As we near the end of July, school posters, ads, and reminders pop up all over the place. Do I miss teaching? YES! (Well, let's qualify that....) I miss the kids and the challenges they give me, but I do not miss the administrative and bureaucratic BS that now goes with the profession.
Just the other day, I realized that in one small hour on the phone about a job interview. I was going to be a TA (Teaching Assistant) for an online university based in Clinton, IA. The people on the other end of the phone were nice people, well-intentioned (I think), but hardly aware of what grading papers in an English class is like.
Over the 34 years I taught English, I had learned to manage the barrage of papers that I created for myself. Sometimes I would give assignments that required one sentence answers to questions; sometimes I would give multiple choice assignments, and once a week, I would give an essay. These essays would range from usually around two pages to more than that. But, I knew how to budget my time, because I felt that if a student was going to spend the time writing this assignment, then I certainly should take the time to go over every bit of it and make it a colorful red. I had over 125 students, and that meant reading and marking over 250 pages sometimes. (Depending on if everyone turned in the assignment and met the required length.) I did this every week for the 36 weeks of school for 34 years.
When I asked how many students I would be responsible for, the lady told me 30-60. When I asked how many pages each assignment was, I was told 2-8 pages. What was I getting paid for this? Approximately 850 dollars for five weeks, or about 160 dollars a week. I was expected to get the papers back to students within 48 hours, I was to use a rubric to grade the papers and I could only work 12 a week, max. Now, if I followed their procedure, students may not get what I thought was a good review of their work, as I would have to spend less time on each page, and I would not get to use the same amount of red ink I was used. But the final straw, as I listened to the "college people of higher learning" was that they really did not care about quality, they only cared about quantity.
Later in the day, I read that there over 2000 "for Profit" universities in the US alone. And, according to the article in USA Today, they were going to have to start meeting certain standards, just like the secondary schools now have to do. So, Arne Duncan, who ran the Chicago Public Schools into the ground, and his colleagues in the US Dept. of Education now want to restrict the learning of folks at colleges and subject them to the same standards of what appears to be the No Child Left Behind Act. (Which I call The Every Child Becomes Mediocre Act)
After hearing this, and seeing the workload and the pay, I came to a conclusion. I would be better off spending my time floating in the pool and working at the museum and writing than I would be grading papers.
I mean, after all, I was not going to be the assistant, I was going to be the teacher. Been there, done that....
Doughnut
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Slice a Day Does the Body Good
Have you ever had one of those feelings that you really should not have awakened in the morning? I did that yesterday and missed writing. During the whole day, I just did not feel complete or full filled.
The day started with me being in some kind of stupor (not stupid... that goes without saying). I just could not get my head off the pillow; nor could I open my eyes for any specific length of time. My mind was awake, but my poor body was not. I lay in bed thinking, "It's time to get up!" I heard revilie, my mother shouting at me, even thought I felt cold water on my face. Still no reaction; I was glued to my bed with my eyelids shut. I knew I had arms and legs, but they did not work. What was my problem?
I had worked all weekend with my head lower than my butt ( not in it!). Bending over and doing the work on the floor of my daughter's house seemed to have taken its toll on me. Or maybe I was stuck in a real life version of "Groundhog Day" and I was Bill Murray's character. I kept dozing, waking, trying to move... dozing, waking, trying to move.
Finally, I succeeded in moving and my body slung itself over the edge of the bed, and my eyes opened as I was able to roust my bones from their aperture and get them perpendicular with the floor. It was a feat of both physical and mental strength. I felt good on the edge there, but still I had to become fully erect and gain the ability to put one foot in front of the other and march into the kitchen for a cup of joe.
My mind was not fully functional as I made a usual breakfast of a ham sandwich on toast, coffee and some grapes. I looked at (note I did not say read) the AZ Republic and played the morning news show in the background, not really caring about any event that happened outside the four walls of my humble abode the night before or early in the morning.
