Greetings y'all :
Let me cut to the chase. We had a decent weekend but quite honestly I held us back. Twas nobodies fault but my own. No this is not self flagellation but self reflection. I held on to expectations and as noted previously that leads to suffering.
To be be succinct I spent most of my time from Friday evening to Monday morning striving for a few minutes to meditate or at least quiet my mind and thoughts and clear my head. To just relax. It never happened. I was squirrelly all weekend. One might say I was downright moody . My little chattering chipmunk merely longed for my attention yet because I was not present he became more animated and I became more hypersensitive to it. Yes he is working on picking up non verbal cues and I'm working on letting go and focusing on the here and now.
We did break our three day walking record by a mile but it was considerably less pleasant than last weekend. The walks were physically easier but because of my stubbornness the conversation was harder and less positive. I pray this does not affect my lad this week. He is very sensitive and if I'm stressed he is stressed, if I'm agitated he is agitated.. That my friends is the reality of living with a Quirky and Exuberant child. I can only learn and move forward and be aware of his sensitivities. I love my wee bonnie lad, he deserves a father who is present and positive.
Thanks for reading today folks... Let go of those expectations and remain focused.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Autumnal Equinox
Greetings y'all :
The wonderful wheel of seasons has spun back around to Autumn. Why fight the progression of time? Embrace each new beginning and reflect on passing of seasons.
We are blessed in my region to have four distinct seasons. Each one is perfect but I confess as much as I love swimming and spending all day with my son when school is out for Summer , it's not my favorite season. As much as I love sledding and romping in the snow and having snow days with my son, Winter is not my favorite season. As much as I love the warm kiss of spring sunshine and bright vibrant colors, the ability to do more outdoor things with my son , Spring is not my favorite season. That leaves ( pun intended) Autumn as my favorite season! I love the smell of the leaves changing, the pumpkin pie, apple picking time with fresh apple cider and apple butter. I love the long cool hikes with my side kick, putting on an extra layer, windows open and blankets on the bed, the vibrant colors, snuggle weather... Awww
To mark the beginning of the new season Mowgli and I took a couple of wonderful hikes in the woods. We snapped our pic right at the time if the Autumnal Equinox. We hiked over 18 miles, we explored and discovered. We caught a toad - cute little bugger. We found a worm giving birth. That was totally random and bizarre. Zander said "no pictures daddy - she deserves privacy" . We discovered acorns only fall from trees on daddy and seem to miss little dude. We also discovered different oaks produce different sized and colored nuts. We demonstrated determination when he fell off a log , his first time ever falling off, but insisted on conquering said long a few minutes later. We learned no rock formation is too small, large or oddly shaped to conquer ( at least not yet) . We watched Blue Jays dancing in and out if the shadows. We chased frogs and newts. We tried new trails and even went off the trail to explore. We are the path less taken.
I love how we do our best to put each day behind us, to literally walk away from work and spend as much time as possible together. Yes he's my side kick but both the captain and the kid are independent beings who enjoy each others company. For that I am blessed.
I confess yesterday I was squirrelly. I had a notion of wanting to have a schedule and control time. I was reminded that the universe controls time and ought to remain present. My mood became sulky because I held onto expectations. I learned and adapted and we had a successful day. Buddhism teaches that holding onto expectations leads to suffering, I proved that philosophy to be true. Letting go allows openness and things to flow into us. I proved that to be true as well. Lesson learned - well played universe, well played.
Thanks for reading again folks. Now get outside and explore and discover. Observe with all your senses!
The wonderful wheel of seasons has spun back around to Autumn. Why fight the progression of time? Embrace each new beginning and reflect on passing of seasons.
