Slice #15: Take Breaks as Needed

Blogging has been really fun and a good way for me to decompress at the end of the day. Today we mark day 15 of a 30? day challenge. That means we are half way home! Today I realized the power of fresh air, stretching your legs and taking care of your needs. During a productive curriculum work session our facilitator reminded us to take breaks as needed. Sometimes it felt like we got stuck in a rut, and this time we took time. A coffee run, a walk outside into frigid winds of March weather is the perfect recipe for mental clarity.

Slice 14: Pi Day

The Most Awesome Day Ever

It may be cliche to say but I think my wedding was one of the best days of my life to that point. All the hard work, making the right choices and learning from the wrong ones lead me to where I was. The most awesome things about weddings is that they are celebrations of the best things in life. Love, Family and hope for the future. Perhaps its because of this that I now enjoy being a DJ as my moonlighting job.

Here is what I wrote to my wife that isn't actually on Facebook. No fancy gifts, just some flowers and a nice dinner with my sister and nephews was enough to make today the most awesome day ever.

Slice #13: Reading Rocks!

OMG OMG OMG!!!

Today I finished Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. I carved out about an hour of reading time while the house was quiet (a rare opportunity) and finished the last pages.

If you don't want spoilers then you should stop reading right now.

Seriously....






I am warning you...







Alright, I guess you are asking for it at this point. I really enjoyed the book and it read fast. Like many great pieces of literature everything comes together in the end to fundamentally change your perspective on the entire story. I have plans to check out the sequals of the Shattered Sea trilogy and do a lot of reading and blogging over break. No other comments or plans on the book because time is short and I feel like a little time organizing, entering grades and drinking tea sounds like a good pre bedtime activity.

And by the way happy almost Pi Day!

Slice #12: Collect the Most Happiness

Today it was really nice to come home, after a fulfilling day at work and spend time with a full family dinner, cleaning in the kitchen, doing some laundry and then spending time having a family game night. Today we played Tokaido, a game we have had for a while, and one that everyone seems to enjoy a lot. The write up and video at the link does the job of explaining the game WAY better than I could in writing. If you are interested in learning more about the game just go there.

On our journey the family including my wife, sister, brother-in-law and nephew (4.5 years old) has enjoyed learning a new game together while taking turns having the most enjoyable journey along the road known as Tokaido. This connected Kyoto and Edo (Modern Tokyo) and was a many day journey. Along the way we saw beautiful panoramas, soaked in natural hot baths, filled our packs with trinkets.

In the end, the goal of the game is to collect the most happiness and remember life is about the journey and not the destination. I will try not to be a sore loser, and hold a grudge at my nephew for winning.

Slice #11: Sunday with Mom

Mom Is Buying A New Car

My mom is getting a new car, which has been a several month process culminating in this question coming up on Facebook

Being a math teacher, and specifically getting to teach students the math that matters (all of it) but in this case applied math. I helped her crunch the numbers, figuring out whether it was a better deal to lease or buy depending on her situation. I explained and compared rates. With her credit score she should be well on her way to getting the best financing available, but some opposition research showed which dealers offered the best auto loan rates for new vehicles. (Hint: The Credit Union Won!!)

One important equation I have talked about with my students, that came up here as well was the Cost of Credit. She wants to minimize this while keeping her payments reasonable. That is the key to deciding one of the other important factors, time to repay. Naturally the shorter the term of the loan, increased monthly payments but lower total paid due to interest savings. Making use of other tools, like these calculators from some Credit Unions and other financials really helped crunch the numbers quickly.

Cost of Credit = Total Paid - Loan Proceeds

We discussed taxes, and the effect rebates have, and got a real handle on the numbers that she should be seeing when purchasing the vehicles. We were able to do all of this on a lovely walk at 1000 islands nature preserve and listening to one really cool jam band at The Source Public House. 

Wish her luck tomorrow as she works on closing the deal on her new minivan.

Slice #10: Games Galore

In my college days we had a ritual of playing Dungeons and Dragons every other weekend. The party consisted of my Sister, her boyfriend who would become my brother-in-law, and my friend Matt. We played many a Sunday, a different form of religion but it accomplished tasks of giving us purpose and community. For this reason, I am still a gamer today, I play in a different campaign and even started a Dungeons & Dragons group last year with some interested students at our high school. We meet regularly on Monday's so long as school isn't cancelled we take over a space in the LMC for a few hours of role playing fun.