I teetered to the living room and turned on the flat screen to gaze at some TV that I had recorded over the weekend. The show went by fast and I can't really tell you what I watched. I do know, though, that my eyelids again betrayed me, and I felt compelled to return to the comfort of my bed. I had a choice... bed or pool. I could go float out in the pool, or I could crawl back betweeen the sheets. One offered soft gentle rocking, the other a cool breeze. After much cogitation on the matter, I decided that bed would be better as I would not have the peril of rolling into the deep end of the pool and being possibly being fished from its clutches. Three hours went by quickly and quietly.
When I awoke from what seemed like a long winter's nap, I drove to the airport and picked up my second born who was returning from a weekend of debauchery in Chicago with her friends. She had not forgotten Ol'Dad... She and my surrogate daughter had gone to Giordanos before they parted in Chi Town and the youngest of the fruit of my loins brought back enough stuffed pizza to satisfy a craving for a while.
My day ended with those old feelings of remorse for the day being put in their place. Amazing how a good slice of pizza makes the day seem better.
Doughnut
The day started with me being in some kind of stupor (not stupid... that goes without saying). I just could not get my head off the pillow; nor could I open my eyes for any specific length of time. My mind was awake, but my poor body was not. I lay in bed thinking, "It's time to get up!" I heard revilie, my mother shouting at me, even thought I felt cold water on my face. Still no reaction; I was glued to my bed with my eyelids shut. I knew I had arms and legs, but they did not work. What was my problem?
I had worked all weekend with my head lower than my butt ( not in it!). Bending over and doing the work on the floor of my daughter's house seemed to have taken its toll on me. Or maybe I was stuck in a real life version of "Groundhog Day" and I was Bill Murray's character. I kept dozing, waking, trying to move... dozing, waking, trying to move.
Finally, I succeeded in moving and my body slung itself over the edge of the bed, and my eyes opened as I was able to roust my bones from their aperture and get them perpendicular with the floor. It was a feat of both physical and mental strength. I felt good on the edge there, but still I had to become fully erect and gain the ability to put one foot in front of the other and march into the kitchen for a cup of joe.
My mind was not fully functional as I made a usual breakfast of a ham sandwich on toast, coffee and some grapes. I looked at (note I did not say read) the AZ Republic and played the morning news show in the background, not really caring about any event that happened outside the four walls of my humble abode the night before or early in the morning.
I teetered to the living room and turned on the flat screen to gaze at some TV that I had recorded over the weekend. The show went by fast and I can't really tell you what I watched. I do know, though, that my eyelids again betrayed me, and I felt compelled to return to the comfort of my bed. I had a choice... bed or pool. I could go float out in the pool, or I could crawl back betweeen the sheets. One offered soft gentle rocking, the other a cool breeze. After much cogitation on the matter, I decided that bed would be better as I would not have the peril of rolling into the deep end of the pool and being possibly being fished from its clutches. Three hours went by quickly and quietly.
When I awoke from what seemed like a long winter's nap, I drove to the airport and picked up my second born who was returning from a weekend of debauchery in Chicago with her friends. She had not forgotten Ol'Dad... She and my surrogate daughter had gone to Giordanos before they parted in Chi Town and the youngest of the fruit of my loins brought back enough stuffed pizza to satisfy a craving for a while.
My day ended with those old feelings of remorse for the day being put in their place. Amazing how a good slice of pizza makes the day seem better.
Doughnut
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Construction man going wild
Ever done something and the next morning regretted it? I have that feeling this morning. It is not an alcohol induced remorse, but rather a physical one. I am not exactly a weekend warrior, so the exhaustion and lactose buildup is not due to some athletic endeavor. No, I thought I would help my daughter out and do some remodeling on her house.
I have done some restructuring of houses in my time. I built multiple decks, torn down walls and redone them, tiled floors, put in windows... you get the idea. All I had to do here was raise her sunken living room floor by four inches. No problem... I just take out the carpeting, frame up the outside, lay the joists and then put down the plywood sub floor. Easy... I get to use my new Craftsman Hammer and I will be done by evening.
