

My middle son turned 11 today, but his celebration started with a party on Saturday. As one of his friends shares the same birthday (just a couple of years apart), the two have also shared birthday parties the past couple of years. This year the theme was Fortnite.

They seemed to enjoy their party quite a bit. There were Fortnite themed snacks, Nerf gun battles that seemed to never end, and even a "Loot Lama" pinata filled with candy. Both of the younger boys were certainly tired after the eventful day.
Yesterday, we had tacos (Connor's favorite meal) and a celebratory dessert of orange-cream floats. Today, we drove down to Homer, spent some time at Bishop's Beach and Two Sisters Bakery before heading to the Spit. Our excursion was a little more eventful than expected due to a power outage across the entire Spit (which thankfully ended while we were there) and surprise rain showers. Once home, we ate the amazing cherry cheesecake Janelle made and played a game of Dixit--which Connor won.

Connor received gifts of LEGOs, Nerf guns, a Link costume (including the Hylian Shield), a sonic screwdriver (the 9th Doctor's), and a working bow with practice arrows. His most requested gift (not having to do the dishes on his birthday) was also granted. All-in-all, he had been quite happy with his birthday weekend.

The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/12/2018

The past few weeks have focused on the concept of Jesus being the Bread of Life. Jesus has provided Himself as food, but He is not the only food that we receive. Today's second reading talked about paying attention to what we take into our lives, because it will affect what comes out of them. Our homily talked about this in the realm of the language that we hear and that we ourselves use. We might not think that there is much harm in how we act or what we say, but we cause ripples around us in the lives of everyone who sees or hears us.

I was reminded of a Christian comedian whose act I saw back in high school. He also likened our souls and the media that we consume with food. He said that we are what we eat; if you eat fat, greasy food, you become a fat, greasy dude.

Are we consuming the "food" that is good for our souls? If we surround ourselves with hatred and prejudice, aren't we more likely to develop hatred and prejudices ourselves? While we should not isolate ourselves from the world, we should (as the priest today recommended) "read the labels" of what we consume and think about what our spread because of it. While most of his focus was on cursing, I think that this can apply to many areas of my life.

I need to be careful not just in what I expose myself to, but what I share with others as well.

Soldotna Year Three

8/11/2018

It's been three years and a day since I arrived in Soldotna. Things have changed a great deal since then. That first night, it was just Trevor and I getting in late and setting up in an empty two-bedroom rental with nothing but what we could bring in Mera with us. Today, I'm typing this from my office in the wonderful house that we now call home.

So much has changed in these three years, yet it seems like such a short period of time. In some ways, I almost feel like that dark night when we first arrived was only a few months ago. In others, I feel like I've been here for most of my life.

I wonder if I'm still in the honeymoon phase when it comes to my move to Soldotna. I'm still just smitten with the place. It feels like an amazing dream to the point that I am afraid I might wake up from this.

Sure there are downsides and there have been some rough patches, but I love this place. Someone once told me that most people have only two choices: they can love where they live, but hate their job; or love their job and hate where they live. I feel so blessed to both love my job and where I live. I am sorry that not everyone can feel or say the same.

I hope that this fourth year is at least as great as the last three have been.

Jumanji

8/10/2018

Despite my love for Robin Williams, I never saw the first Jumanji movie. I don't know what it is about it, but everything I saw about it made me think that I would not like it. Thus, I was surprised when the advertisements for the new Jumanji movie appealed to me. The ads showed a cast that I liked, a premise that was interesting, and scenes that looked legitimately funny. It wasn't enough for me to see the movie in the theater, but I figured that I would at least get a copy from the library when it was available.

Then friends and family started talking about the movie and how much they enjoyed watching it. They all claimed that it was light-hearted and fun. When even my parents chimed in, I decided that I would purchase it on DVD rather than wait on the library's availability.

It was a worthwhile purchase. Janelle, the boys, and I were all laughing throughout the show. Rowen was really excited during any of the action scenes (and covered his eyes for any kissing). I not only think that it was a great film, it looked like it was fun to make it.

What I really liked was the portrayal of all of the characters. Jack Black was particularly believable as a 16 year old girl (maybe more so than the actress that played the girl in the real world). Yet I was most impressed with how the teachers and principal of the school were portrayed. They were all shown to be reasonable, caring, and dedicated to their work in a positive way. It set a great tone for an enjoyable movie.

I would recommend watching it if you have not already.