Recently I have been exploring new board games with friends and have found it to be a nice change of pace from a very familiar RPG experience like D&D. The three games I have recently played are Hexploreit  City of Kigns and Monster Kingdom Death which all started as Kickstarter projects and far surpased their goals. Kickstarter has done some awesome work in allowing for small publishers to bring their ideas and games to market and through the stages of development. We aren't stuck playing the Hasbro games anymore, but are able to have fun 'unplugging' and learning a new system and how to strategize.

The three games I listed are all cooperative games where players work to beat the game mechanics. I really like this aspect because it allows for players to support each other instead of focusing on beating each other in games like ticket to ride. I am incredibly competitive, and some have said I am a sore loser, or a sore winner depending on my luck. Game nights/days are a great way to pass the time, the 8 hours we were playing today flew by!

Slice #9 -The Principals Office

There is a stark contrast between how I felt about being in the Principals office my first years of teaching versus this year. I feel more confident now, first off in that I have candid discussions about difficulties but also opportunities and possible solutions. I explain things that are in process and give context to the learning that will be observed next week.

Reflecting on my growth as an educator and person I have come a long way, I used to get anxious knots in my stomach regarding meetings with admin and now I seek them out. Throughout my teaching career there has been a pattern of always trying, learning from mistakes, trying something new, and then learning something new again. I love this profession, the people I get to work with from staff to students.

Slice #8 Choir Concert

Today was a beautiful reminder of the good in the world, and the power of music.
I had the opportunity/honor of working the choir concert from the light and sound booth. As stage manager, I received notes about the lighting effect that they would like to have for each song in the concert. Sliders fading up, down, slowly and balancing the controls to create certain lighting effects is nothing new to me, but it was new in this context.

I regret not going to more student life activities in my years of teaching, but I have many more ahead. Now that I live closer to work maybe its feasible to be at more sporting events and fine arts performances. You have to make time for these special moments and cheer on your kids. I am proud of the talented students I teach, and their passion for music.

Slice #7 Adventures in the Ktichen

Grocery Shopping

To be honest, no one ever taught me how to plan meals, and grocery shop for the week. At a stage in my life with dual incomes, the 'convenience' of eating out is often tempting and it always leaves us pondering the question "What do you want to eat?" This year has been a learning process, and Lindsay and I have been going together. Digital coupons are awesome and I love seeing the savings roll in when you scan your perks card.

If I could cook at home like the healthy and wholesome fast casual place my wife loves to frequent I might be consider myself a culinary adept. Today's task was to make one awesome salad. I found a recipe for a cranberry pecan and blue cheese salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This salad has been cooking in the back of my mind since our last grocery trip as a couple, but I missed a few key remaining ingredients, namely the lettuce. 

Walking down the aisles I found myself doubling back to the produce section unsure of my choice. Is there a real difference between red and green leaf lettuce? Should I be using romaine instead? Should I spring for the 'packaged' organic romaine hearts? These are all questions that ran through my mind and caused some anxiety. First trip around I bagged a red leaf lettuce, but then ended up coming back and picking a head of romaine as well. Better safe then sorry.

Salad Chef

I remember now why I don't make salads at home, mostly because I am the only one that ever eats them. It is truly amazing how much lettuce (volume) comes from one head. After peeling some cucumbers and slicing them thinly, I then tossed the mixture. Remembered that you are supposed to shake the salad dressing (especially vinaigrette) before using after I started pouring it on my first small bowl. I garnished with the cranberry, walnuts and blue cheese and enjoyed the vegetables/fruits of my labor. Once I started there was no stopping, I enjoyed the heck out of the whole big salad bowl all by myself only to realize I really wanted this salad for the combination of balsamic vinaigrette, cranberries, walnuts and blue cheese and it has very little to do with the lettuce at all.

Slice of Sledding

As I entered the door my nephews were climbing over my sister full of energy. For a disclaimer, we have a 'Full House' living situation. She looked like she's had a Day, but still wanted to share the joy of sledding with her boys with me. Spending time with my nephews, especially sometimes mundane moments has become a source of joy in my life.

I began to bundle up since day light was burning and I knew getting home at 5:23 after some of the worst driving conditions of the season left little time for fun. It was probably 5:50 before we even got out the door because wrangling children into snow suits involves also finding missing gloves. Bundled up we left the warmth and safety of home.