What was it that Shakespeare said about mice and men and plans?
What I did not expect was that construction of the house involved a four inch lip around it before the carpenter put up walls. In the Midwest, slab houses usually are a slab, then the walls are put on that, so I thought it would be no problem. Here I have to drill into the lip. This took me all day to do ONE hole, and I knew there had to be a better way. I went to Ace and talked to the helpful hardware man, he reiterated the bolt method. I went to Home Depot and they said I should get a nail gun and literally shoot the nails into the concrete. Sounds like fun. Me, a powder charge and nails... WOOT!
So I dragged myself out of bed this morning ready to get armed and dangerous. Look out world, I will be shooting the nail gun soon.
Who said that remodeling is not challenging?
Doughnut
I have done some restructuring of houses in my time. I built multiple decks, torn down walls and redone them, tiled floors, put in windows... you get the idea. All I had to do here was raise her sunken living room floor by four inches. No problem... I just take out the carpeting, frame up the outside, lay the joists and then put down the plywood sub floor. Easy... I get to use my new Craftsman Hammer and I will be done by evening.
What was it that Shakespeare said about mice and men and plans?
What I did not expect was that construction of the house involved a four inch lip around it before the carpenter put up walls. In the Midwest, slab houses usually are a slab, then the walls are put on that, so I thought it would be no problem. Here I have to drill into the lip. This took me all day to do ONE hole, and I knew there had to be a better way. I went to Ace and talked to the helpful hardware man, he reiterated the bolt method. I went to Home Depot and they said I should get a nail gun and literally shoot the nails into the concrete. Sounds like fun. Me, a powder charge and nails... WOOT!
So I dragged myself out of bed this morning ready to get armed and dangerous. Look out world, I will be shooting the nail gun soon.
Who said that remodeling is not challenging?
Doughnut
Monday, July 12, 2010
My Wife Helps Me Be Wiser
Yesterday was my wife's .....birthday. I would put a number in there, but she might not appreciate it. I don't know why, she is more beautiful and younger looking now than when we married 35 years ago. I thought I would take this opportunity to lecture my other "sons" about their wives. I know, I should probably save this for the anniversary day, but it is on my mind now, and in my feeble condition, I might forget....What was I talking about?....Oh, Yeah...
One of my "sons" (Ryan) celebrated he and Elizabeth's first anniversary yesterday. These two are so cute together. (Yes, I said cute.) They still have that honeymoon attitude about them as they look into each other's eyes and hang each other's words. Ryan, make sure it stays that way. Over the years, I have found that I rarely win an argument, even when I am right. Occasionally Dorothy will tell me I am right, but I don't hold my breath waiting. This is just something you have to get used to. She will come around to your way of thinking in bits and pieces, but more than anything, you know when you are right, and you don't have to rub her nose it.
When I look at you two, I see Dorothy and I when we were young. I still look at her that way, I still try and touch her leg, or her arm whenever she says something that makes me chuckle. I still hang on her every word and love to watch her walk away. Don't lose that. As long as you look at her as not only your wife, but your best friend (sometimes your only one) your relationship will constantly renew itself as you discover different corners of your shared personality.
Justin, I don't know your new betrothed. This is something to be rectified. But, I can see through your pictures of her that she is fun loving and witty. She has a look on her face that tells me that she can't do without you. A love built on passion, excitement and adventure is one that will find all those in the smallest experiences. You, too, have found a best friend. When the physical stuff subsides, you need someone that can match you in brains. Believe me, Dorothy has all that. I remember the line from Forrest Gump, "I am not a very smart man, Jenny, but I do know what love is..."
Finally, boys, this bit of advice goes to both of you. Always remember, "What is hers is hers and what is yours is hers."
Dorothy may have gotten a year older, but I look at it this way... for 6 weeks, I get the experience of an older woman. If that is not exciting, look up what Ben Franklin had to say about older women....