We are blessed in my region to have four distinct seasons. Each one is perfect but I confess as much as I love swimming and spending all day with my son when school is out for Summer , it's not my favorite season. As much as I love sledding and romping in the snow and having snow days with my son, Winter is not my favorite season. As much as I love the warm kiss of spring sunshine and bright vibrant colors, the ability to do more outdoor things with my son , Spring is not my favorite season. That leaves ( pun intended) Autumn as my favorite season! I love the smell of the leaves changing, the pumpkin pie, apple picking time with fresh apple cider and apple butter. I love the long cool hikes with my side kick, putting on an extra layer, windows open and blankets on the bed, the vibrant colors, snuggle weather... Awww
To mark the beginning of the new season Mowgli and I took a couple of wonderful hikes in the woods. We snapped our pic right at the time if the Autumnal Equinox. We hiked over 18 miles, we explored and discovered. We caught a toad - cute little bugger. We found a worm giving birth. That was totally random and bizarre. Zander said "no pictures daddy - she deserves privacy" . We discovered acorns only fall from trees on daddy and seem to miss little dude. We also discovered different oaks produce different sized and colored nuts. We demonstrated determination when he fell off a log , his first time ever falling off, but insisted on conquering said long a few minutes later. We learned no rock formation is too small, large or oddly shaped to conquer ( at least not yet) . We watched Blue Jays dancing in and out if the shadows. We chased frogs and newts. We tried new trails and even went off the trail to explore. We are the path less taken.
I love how we do our best to put each day behind us, to literally walk away from work and spend as much time as possible together. Yes he's my side kick but both the captain and the kid are independent beings who enjoy each others company. For that I am blessed.
I confess yesterday I was squirrelly. I had a notion of wanting to have a schedule and control time. I was reminded that the universe controls time and ought to remain present. My mood became sulky because I held onto expectations. I learned and adapted and we had a successful day. Buddhism teaches that holding onto expectations leads to suffering, I proved that philosophy to be true. Letting go allows openness and things to flow into us. I proved that to be true as well. Lesson learned - well played universe, well played.
Thanks for reading again folks. Now get outside and explore and discover. Observe with all your senses!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Bursting Egos
Greetings y'all ;
It occurred to me that with seven billion bipedal ambulants and homosapiens roaming the earth's crust it's easy to forget the importance of each of them, each of us and each of you. It's also easy to blame or as I prefer to reframe it - give them credit for our choices, path, decisions and consequences. At the end of the day we all close our eyes and it's just our physical vessels, our soul and creator.
I hear folks fussing and moaning and looking for ways to dodge the badge of honor known as accountability and personal responsibility. I find it interesting that people will hold others feet to the fire but won't or can't cowboy up to their own humanity. Is the human ego really so overinflated ? If so what happens when it bursts? We are all humans, we live , we learn ( hopefully ) we accept we part of a greater good.
Folks every person on this third rock from the sun is interconnected. We owe it to ourselves , each other and our creator to help each sentient being we encounter. It only takes a minute to listen- truly listen to the message others are offering, to help if that is required, to offer a smile. Every one is some ones mother, brother, sister, father, son, daughter etc... The Dalai Lama suggested , based on the Buddihist philosophy of reincarnation, that every one at some point has been or will be your mother/ father. Hmm how do you want others to treat you or your family?
Now back to this teaching my man cub the above mentioned attributes of accountability and forgiveness of self and others. Right words, right thoughts and right actions.
It occurred to me that with seven billion bipedal ambulants and homosapiens roaming the earth's crust it's easy to forget the importance of each of them, each of us and each of you. It's also easy to blame or as I prefer to reframe it - give them credit for our choices, path, decisions and consequences. At the end of the day we all close our eyes and it's just our physical vessels, our soul and creator.
I hear folks fussing and moaning and looking for ways to dodge the badge of honor known as accountability and personal responsibility. I find it interesting that people will hold others feet to the fire but won't or can't cowboy up to their own humanity. Is the human ego really so overinflated ? If so what happens when it bursts? We are all humans, we live , we learn ( hopefully ) we accept we part of a greater good.
Folks every person on this third rock from the sun is interconnected. We owe it to ourselves , each other and our creator to help each sentient being we encounter. It only takes a minute to listen- truly listen to the message others are offering, to help if that is required, to offer a smile. Every one is some ones mother, brother, sister, father, son, daughter etc... The Dalai Lama suggested , based on the Buddihist philosophy of reincarnation, that every one at some point has been or will be your mother/ father. Hmm how do you want others to treat you or your family?
Now back to this teaching my man cub the above mentioned attributes of accountability and forgiveness of self and others. Right words, right thoughts and right actions.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The "No Comfort Zone" Zone
Greetings yall:
Yes it's tech free Thursday and I'm breaking my own rule but I promise my dwindling readership this will be short and sweet. I'm learning , albeit slowly , to worry less about that which I can not control while striving to continue to improve. I was reminded yesterday afternoon that I have renewed strength and confidence in myself. Confidence to step up when necessary and confidence to sit back when necessary. It's been a hard lesson to learn but as William Blake once said " the road to excess leads to the castle of paradise" . Perhaps sometimes we need to push the limits to discover the boundaries and to discover our personal limitations. Many children do that with out forethought it rather instinctually - they will be the secure ones and the global game changes if it's done with respect for others. As a parent and educator that is a fine line to walk. As one in those roles I find it difficult to have a "no" comfort zone. To know when to say no.