Luckily there is a nice sledding hill very close by. We made our way over to Horseshoe Park with a green saucer and a red sitting up sled for my youngest nephew. A testament to the worst driving conditions of the season, we kissed a curb and began fish tailing in the parking lot of the park. She quickly regained control of the van but was shaken.

We looked at the main descent and considered factors like the grade, distance before obstacles at the bottom, and decided the regular sledding hill was wholly inappropriate for children. We made a trek across to our own 'bunny hill' incline where the boys could enjoy sledding. My oldest nephew rocking the green saucer always needed a push to get started but began making his way a lot further. We left our mark on the unspoiled snow.

We were done quickly, perhaps within 15 minutes the cold, wind and wet from rolling in the snow shattered our childhood enchantment with sledding like an icicle falling onto concrete. But once more, for the rush of feeling 'young' I went down the 'way to scary for the kids' hill on the bright green saucer. Covered in fresh powder and a smile on my face, I was happy to call it.

Max Made My Day

Lindsay and I have three amazing cats. Their names are Max, Sebastian and Jasper. Today's story is about my main man Max.

Max has a long black coat of hair and a don't pick me up type of attitude. Max is affectionate enough I suppose, but usually when he wants something. It seems that every time somebody pours a bowl of cereal in the kitchen Max feels the need to check it out. He will sit and stare into your soul with his green flecked eyes, and then sit uncomfortably close to your bowl of cereal. If you take it to another room, there is a good chance that Max will follow you.

My sister had mentioned to me she gave the Max and the other cats a little milk last night. It seems that was what Max had wanted and she wanted to do something nice for them. She loves her nephews after all and wants to make sure they have happiness. This morning, their last nights happiness became a surprise for me. As I walked into the kitchen to get ready, I stepped on a milky white hairball and got the mucus and gastric secretions smeared all over my foot.

I love my cats.

Sebastian

Max with a Haircut

Slice of Life #4: Books as a Portal to Another World

As a Child...

I, along with many muggles, might remember the magic of reading Harry Potter series for the first time. Staying up way past 'bed-time' lost in the adventure and escape provided by this series of books is one strong memory from growing up. The power of words just like the magic in Harry Potter can have a reader feeling spellbound.

A Reader Once More

A few good recommendations from my reader friends and coworkers has me falling in love with reading again. I just finished one book, starting another this weekend and am a comfortable 100+ pages in after just a few days. Reading online is so different than the way that I am able to get immersed into a novel. Yes, I may be reading science fiction or fantasy, but if you don't enjoy what you are reading it is okay to find something that you do.

Mark Hamill Likes Reading

A Note to Prospective Readers

Ask your friends, or even better yet a librarian for a book recommendation to get you back to reading.

Consider using social sites for book readers as well! I will be trying to be active on it and hold myself to the goal of reading 24 books this year which would be about a 20 book improvement on what I accomplished last year.

GoodReads is one my friend Trina introduced to me.

You can find my profile here!

Slice of Life #3: One Foot In Front of the Other

New Year's Resolutions

We have a pretty awesome community at our high school. We encourage each other through many ways, but one such way is a community focused 'biggest loser' challenge. While there is a cultural obsession with weight and being thinner, there are real benefits to leading a healthier life style besides being focused on a number.

There are many weekly challenges that to be honest I haven't had the where-with-all to commit to. I was happy with being active, trying to be sensible with food choices, and drinking enough water. My start running this year came from beginning again on ZenLab's C25k program that I swear as the best way to get you from sedentary to jogging over the course of 8 weeks.

I was going strong, and the feedback from friends on my occasional updates via the social media celebrations and progress tracking really had me fired up. Taking pictures of my progress all the way through by always snapping a 'post-workout' data report, would help me see the process even if it was made one day at a time.

This time doing C25K was different. I had a singular goal that was Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic or Time Bound. My resolve was to be able to run a 5k (race or distance) in under 25 minutes by the end of the 8 week program. I made it to week 6 when I got stopped by an obstacle.

Run in the Sun by Lucas Favre

Stubbed Toes and Excuses

There are two things that happened that I can identify as reasons why I am not running a my aforementioned 5k distance right now at that blistering (possibly literally) sub 25 minute pace. My first obstacle was a door frame that decided to move in the path of my foot as I made my way from our laundry room to the kitchen. Clumsy, careless, and now extremely bruised my poor toe became a gorgeous maroon. (I will spare you the picture because eww...) Now I knew I needed time to heal.