Doughnut
One of my "sons" (Ryan) celebrated he and Elizabeth's first anniversary yesterday. These two are so cute together. (Yes, I said cute.) They still have that honeymoon attitude about them as they look into each other's eyes and hang each other's words. Ryan, make sure it stays that way. Over the years, I have found that I rarely win an argument, even when I am right. Occasionally Dorothy will tell me I am right, but I don't hold my breath waiting. This is just something you have to get used to. She will come around to your way of thinking in bits and pieces, but more than anything, you know when you are right, and you don't have to rub her nose it.
When I look at you two, I see Dorothy and I when we were young. I still look at her that way, I still try and touch her leg, or her arm whenever she says something that makes me chuckle. I still hang on her every word and love to watch her walk away. Don't lose that. As long as you look at her as not only your wife, but your best friend (sometimes your only one) your relationship will constantly renew itself as you discover different corners of your shared personality.
Justin, I don't know your new betrothed. This is something to be rectified. But, I can see through your pictures of her that she is fun loving and witty. She has a look on her face that tells me that she can't do without you. A love built on passion, excitement and adventure is one that will find all those in the smallest experiences. You, too, have found a best friend. When the physical stuff subsides, you need someone that can match you in brains. Believe me, Dorothy has all that. I remember the line from Forrest Gump, "I am not a very smart man, Jenny, but I do know what love is..."
Finally, boys, this bit of advice goes to both of you. Always remember, "What is hers is hers and what is yours is hers."
Dorothy may have gotten a year older, but I look at it this way... for 6 weeks, I get the experience of an older woman. If that is not exciting, look up what Ben Franklin had to say about older women....
Doughnut
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Grow a Spine
I hope you have been following the news lately about my adopted state, Arizona.
Arizona is not Illinois. There are few flat areas, few cornfields, and lots of mountains and HEAT!
Living in AZ during the summer, is kind of like taking up residence inside your oven for three months. "It's a dry heat." With a pool and some AC and a mountain of cool beverages, it is quite nice to see sun 340 days a year and not worry about tornadoes or governors being indicted.
Arizona is, however, under fire from just about every person who thinks that illegal immigration is the law of the land, including the President of the US. (POTUS) My state is suffering from unemployment like the rest of the country, a low economy like the rest of the country, and a bad housing market that was once the backbone of this area. What is has that the rest of the US does not, is a border that seems to be leaking illegals that come through the desert. What? Arizona is a border state? Just ask the member of the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors, Julie West. She will tell you that AZ is not a border state:
“If this was Texas, which is a state that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this saying that they had a major issue with undocumented people flooding the borders, I would have to look twice at this. But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border.” (Yes, But However" website)
I think this goes to prove that those outside Arizona (and some inside) do not understand the law.
Even POTUS seems to have no clue when he okayed the filing of the lawsuit against Arizona, calling the law "a misguided law." He has promised troops for the border, but they have not materialized; he has promised to send his advisors for a meeting, that has not happened. (You know, I just thought the last sentence sounded a lot like part of the Declaration of Independence charges against George III!)
I long for the days of this country when people followed the law and entered the country through regular channels and became citizens the proper way. But now, the protocol seems to be to sneak into the country or overstay you visa and then possibly steal an ID, get work, live here illegally for a number of years, then ask to be forgiven and granted immunity from prosecution;given citizenship and then go on. OR...don't get citizenship, use up the social system money meant for citizens, then complain that the rest of the country is a racist and lacks compassion for your plight.
Immigrants to the US who came here via Ellis Island all saw the same poem on the plaque by the Lady Liberty, entitled "The New Colossus"
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus
The US Constitution does not mention immigration, and it has ignored the problem. Arizona has started the ball rolling to be sure that those who want a life here go through the proper channels and do not corrupt the process for those who have gone and who really want to later. What ever happened to immigration quotas? When did it become all right for visitors to come in the backdoor unannounced? Mark Twain once wrote, "Fish and visitors smell in three days." If we put that adage to use, then unannounced, unwanted, undocumented "visitors" also have a distinct odor and need to be thrown out.