Know your limits and boundaries , your comfort zone. Then push beyond it. It could be the difference between growth and stagnation.
See short and sweet today! Thanks for reading again today folks.
Yes it's tech free Thursday and I'm breaking my own rule but I promise my dwindling readership this will be short and sweet. I'm learning , albeit slowly , to worry less about that which I can not control while striving to continue to improve. I was reminded yesterday afternoon that I have renewed strength and confidence in myself. Confidence to step up when necessary and confidence to sit back when necessary. It's been a hard lesson to learn but as William Blake once said " the road to excess leads to the castle of paradise" . Perhaps sometimes we need to push the limits to discover the boundaries and to discover our personal limitations. Many children do that with out forethought it rather instinctually - they will be the secure ones and the global game changes if it's done with respect for others. As a parent and educator that is a fine line to walk. As one in those roles I find it difficult to have a "no" comfort zone. To know when to say no.
Know your limits and boundaries , your comfort zone. Then push beyond it. It could be the difference between growth and stagnation.
See short and sweet today! Thanks for reading again today folks.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Connecting to our past and future
Greetings y'all :
Not much to yak about today folks . Yesterday the weather was storming but our souls were quiet. I genuinely feel a deeper connection with my son after our adventurous weekend. We needed it. My head cold/ sinus infection finally caught me and tackled me. See what happens when you slow down?
Last night I dropped the ball and we watched some telly. Yes it Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune then we watched American Experience on PBS. This episode was about death and the civil war. Twas extremely touching ,quite sad and rather informative. It really struck a chord with my progeny . He was able to get a better feel of how precious life is and reinforce the horrors of war. He made this Quaker father eternally grateful when he declared serving in the military was no longer a occupational option for him. I know several of my dedicated readers serve, served and/or have children serving. I have no ill will towards them and admire their dedication and service to our great nation. We merely the necessities of the current conflicts to be inflated. It certainly helped that they discussed Antietam and Gettysburgh, two Civil War battlefields we've visited this year. Showing history where he's trod. To learn that until Gettysburgh there were no national cemeteries and that when President Lincoln delivered his famous address four months following the battle he was surrounded by corpses and open graves. To learn that federal soldiers dropped fifty-six confederate corpses in a farmers well rather than bury them , is humbling. Yes we respect the honor of soldiers but my child now appreciates the brutal reality of war, not just the glorification that is oft times peddled.
I better move on before I alienate my viewership. I'm not getting into politics rants on this page but am flummoxed how much one wee lad can internalize a little living and walking history and brief television viewing with a parent there to talk and discuss what is being taken in. Per chance that is the key. Watch what our children watch and watch it with them. Watch how they watch, answer questions, ask questions, expand the knowledge let them own the knowledge. This may seem far fetched but let them lead themselves to greater exploration of a topic. Research online or better yet in an encyclopedia. Maybe keep a journal, many interesting facts about the humanism of history are from personal journals and letters. We saw a letter from a young man written on September 17, 1862. It starts in the morning with beautiful penmanship and quite up beat. It ends with the sad weariness and sloppiness of a boy who lay dying on the battlefield after the conflict and his fellow troops moved on.
Each breath we are granted is a blessing. Fill your hearts and souls with peace. School children say the pledge of allegiance every day. We emphasize certain words ...ONE nation under God with liberty and justice FOR ALL...I challenge you to find the common ground and good in some one you may disagree with.
Thanks for reading my run on rants again .
Not much to yak about today folks . Yesterday the weather was storming but our souls were quiet. I genuinely feel a deeper connection with my son after our adventurous weekend. We needed it. My head cold/ sinus infection finally caught me and tackled me. See what happens when you slow down?