After a reasonable amount of time (1 week?) I still had not made it back to the YMCA to resume my progress. I couldn't "find time" even though I had become engrossed with a video game, often playing with my friends, and somehow managed to log 142 hour since I have gotten it. Where did those 142 hours come from? They came from running time, they have come from sleep time, they have come from some quality time spent with my expectant wife.

The time spent on these games are entertaining and yes sometimes social, but they don't make me feel 'alive' the way the other activities do. So my key to a better life is do more of the things that fill  my life.

• Marvel at the wonder and love of a child and spend quality time playing, reading and teaching my nephews.
• Be a better listener, whether as a brother, a friend or a husband. I can practice being present in the lives of those around me as well.
• Read more, watch less. I have started checking out books and have a little catching up to do buy am going to make it my goal to read twenty-four novels this year. (Finished Born a Crime and The Martian so far...)
• Run often and focus on enjoying the process while not just focusing on the progress. Running outdoors is way different than running on a treadmill. I need to remember that progress is putting one foot in front of the other.

You Matter, Don't Give Up, and Crying in Public

Today was the conclusion of an awesome event organized annually by staff and students called Words Hurt Week. During the week of Words Hurt there are many offerings and messages that are important to be heard. Read more about it at this great article covering the event.

What more can I say or write that my coworkers haven't already said beautifully. This moment was cathartic and profound.

He reached out to us and asked teachers to hear the same message we had heard from the bleachers. The staff made its way down to stand lined up together, many already with wet eyes and damp cheeks. What happened next was magic, and I can't do it justice but here are the take-aways.

"DON'T GIVE UP" 

Terrence Talley shared a personal story about his journey and the impact an educator had on him. Teachers needed to hear it, brought me to tears of inspiration. some time we can't see the forest for the trees. He talked to those of us that have thought about leaving the profession for 'greener' pastures. He talked to those of us that have struggles that we don't get to share with the world.

"YOU MATTER"  

The work that we do on a daily basis means changing and saving lives even though we may not always feel it. I know lately, there have been times were I have felt introspective. While reading and doing a self-evaluation on the Danielson Framework for teaching and felt pangs of guilt rationalizing some of my ratings as 'two - basic'. I teach students that are complex human beings, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Some students and I shared profound moments in our mini-teacher student conferences this week, and in conversations held informally. I  and the work I do is more than a rating on a framework.

"EVERY STUDENT MATTERS" 

They need to know, and they need to hear it, and even at the high school students need to feel it. A student may be able to really trust a teacher and open up but there are boundaries that aren't usually crossed in high school. Our school learned today what a "Dad Hug" is, it turns out some of my students needed it, and I realized that I needed them too. Students need unconditional support as well, and one expression of that is a "Dad/Mom Hug" the way a 5 year old daughter looks to her dad or my four and half year old nephew goes to his mom. Terrence told those students that needed one to come down to their teachers gathered before them and get a hug.

According to some estimates, the hugging and exchanging of affirmations and  went on for 15 powerful minutes.

I couldn't wait to share my positive stories about this week with my family and other coworkers. This is a slice of life that I am going to keep in my fondest memories.

Kazoos and Happiness

Reflecting on the celebration of life that was lived by my dear friend Ms. Katie. I resolve to live with the same light that she brought to the world.

Today there was a beautiful analogy in a presentation for the Words Hurt Week at Appleton East High School. The speaker urges us to light our candle, and use that flame to light others as well by sharing our light. When you share the light it doesn't take away your own, but only spreads to others. Miss Katie had Kazoos at her celebration / funeral and encouraged her friends to play along to songs like "This Little Light of Mine" and "When the Saints Go Marching In".

On my way home from a busy and fulfilling day I reached into my jacket pocket and found a blue kazoo. This blue kazoo has a magical energy about it, it quite literally is plastic happiness. All it takes is humming into the correct end and I become a darn fine musician. I attribute my talent to a musical upbringing and always whistling, that and being involved with choir all my high school years.

Do you think my students will see it coming if I start using the Kazoo in class as an attention signal? If you talk into a Kazoo, it reminds me of how the adults sound in the Peanuts comics. I wonder if that is how some of my own high school students think I sound.

If I have any magical Kazoo moments I might just be putting it on my Instagram that can be found @jeremy_kautz

I was surprised to find that Blue Kazoo even has a social media presence.