Arizona does not believe in isolationism, nor does it want that for itself or the country. A depressed state does not need boycotts, it needs help. Some sister states are beginning to see that what Arizona is doing can make a difference. 70 percent of all Arizonans, and almost 55% of all Americans believe the same thing. For a country where majority rules, there does not seem to be many politicians listening.
It is time that the US government grows a spine and takes its responsibilities upon its back. That POTUS lives up to his oath of office. He tries to build another country halfway around the globe when his own backyard is being trashed by invaders.
Did we learn nothing from the lesson of the Romans?
Doughnut
Arizona is not Illinois. There are few flat areas, few cornfields, and lots of mountains and HEAT!
Living in AZ during the summer, is kind of like taking up residence inside your oven for three months. "It's a dry heat." With a pool and some AC and a mountain of cool beverages, it is quite nice to see sun 340 days a year and not worry about tornadoes or governors being indicted.
Arizona is, however, under fire from just about every person who thinks that illegal immigration is the law of the land, including the President of the US. (POTUS) My state is suffering from unemployment like the rest of the country, a low economy like the rest of the country, and a bad housing market that was once the backbone of this area. What is has that the rest of the US does not, is a border that seems to be leaking illegals that come through the desert. What? Arizona is a border state? Just ask the member of the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors, Julie West. She will tell you that AZ is not a border state:
“If this was Texas, which is a state that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this saying that they had a major issue with undocumented people flooding the borders, I would have to look twice at this. But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border.” (Yes, But However" website)
I think this goes to prove that those outside Arizona (and some inside) do not understand the law.
Even POTUS seems to have no clue when he okayed the filing of the lawsuit against Arizona, calling the law "a misguided law." He has promised troops for the border, but they have not materialized; he has promised to send his advisors for a meeting, that has not happened. (You know, I just thought the last sentence sounded a lot like part of the Declaration of Independence charges against George III!)
I long for the days of this country when people followed the law and entered the country through regular channels and became citizens the proper way. But now, the protocol seems to be to sneak into the country or overstay you visa and then possibly steal an ID, get work, live here illegally for a number of years, then ask to be forgiven and granted immunity from prosecution;given citizenship and then go on. OR...don't get citizenship, use up the social system money meant for citizens, then complain that the rest of the country is a racist and lacks compassion for your plight.
Immigrants to the US who came here via Ellis Island all saw the same poem on the plaque by the Lady Liberty, entitled "The New Colossus"
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus
The US Constitution does not mention immigration, and it has ignored the problem. Arizona has started the ball rolling to be sure that those who want a life here go through the proper channels and do not corrupt the process for those who have gone and who really want to later. What ever happened to immigration quotas? When did it become all right for visitors to come in the backdoor unannounced? Mark Twain once wrote, "Fish and visitors smell in three days." If we put that adage to use, then unannounced, unwanted, undocumented "visitors" also have a distinct odor and need to be thrown out.
Arizona does not believe in isolationism, nor does it want that for itself or the country. A depressed state does not need boycotts, it needs help. Some sister states are beginning to see that what Arizona is doing can make a difference. 70 percent of all Arizonans, and almost 55% of all Americans believe the same thing. For a country where majority rules, there does not seem to be many politicians listening.
It is time that the US government grows a spine and takes its responsibilities upon its back. That POTUS lives up to his oath of office. He tries to build another country halfway around the globe when his own backyard is being trashed by invaders.
Did we learn nothing from the lesson of the Romans?
Doughnut
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Going Into The Home Stretch
Summer is officially halfway through! The Fourth of July is gone, Memorial Day has passed and now it is full speed ahead to Labor Day! As we peaked the hill and started the descent into fall, a look back on events so far may be in order.
