School Thy Feelings

Miracles will never cease

That's right I am actually putting in a post within 2 mos of my last post. Lots of things have happened: school back to full swing, Conner has played several soccer games, football games, general conference, etc. With all these things going on, I am going to try to update at least once a week. So Alan and Alby, if you are checking here is evidence that miracles do happen.

Some Days...

Some days are great. Today we had a meeting on educational equity-bridging the gap in education. Alot about recognizing our own racial identity, even on a personal basis, and recognizing that while we may not see, from a first impression, our students on a basis of race they probably see us on that basis. It was also a lot about building relationships of trust to be able to teach students. Great meeting, left on a great note. Then I had a bad experience with a student this afternoon. A very dependable student, whom I value a great deal. We have a gig for a brass ensemble this weekend. Because it is Sunday and "short notice" (I haven't pushed those involved about it because I know that most of them were already involved in 3-4 different music camps or other summer activities) some are not able to perform for this gig. To that student, I apologize. I understand. I don't think I have been arrogant or mean spirited about this at all. I apologize to all who feel that way. So I feel very much like a failure, and perhaps I am. Life will move on and tomorrow is another day. Hopefully I can have more good days than I have been having of late.

Where have ethics and decency gone?

I really shouldn't be as bothered by this as I am. But this really rubs the wrong way. In-n-Out Burger, which I highly enjoy is suing a restaurant in UT County, American Fork specifically. How did these people not think they were going to get sued? I am still unclear if there is only one facility or 2-3(Chadders). However, anyone who has been to In-n-Out in 5 years can see the striking similarities. These are not the similarities one finds between McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and the like. No, these are glaring similarities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsZ61RJLngs. Once again someone in Happy Valley thought they could violate intellectual property protections without asking for permission or other appropriate avenues. Why does this always happen in American Fork? I know great people there, and this reflects badly on them, badly on Utah Valley and badly on Utah in general. Regardless of how the lawsuit goes, this is a slap in the face for all the ethics classes taught in universities throughout the country.

Better than the Majors

Monday we went to the San Jose Giants game (the trombone choir was playing for several of the events). I have been to a Padres game in San Diego, and wasn't terribly impressed. This was a completely different experience. The arrangement of the stands puts everybody close enough to the field to feel a part of it. Our performance was good, but the other entertainment made it a full evening. Kudos to SJ Giants for putting on an excellent show and for a great win. It was an exciting game and those who know me know I don't say that about baseball often. The fireworks were awesome, especially from being able to be so close. It was a great time for the Erickson's and I think for the other fans participating.

Great Vacation!!

Our trip to San Diego was a great time. Sea World was fun, but a bit dissappointed in the artistic direction of some of the shows. Animals performed well, but why does the Shamu show have to shift from teaching about killer whales and the ocean environment to everyone should believe that they too can be an orca trainer at Sea World. Kind of kills the magic. Loved the spoof of all the shows in 'Sea Lions Tonite'. Highly recommend it.

Father's Day Tributes

Must have been in a funk Saturday from parenting. After you remind about responsibilities for the umpteenth time and still get nothing done, it wears a bit. On this Father's Day, I do have a few tributes:
My Father- So many lessons learned-
quality workmanship: I remember learning how to
operate the farm equipment, and the pride he has for the beauty of a fresh cut hay
field done right.
love of nature: hunting, cutting wood, picking huckelberries, moving pipe in some of the
greatest work environments ever. Then the trips to Yellowstone or Jackson Hole, or Scout
Outings, cutting Christmas trees.
teaching: Dad had a way of focusing the family lessons that really mattered to him. I still
remember some of the stories he read to us, not the details of the stories, but the
reverence in his voice.
work hard/play hard: when you work hard, you have to seek times to stop and enjoy the
journey, especially with your family.
My Granddad-
love-married for 75+ years and still held hands, still courting my grandmother with car
rides out and about, still visiting favorite restaurants together. Even though they passed
away several years ago, their lives seem irrevocably etched in mine.
My Father-in-law-
consultations about career and post-graduate ideas, time spent with grandkids, church
leadership, helping out on special days, helping family to cope with loss, how to have a
sense of humor and still maintain dignity and respect. My inlaws are just as valuable to me
as my own parents.
There are several others who, though not my father or otherwise directly related deserve tribute: Mr. Nelson, my friends' fathers, Basil Crane, scoutmasters from growing up and several bishops and many others. Thank you all for being so influential in my journey and offering up your guidance along the path.

Honestly

I hate to say it, but I dread Father's Day. I appreciate all that Hilary tries to make of it, and get the boys to show some appreciation. She takes great pains to plan out dinner, and make sure the boys have gifts to give, etc. However, personally it is a bitter holiday for me. I have recently heard stereotypical gift ideas from radio announcers, such as "don't buy your dad a book, buy him tickets to his favorite sporting event" or some other such drivel. I actually like books, bring them on. Sporting events for me are limited to high school sports events and a rare college game. So once again, I feel society has missed the mark because of misconstrued assumptions.