Crying Wolf

8/9/2018

I don't trust the media. This isn't a new thing for me; it's been clear that the media certainly has its own agenda, is often focused on profit, and is largely in the hands of only a few organizations that all want to push their own political agenda. The news is often designed to keep us in a heightened state of fear, and it often distorts the truth in ways that cannot outright be called lies, but that certainly distort the reality they present.

Nor is the history of the news media been all that great. In some cases, it has been hijacked as a propaganda machine for the government; in others, it has attacked immigrants, minorities, and other powerless sectors of our society as a way to further cement the power and wealth of a few (who often owned stake in the news agencies). From muckraking to yellow-journalism to censorship, our media's hands have never been clean. Even Spider-Man is plagued by J. Jonah Jameson.

Thus, when a politician starts talking about "fake news," people are willing to listen. Suddenly, the lack of trust that has been built over the years rains down on our nation's news agencies. Because they misled people so often, now, even at those times when they hold entirely to the truth, many people don't believe them.

Unfortunately, politicians claiming "fake news" are now doing so to cover up their own faults and failings. People are willing to believe them because they want to believe that they haven't been duped. I've seen over and over again people posting that they don't know who to trust or what to believe anymore. Honestly, I'm more scared of those who fanatically believe any source of information.

In many ways, I blame this on the modern concept of relativism that has pervaded our world in the past few decades. The claim is that truth is in the eye of the beholder. I do not believe that there are multiple truths, but one Truth that is seen from multiple views. We need to work as individuals and as a society to seek that Truth, and stop believing lies because they are more convenient.

The Goonies

8/8/2018

Yesterday, since Netflix was on the fritz, the boys and I watched The Goonies together. I hadn't realized that it was the first time that Rowen or Connor had watched it (or remembered watching it). I also hadn't remembered just how often those kids swore (mildly) throughout it.

The boys really enjoyed it. Rowen kept giggling whenever Sloth said or did something funny. Connor seemed to be impressed with Data's inventions, but ironically didn't like Mouth.

There are certainly parts of the movie that have not aged well, but I think that it still stands as a classic in my view. I've heard that they want to make a sequel, but I don't know if I want one. The story felt (and feels) complete to me as is.

I will say that it was strange seeing Samwise Gamgee and Thanos/Cable as brothers.

Changing My Mind

8/7/2018

I have heard from more than one person that I am extremely hard-headed. One complaint I have heard is that I always think that I am right. I find this to be an odd assertion. After all, don't most people think that they are right? If they don't think that they are right, don't they at least believe that they are right in the sense that they are wrong?

I suppose that part of the issue is that I speak with such conviction that it often seems to others that there is no way that I will change my mind about whichever stance that I have taken. This is particularly frustrating for those whose stance happens to oppose mine. It would probably surprise many who know me to find out that it certainly is possible to change my mind about a great number of things. In fact, I am actually concerned about how susceptible I am to other people's opinions and ideas.

Let me use The Phantom Menace as an example. I saw that movie multiple times in the theater. Sure, Jar Jar bothered me, as well as Anakin's age, but the Darth Maul fight scene is still one of my all-time favorite lightsaber battles. Just the opening reveal that it was a -gasp- twin-bladed lightsaber gave me chills. However, the more that people talked about it, especially people I knew, the more that my views cemented into the negative. Nor is this the only movie that this has happened.

This also happened with music. I love Michael W. Smith's albums. Since he was a Christian rock star, there were few limitations placed on us listening to his music when I was growing up. I loved the music; I loved the message. However, one of my friends didn't care for the songs when I played them for him. He said that Michael W. Smith sounded constipated (severely strained) while singing. Despite still listening to his music, I cannot unhear that strain in his voice.

Even more important areas of my personal beliefs fall under this sort of influence. I can certainly be swayed by verifiable evidence (e.g. my view on wind turbines has taken a significantly negative turn in the past month). Also, poorly veiled propaganda tends to send me in the opposite direction of its intent.

I guess that I'm saying that, should you want to change my mind about something, it is possible. You are going to need to back it with solid evidence and avoid going for cheap appeals to pathos. However, I might look at you like you're stupid until you actually convince me.

Vacancy

8/6/2018

For the first time in nearly three weeks, we do not have a guest in our cabin. In the month of July, there were only four days when the cabin was open, and a couple of those were because we blocked them off. Even considering that we didn't rent the cabin while we were gone in Michigan for the first half of June, this has felt like our busiest summer thus far when it comes to cabin rentals.