Summer got off with a bang as the whole fam damily was around for Memorial Day weekend. June 1st saw my brother-in-law, Jim get his apartment in Tucson and move there to get himself in shape for his new prosthesis. Things there seem to be doing well, and he should be on the apparatus soon. Watching what he has gone through for the past year really has made me hesitant about healthcare. I mean, if the system treats vets the way it has him, what will be in store for the rest of us? I have gone from being an avid supporter to having a "wait and see" attitude.
June was a great month for doing nothing! The Valley warmed up quickly, and my tomato plants and Debi's yard are struggling. I had to move my plants three times to get them out of the sun. Growing things out here is not as easy as it is in the Midwest, and watering is sometimes a mystery. You can water too much and kill something, and you can water not enough and kill something.... used to think that heat was good for plants, but not here. I am still struggling to keep my four tomatoes growing to maturity.
Debi's lawn is another conundrum. We have spent well over 600 dollars on seed, fertilizer, and dirt. We have watered it, raked it, rolled it, and kept the dog off it. But we grow weeds, not grass. I know Bermuda grass looks like weeds, but these weeds seem to have mind of their own. They look nothing like grass, but rather Kudzu. At least the dog has something play in and does not roll around in dirt anymore!
My book has done well so far this summer. I don't know how many copies I have sold, but the comments I get from people makes me think that it is receiving good reviews from readers. I can't get the book into mainstream stores, though. The big publishers have a lock there, and just will not talk to independent publishers. Getting the book reviewed is also trouble. The Chicago Tribune Digital Editor promised to review it, or get someone to review it, but so far there is no response to my letters to her. To break even on this book, ( I paid to have it published) will take sales of about 1000 copies. I am told that if I have 800 copies sold, it will be doing well. When I go back on Labor Day to Hoopeston, I will be interviewed by WCIA in Champaign and by several radio stations. Let's hope that helps.
The blog has suffered this summer. And for that I apologize. But I will attempt to have regular postings on Tuesday and Friday, so it will be like a column. HMMM maybe some paper will be picking me up.....
See you in the funny papers!
Doughnut
Summer got off with a bang as the whole fam damily was around for Memorial Day weekend. June 1st saw my brother-in-law, Jim get his apartment in Tucson and move there to get himself in shape for his new prosthesis. Things there seem to be doing well, and he should be on the apparatus soon. Watching what he has gone through for the past year really has made me hesitant about healthcare. I mean, if the system treats vets the way it has him, what will be in store for the rest of us? I have gone from being an avid supporter to having a "wait and see" attitude.
June was a great month for doing nothing! The Valley warmed up quickly, and my tomato plants and Debi's yard are struggling. I had to move my plants three times to get them out of the sun. Growing things out here is not as easy as it is in the Midwest, and watering is sometimes a mystery. You can water too much and kill something, and you can water not enough and kill something.... used to think that heat was good for plants, but not here. I am still struggling to keep my four tomatoes growing to maturity.
Debi's lawn is another conundrum. We have spent well over 600 dollars on seed, fertilizer, and dirt. We have watered it, raked it, rolled it, and kept the dog off it. But we grow weeds, not grass. I know Bermuda grass looks like weeds, but these weeds seem to have mind of their own. They look nothing like grass, but rather Kudzu. At least the dog has something play in and does not roll around in dirt anymore!
My book has done well so far this summer. I don't know how many copies I have sold, but the comments I get from people makes me think that it is receiving good reviews from readers. I can't get the book into mainstream stores, though. The big publishers have a lock there, and just will not talk to independent publishers. Getting the book reviewed is also trouble. The Chicago Tribune Digital Editor promised to review it, or get someone to review it, but so far there is no response to my letters to her. To break even on this book, ( I paid to have it published) will take sales of about 1000 copies. I am told that if I have 800 copies sold, it will be doing well. When I go back on Labor Day to Hoopeston, I will be interviewed by WCIA in Champaign and by several radio stations. Let's hope that helps.
The blog has suffered this summer. And for that I apologize. But I will attempt to have regular postings on Tuesday and Friday, so it will be like a column. HMMM maybe some paper will be picking me up.....