Instead of one celebratory day a year,I would rather have a little more respect more often throughout the year. My oldest is at the age where it is a constant push to get him to do what he is supposed to do, or he is trying to push enough buttons where nobody is happy. This time of year is great and awful for me at the same time. Sometimes I'd just rather skip this holiday, because I just don't feel it. Maybe when I'm old and gray, but then it will be different because my kids will have their own. But I will try to be happy about it and enjoy it for the sake of my family and father. My father taught me many great lessons, as well as my father-in-law. I am happy to celebrate it for them.

Graduation

Well, another year is officially concluded. Somedays, it seems like we just started. I suppose that is a good thing. I wish all my graduating seniors the best. I have had some outstanding leaders come from this class that have left a legacy of excellence for those to follow. Not just in terms of musicianship, but in service and leadership. After graduation, I went to St. Johns (a restaurant/bar that we love for 1/2 price burgers and sandwiches depending on the day of the week) with teacher friends to celebrate the end of the year and say goodbye to some extraordinary friends. Todd Space, biology and bass guitarist for the staff band, has been an excellent friend who lets the music teacher observe his classroom management and procedure and just hang out. He is moving to Berlin. The boys will miss him, Darby, and Mooky. Good luck there, but do stay close as far as communication. Gerald Zaplawa has always been a strong supporter of music and was lead singer for many of the staff band productions. Gonna miss him.
It was also a great opportunity to sit and talk with old friends and get to know some better. Thanks Paul for sharing the extra salad with me, and Carol for the garlic fries. I work with great people and am happy to have good friends to lean on. Jay, we'll get the boys together this summer, that's a promise.

Family History in Action

Just a short observation...reunions are approaching for many of us. Last year we had a reunion at my parents house. One of the activities was learning some of the dances that we used to do as children while my grandfather played the harmonica. Tonight as Conner and Spencer were finishing their dinner I hear both of them singing or humming, "Put your little foot, Put your little foot, Put your little foot right there." I had to laugh and wonder how close are my grandparents spiritually. Maybe they can help Conner with some of his recent behavioral issues. Better work on that myself.

Favorite Books

I have listed some of my favorite books. This is a perfunctory (there's a multisyllabic word of the day for you) list. I have many favorite books in many genres-astronomy and nature guide books, religious dissertations, non-fiction, classics, humor, historical fiction, etc. What I have listed are some of the highlights, from recent additions to non-religious books that have had a profound effect on me (Dostoyevsky). So if you are looking for advice on a good resource book for nature, or have suggestions don't hesitate to comment. BTW, Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat is Calvin and Hobbes-my all time favorite comic strip. My sons seem to be following in the same footsteps that led me to Calvin and the imaginary world that is part of boyhood. Explains alot now that I think about it.

Many Thanks

This past weekend was the Annual SCHS Music Awards Picnic. It is a great opportunity for my kids to associate with the music kids away from the school campus. Lots of fun games, great food and social activity. This year, the boosters and the students presented me with one of the greatest gifts of my career. Sometimes, I feel like I should be satisfied with how I feel about my job. But I was very touched by their gift. They presented me with a personalized kitty bag (bag to carry around equiment for my trombone) with donations towards my finally purchasing the trombone I have been wanting for over 7 years. "That's a long time to put that off." I have heard that multiple times. But to quote John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Life has given me other things that take precedent over my personal desires. But I have made a goal to make this the year I finally treat myself to the instrument I have been wanting. There are not words to express my thanks to all those who contributed to this gift to make it more of a possibility. Truly, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Yet another reason why I love where I work. These are the things which make living far away from family worthwhile, and make distance a minor inconvenience. Thank you so much, all or you

Personality Test

Hilary took a personality test and I was intrigued by the results so I took it myself. Here is what the test said about me: My personalDNA Report

Happy Birthday, Hilary!

Again, Happy Birthday!!! I wish I hadn't felt so rotten because of allergies (I hope), so that I could have done more for you. You do so much for me, that there are not words to describe how grateful I am. It was a joy to see Conner begin to think of you in the process of purchasing gifts. I was so worried he would do his usual and think about things he would like for himself. But no, he shows some maturity and actually chooses a gift demonstrating sensitivity and perceptiveness. I hope you enjoy the gift as well as the realization that he really thought of you. Anyway you are the greatest blessing I have. Happy Birthday!

Southbay Trombone Choir

I love playing the trombone. Nuf said. Thank you so much, Hilary for letting me have this opportunity. We get to play fun stuff and I get to know some great people. Any trombonists in the bay area looking to join us, send me an email.

The End is Coming

That's right... school is coming to a close. I have mixed feelings about it. Some days I can't wait for summer to begin, some days I can't believe we are already to this point. Five more weeks and graduation for the class of 2007 will be over and I will be preparing for the 2007-08 year. Those who feel teachers are lucky to have their summers off obviously have never run a marching program or tried to design the vision for a department. But I enjoy it, especially when kids catch the vision and run with it. Excited with trepidation.

Debut

After over a year of reading Hilary's blog, I have finally bitten the bullet and launched my own. Maybe I can be a better journal keeper because of it. Who knows? Seems like a good way to let people know what is happening with me. Especially, after reestablishing links to many old friends. I'll try to keep you posted. LOL