Okay, things seem to be up and running this morning; here's the post I typed last night (and edited this morning)

January 24, 2014

Let’s put a cherry on top of this week, shall we? 

The bottom line?  I’m a very lucky man.  Very lucky, indeed.

I had rehearsed a whole opening intro into this evening’s post, and it sounded pretty good, but I have to interrupt that train of thought – I just want to say right here and right now for posterity that I love my Peanut very much.  April, I have so much fun when I’m with you and Stella, and I love visiting you at work seeing you in the office kicking ass and taking names!  You are an excellent mother to Stella and a most loving and supportive daughter to me.

 

Thank you, Peanut.  A better daughter I could never ask for…  Be well.

(Hoser, I'm not ignoring you, we've said our peace of late...)

Back to the week at hand… 

I ended my professional work week at 3:30 today.  Yes, my quitting time is 4PM, but – as I may have previously hinted – it was a rather challenging week this week…  And it will be for the next few as we transition semesters…  That is just the reality.  There is, unfortunately, a direct causal relationship between the end of the semester and stress levels for teachers.  The added difficulty at our school is learning the new clientele that move in at the beginning of the new semester. 

Okay, enough of that whining.  Everyone has their challenges.

 

My friend, Kellan, asked me earlier today: “Tell me what’s going on?”  It’s taken me a half a day and one three hour dinner conversation with a dear friend to the change the answer I would have given 8 hours ago.  And that’s a good thing.  Nothing beats totally honest discourse between two human beings…

 

As I recounted the travails of the week (coming up with a thousand bucks for my car repairs, sobering conversations regarding prostate treatment, stress at school with no-show students, reporting deadlines, paperwork, grades, diets, women, dating, etc. ), it all fell away and took a back seat to what is really important.  What is important is that I have a chance to do something about each of these things - and each day is a new opportunity to do so.

It was also not lost on me that there was a certain rush of energy last week associated with identifying your enemy and taking dead aim on same; as well as the initial influx of good luck messages and statements of support.  One shouldn't be surprised or disappointed when people return to their own complicated lives, and one moves on to face the challenges at hand.  It’s just the way life works.  Sorry if that offends, but see rule number 3 for successful bloggery; it says “THOU SHALT NOT BULLSHIT”

So, as I am wont to do, I’ll follow the rules.  And, no, that is not sarcasm – stop giggling!  I mean it.  I follow all of most of some of the rules I agree with…  Okay.  I suppose that’s true now…

So, most of that was written last night...  I'm having a difficult time picking up the thread from there, so I'll conclude with a couple of dichotomous quotes today.  The first is from someone I love so very dearly, and the second is from someone I don't even know...

First, my dear, sweet, smart, talented, honest, niece, Jennifer:

"I love you, uncle Kenny.  Very sad to hear the news, but: You are a happy, positive, strong-willed man & will kick butt!!!  Just stay open-minded & think happy thoughts and good things will come."

Jenny, I think you are right.  I love you very much and I know that Austin is a good fit for you!  See you soon!!!!!!

Finally, we hear from two teen or pre-teen girls in Yucca Valley, CA.  I'll try to do this with dialogue (I suck at writing dialog; gonna have to get better at that before I publish my book).

The scene: Rite Aid in Yucca Valley, across the street from my school, Hope Academy...

I walk in with my student, Brendon, and we see two young girls near the one of the 'end-cap' displays... 

I hear the words 'cool teacher' and then giggling...  I look over and see that they are looking at me...

So, I say, "Were you talking about me?"

And they blurted, "You're the cool teacher from Hope!" 

And I said, "Thank you very much, that's sweet..."

They: Exit giggling like - well - school girls.  

Me: Smiling (Then and now...)

So is this what it's like to be a rock star?

LOL.

Be well, everyone.  I'll check back with you later.

Carpe Diem.