See you in the funny papers!
Doughnut
Friday, July 2, 2010
Think of Friends this July 4
Friendships often fade with distance, but true friends pick up where they left off. That is the way with many of my friends when we get back together after years of separation. That is the way it was last week when my good friend, and editor, Susie Dayton, showed up on my patio.
Luckily for her I heard her voice before I tore off my shorts to get in the pool!
I entrusted Sus to edit my book "Growing Up Doughnut" (available at Amazon.com) because she was my friend, and because I knew she would do a good job. How did I know this even though we had not seen each other in over 40 years? We had talked on Facebook and on the phone a number of times and we kept acquainted, but we never got together. She had not changed, she was still silly, bright, and had that great sense of humor. Friends rarely disappoint us when we ask them to do something, and Susie did not disappoint when it came to the task for which she volunteered.
Others have stepped up also with advice and services as I struggle to get the book into mainstream bookstores. Scott Baer has helped make an audio interview for me that will soon be on this blog; Dr. Bill Gholson gave me guidance and direction and kept me on track; Andy Hudson, a former student, has agreed to carry the book in his drugstore; and Ursula (Roncevich) Baker, another former student, is helping with advice and footwork on marketing. Finally, all you former students from Paxton, Buckley, Loda, Roberts, Thawville, Clarence, and Morning Sun have bought the book. My hometown peeps of Hoopeston have responded with their purchases and have reaped praise upon me and the book.
Through the book, I have talked to friends from long ago and found them all to be successful whether they might be a Sgt. Major in the Marines, a doctor in Chicago, or a housewife in Hoopeston. They have all done what they wanted and are happy. That is all that I could want for them. That is what my book is about...friendship, growing, loving, losing, and remembering.
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, take a moment to stop and look around you. Look at what you have and what you had. You are in your life exactly where you are supposed to be, surrounded by the people that are supposed to be there.
This weekend, raise a glass to those you have known, and to those you will know; to those you knew and are gone and to those you don't know but are giving their all. When you watch those fireworks, and see that flag unfurled, I hope you get a tear in your eye and a lump in throat.
I always do.
Doughnut
Luckily for her I heard her voice before I tore off my shorts to get in the pool!
I entrusted Sus to edit my book "Growing Up Doughnut" (available at Amazon.com) because she was my friend, and because I knew she would do a good job. How did I know this even though we had not seen each other in over 40 years? We had talked on Facebook and on the phone a number of times and we kept acquainted, but we never got together. She had not changed, she was still silly, bright, and had that great sense of humor. Friends rarely disappoint us when we ask them to do something, and Susie did not disappoint when it came to the task for which she volunteered.
Others have stepped up also with advice and services as I struggle to get the book into mainstream bookstores. Scott Baer has helped make an audio interview for me that will soon be on this blog; Dr. Bill Gholson gave me guidance and direction and kept me on track; Andy Hudson, a former student, has agreed to carry the book in his drugstore; and Ursula (Roncevich) Baker, another former student, is helping with advice and footwork on marketing. Finally, all you former students from Paxton, Buckley, Loda, Roberts, Thawville, Clarence, and Morning Sun have bought the book. My hometown peeps of Hoopeston have responded with their purchases and have reaped praise upon me and the book.
Through the book, I have talked to friends from long ago and found them all to be successful whether they might be a Sgt. Major in the Marines, a doctor in Chicago, or a housewife in Hoopeston. They have all done what they wanted and are happy. That is all that I could want for them. That is what my book is about...friendship, growing, loving, losing, and remembering.
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, take a moment to stop and look around you. Look at what you have and what you had. You are in your life exactly where you are supposed to be, surrounded by the people that are supposed to be there.
This weekend, raise a glass to those you have known, and to those you will know; to those you knew and are gone and to those you don't know but are giving their all. When you watch those fireworks, and see that flag unfurled, I hope you get a tear in your eye and a lump in throat.
I always do.
Doughnut
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