Last night I dropped the ball and we watched some telly. Yes it Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune then we watched American Experience on PBS. This episode was about death and the civil war. Twas extremely touching ,quite sad and rather informative. It really struck a chord with my progeny . He was able to get a better feel of how precious life is and reinforce the horrors of war. He made this Quaker father eternally grateful when he declared serving in the military was no longer a occupational option for him. I know several of my dedicated readers serve, served and/or have children serving. I have no ill will towards them and admire their dedication and service to our great nation. We merely the necessities of the current conflicts to be inflated. It certainly helped that they discussed Antietam and Gettysburgh, two Civil War battlefields we've visited this year. Showing history where he's trod. To learn that until Gettysburgh there were no national cemeteries and that when President Lincoln delivered his famous address four months following the battle he was surrounded by corpses and open graves. To learn that federal soldiers dropped fifty-six confederate corpses in a farmers well rather than bury them , is humbling. Yes we respect the honor of soldiers but my child now appreciates the brutal reality of war, not just the glorification that is oft times peddled.
I better move on before I alienate my viewership. I'm not getting into politics rants on this page but am flummoxed how much one wee lad can internalize a little living and walking history and brief television viewing with a parent there to talk and discuss what is being taken in. Per chance that is the key. Watch what our children watch and watch it with them. Watch how they watch, answer questions, ask questions, expand the knowledge let them own the knowledge. This may seem far fetched but let them lead themselves to greater exploration of a topic. Research online or better yet in an encyclopedia. Maybe keep a journal, many interesting facts about the humanism of history are from personal journals and letters. We saw a letter from a young man written on September 17, 1862. It starts in the morning with beautiful penmanship and quite up beat. It ends with the sad weariness and sloppiness of a boy who lay dying on the battlefield after the conflict and his fellow troops moved on.
Each breath we are granted is a blessing. Fill your hearts and souls with peace. School children say the pledge of allegiance every day. We emphasize certain words ...ONE nation under God with liberty and justice FOR ALL...I challenge you to find the common ground and good in some one you may disagree with.
Thanks for reading my run on rants again .
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Spontaneity
Greetings y'all ;
So the last two days I've been illin' and ailin' . I could've and should've stayed in bed resting. But since we're the Robinson Boys we had a grand adventure on Sunday and a spontaneous day filled with history and memories yesterday. The irony is that on Sunday Zander or DJ -Z as he called himself on the musical ride home yesterday,more on that later though, asked me what our next big adventure was gong to be. My reply was perhaps we ought to visit Sharpsburg and Antietam. Little did I know we would wake up and burn all the petrol we saved the week before to drive through our gorgeous state. Like I said elsewhere- you only get one 150 yr anniversary. I was incredibly proud of my young man. He listened to the rangers and re-enactors, read every sign, absorbed the seriousness of the event, was able to visualize the events, and found little used trails to get a better feel of what the soldiers endured. He randomly the held the door for folks and let folks go first. He helped people with directions, map reading and even sat in Dunker Church and taught a young boy about the events while several people ,including a Park Ranger,listened in.
Basically I need to win the lottery so I either homeschool this amazing young man or send him to a Montessori school that matches who we are. I say that with all due respect to his wonderful instructors he has now. But my son is not built for traditional assembly line education. Once he grasps how to play the game by their rules he'll be fine. But he showed me he can handle himself alone, one to one, and in crowds. Granted we spent extended time exploring woods it just surrounded by the masses. But we also found some good swimming holes for our next visit ( we're Pisces after all). So yes DJ -Z and I walked over 45 miles in the last three days and he's not gonna have that opportunity in school but he renewed my faith in him and realized who he is is a wonderful young man thirsty for knowledge. We literally demonstrated the advantages of taking the path less travelled and avoiding being molded by a cookie cutter. He even saw first hand how insects devour dead rabbits from the inside out. My son will be fine, he'll either grow up to be a global game changer or will be a Park Ranger happily stationed in an isolated outpost. What ever happens he will joyously be himself and comfortable in his own skin.
OK so I know your curiosity is piqued a out this whole DJ-Z thang. On our way home I had the CD player off. Zander sang a delightful medley of tunes and at one point interjected " this is DJ -Z ( FYI your voice must drop an octave on the Z) coming atcha with his version of Maroon 5 ' Misery' " . He kept this up for about an hour and kept referring to himself as DJ-Z. That boy cracks me up.