It's both a blessing and a curse. It's certainly nice to get the extra income through the summer, and we meet a lot of nice people from all over (although the largest percentage of our renters come from Anchorage). However, it also makes it more difficult to do other things or go other places. It certainly leads to a lot of laundry.

I was a bit strange to not have someone come in today. We still did the changeover from last night's guests, so I suspect that it will really feel odd tomorrow when we don't have to a changeover or do cabin laundry. I think I might like it.

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/5/2018

I'll keep this one short. When we seek out God, do we do so for selfish reasons? Do we spend all of our time complaining about what needs to change in our lives? What sort of relationship do we have with Him?

The best relationships are built on communication, trust, and mutual benefit. We need to consider what we are bringing to the relationship. We need to learn to give as well as take. It won't be an equal relationship, and it doesn't have to be. God can provide so much more than what we could ever reciprocate. However, the attempt is important. We need to offer ourselves up, however little that might be, to show our appreciation for all that we receive.

Reunion

8/4/2018

We drove to Anchorage on Saturday with a different purpose than normal. Most often, our trips to Anchorage revolve around shopping (particularly Costco runs) or picking up people from the airport. While we did a bit of shopping, today's trip was entirely focused around meeting up and spending time with our Catholic college student group from UAF.

While the organizer of this gettogether is someone that I have seen since I've been in Alaska, this was the first time that I had seen most of these friends in decades. I am a bit embarrassed to say that I didn't remember a couple of them at all. For that matter, I often didn't remember some of the people or activities that were referenced.

However, I was also amazed at how quickly we could just pick up from when we had last met. In some ways, we have not changed much at all. I do wonder if some of that is due to expectations. I quickly found myself falling into conversational patterns that I have generally avoided as I got older. Sometimes, depending on the group I'm with, I almost feel like there is an expectation that I act a certain way and then find myself doing so.

It was a nice gathering, and one that I hope we can repeat on a regular basis. Being the same age, our children were all in the right range to play together as well. The younger boys, who had been trying to convince us to let them stay home, both said that they were glad to come and would want to do it again.

English or History

8/3/2018

Over twenty years ago, I graduated from college with a major in English and a minor in history (although I had nearly enough credits to double major by the time I earned my teaching certificate). Due to my love of the literature side of English, the two foci are amazingly compatible. I love to study them both, yet my English classes were usually more interesting than the history classes that I took. Don't get me wrong, I love the content of both, but most of my history courses were very lecture based while my English courses usually had a bit more reflection and interaction. Still, there is something about the reality behind history that makes it so compelling. Thus, I always have a hard time when answering the question: Do you prefer teaching English or history more?

The truth is that it depends on a number of factors. Probably one of the biggest is my coworkers. In Colon, there was no question that we were a tight-knit group in the English department while the history department still seemed to be made of the good-old-boys-club. I liked both groups of people, but I certainly got along better with my English colleagues. At Lincoln, it was a bit of a reverse. While some of my best friends did (and still do) work in the English department, I often felt out of place (and sometimes unwanted) with the rest of the team. Again, I still liked the people in the department; I just didn't feel like one of them. The social studies department, on the other hand, ended up being a great group that I still miss dearly. In Skyview, I was part of a great team in the language arts department, but I wasn't really there long enough to make a comparison. Meanwhile, I'm still getting used to the waters at SoHi.

Another factor is the focus of the class. Despite my own writing history, I prefer classes in English that allow me to focus on the literature and what can be learned from it. Whether English or history, I dread teaching the hated research paper; instead, I prefer to make research feel like a more natural part of their learning exploration. I don't like teaching either if I have to deal with a group of students who are opposed to reading.

When teaching history, I like getting to tie in to current events and how things link throughout time. In English, I get to talk about the deep-seated human needs that are expressed in so many ways. With history, I get to play with charts, timelines, and maps. With English, we get to explore the creativity of our language.

I truly enjoy teaching both. History tends to get a little bit of a preference because the pressure isn't quite as high (there are few state tests that really emphasize history in facts or in skills). I try to keep students writing in both, but the pressure of paper correction is a bit higher with English as well. Yet there is a not as much poetry or lyrical quality to history; it's often too easy to get bogged in facts rather than deal with the larger concepts and the humanity behind them.

I'm glad that I've had the chance to do both.