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