So I kept my promise this weekend of smiling and laughing more. I re-connected with my progeny and watched him grow. We walked over 45 miles in three days. The latter is important because walking is great therapy for us. We learned out local, state and national history. We learned about ourselves. We will be fine. He also liked hearing humorous tales of his mother and me. He needed to be reminded of her qualities in her that carried over into him as well. History is not just what happened 150 yrs ago but what happened yesterday. It was humbling to hear an eight year old boy say - more people died in Antietam than on 9-11 but Antietam isn't on the news even though it was us killing ourselves. I reminded him of how recent the 9-11 events are and how big the crowd at the Battlefield was.
Yeah , DJ - Z is gonna be just fine.
Thanks for reading folks.
So the last two days I've been illin' and ailin' . I could've and should've stayed in bed resting. But since we're the Robinson Boys we had a grand adventure on Sunday and a spontaneous day filled with history and memories yesterday. The irony is that on Sunday Zander or DJ -Z as he called himself on the musical ride home yesterday,more on that later though, asked me what our next big adventure was gong to be. My reply was perhaps we ought to visit Sharpsburg and Antietam. Little did I know we would wake up and burn all the petrol we saved the week before to drive through our gorgeous state. Like I said elsewhere- you only get one 150 yr anniversary. I was incredibly proud of my young man. He listened to the rangers and re-enactors, read every sign, absorbed the seriousness of the event, was able to visualize the events, and found little used trails to get a better feel of what the soldiers endured. He randomly the held the door for folks and let folks go first. He helped people with directions, map reading and even sat in Dunker Church and taught a young boy about the events while several people ,including a Park Ranger,listened in.
Basically I need to win the lottery so I either homeschool this amazing young man or send him to a Montessori school that matches who we are. I say that with all due respect to his wonderful instructors he has now. But my son is not built for traditional assembly line education. Once he grasps how to play the game by their rules he'll be fine. But he showed me he can handle himself alone, one to one, and in crowds. Granted we spent extended time exploring woods it just surrounded by the masses. But we also found some good swimming holes for our next visit ( we're Pisces after all). So yes DJ -Z and I walked over 45 miles in the last three days and he's not gonna have that opportunity in school but he renewed my faith in him and realized who he is is a wonderful young man thirsty for knowledge. We literally demonstrated the advantages of taking the path less travelled and avoiding being molded by a cookie cutter. He even saw first hand how insects devour dead rabbits from the inside out. My son will be fine, he'll either grow up to be a global game changer or will be a Park Ranger happily stationed in an isolated outpost. What ever happens he will joyously be himself and comfortable in his own skin.
OK so I know your curiosity is piqued a out this whole DJ-Z thang. On our way home I had the CD player off. Zander sang a delightful medley of tunes and at one point interjected " this is DJ -Z ( FYI your voice must drop an octave on the Z) coming atcha with his version of Maroon 5 ' Misery' " . He kept this up for about an hour and kept referring to himself as DJ-Z. That boy cracks me up.
So I kept my promise this weekend of smiling and laughing more. I re-connected with my progeny and watched him grow. We walked over 45 miles in three days. The latter is important because walking is great therapy for us. We learned out local, state and national history. We learned about ourselves. We will be fine. He also liked hearing humorous tales of his mother and me. He needed to be reminded of her qualities in her that carried over into him as well. History is not just what happened 150 yrs ago but what happened yesterday. It was humbling to hear an eight year old boy say - more people died in Antietam than on 9-11 but Antietam isn't on the news even though it was us killing ourselves. I reminded him of how recent the 9-11 events are and how big the crowd at the Battlefield was.
Yeah , DJ - Z is gonna be just fine.
Thanks for reading folks.
Monday, September 17, 2012
My Little Prince
Greetings y'all :
Seems we are really saving the planet. Last night we formally apologized to our car for leaving if untouched and unmoved during lovely top down weather did the last four days. Keep in mind we've walked fifty miles in those four days and made priceless and infinite memories.
I'm blessed with a little experiential Pisces. OK so we're two fish in a pond ! We've walked all over our wonderful neighborhood and yesterday we kicked it up a notch. Alexander the great chose to challenge us to a hike to Soldiers Delight, a lovely four mild walk along twisting country/suburban roads with out side walks. Once there we hiked every trail and a few side trails as well as extra exploring. Of course we also played some football and tossed the frisbee while making memories. We left the park as the sun was going to bed. Then the delight and adventurous walk home . I surprised him with a stop for ice-cream. All told yesterday was the best 10 hour 21.30 miles hike ever!
When we finally got home ,Zander asked me to read to him. He chose " The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. This book is a must read for every parent, teacher and/or misunderstood person. Zander fell asleep in my arms and by golly I didn't want to go to sleep! I wanted that day to last forever. He was reminded that a rough week is just that , at the end of the day he still has me to help guide him, to love HIM - the idea of who I think he is but HIM.
Isn't that the key with all children, golly all people , creatures and things? Love that person for who they are, they have or rather are a special piece in life's puzzle. Do not assume every person and every piece is the same. How boring would that be?
Ok I'm fighting a wee a bit of a sinus infection that's spreading. There are two schools of thought. 1. Lay in bed and get some rest. 2. Work hard every day unless you're sick then work harder. Wanna guess which one I'm subscribing to?
Thanks for reading folks !
Seems we are really saving the planet. Last night we formally apologized to our car for leaving if untouched and unmoved during lovely top down weather did the last four days. Keep in mind we've walked fifty miles in those four days and made priceless and infinite memories.
I'm blessed with a little experiential Pisces. OK so we're two fish in a pond ! We've walked all over our wonderful neighborhood and yesterday we kicked it up a notch. Alexander the great chose to challenge us to a hike to Soldiers Delight, a lovely four mild walk along twisting country/suburban roads with out side walks. Once there we hiked every trail and a few side trails as well as extra exploring. Of course we also played some football and tossed the frisbee while making memories. We left the park as the sun was going to bed. Then the delight and adventurous walk home . I surprised him with a stop for ice-cream. All told yesterday was the best 10 hour 21.30 miles hike ever!
When we finally got home ,Zander asked me to read to him. He chose " The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. This book is a must read for every parent, teacher and/or misunderstood person. Zander fell asleep in my arms and by golly I didn't want to go to sleep! I wanted that day to last forever. He was reminded that a rough week is just that , at the end of the day he still has me to help guide him, to love HIM - the idea of who I think he is but HIM.
Isn't that the key with all children, golly all people , creatures and things? Love that person for who they are, they have or rather are a special piece in life's puzzle. Do not assume every person and every piece is the same. How boring would that be?
Ok I'm fighting a wee a bit of a sinus infection that's spreading. There are two schools of thought. 1. Lay in bed and get some rest. 2. Work hard every day unless you're sick then work harder. Wanna guess which one I'm subscribing to?
Thanks for reading folks !
Friday, September 14, 2012
Values
Greetings y'all :
I feel asleep and woke up giggling with man cub. He reminded me I don't laugh much. I will work to improve that aspect if my life. I also woke up with a word in my head. I didn't just hear but I saw it and felt. Twas a visceral sensation. The word was .... Value!
Value is an interesting if not personal word. What is value? There is a myriad of definitions. Now what if I add an "s" to it - values? Hmm now what are values? It's something we attempt to instill in our progeny and that we exhibit , but what are they? Are they universal? Can they be universal? Ideally we find a soul mate with matching values to help us on our journey.
It's funny that we teach children to think independently as long as they fall in line and obey with out thinking . That's a conundrum.
Ok folks lets get back our adventures. The last two days we've walked to work. I love it !! It's a marvelous 2.5 mile hike to warm up before school and cool down afterwards. It also helps with daddy and dude time ( SCORE!!!!) .To be honest our days have been rocky but we are looking for ways to improve. It's a very trying time for a bright boy who has trouble behaving. I wonder if they go hand in hand.
We've had some great moments at home though. We actually watched tv. PBS aired " Legends and Myths" . We learned about Shambahla, Jason and the Golden Fleece and King Arthur . Zander also reminded me laugh more and said my smile makes him happy. The mouth of babes !
I'm cutting it short tonight to go snuggle with junior mint. We have to put the pieces back together and quiet our brains.
Thanks for reading
I feel asleep and woke up giggling with man cub. He reminded me I don't laugh much. I will work to improve that aspect if my life. I also woke up with a word in my head. I didn't just hear but I saw it and felt. Twas a visceral sensation. The word was .... Value!
Value is an interesting if not personal word. What is value? There is a myriad of definitions. Now what if I add an "s" to it - values? Hmm now what are values? It's something we attempt to instill in our progeny and that we exhibit , but what are they? Are they universal? Can they be universal? Ideally we find a soul mate with matching values to help us on our journey.
It's funny that we teach children to think independently as long as they fall in line and obey with out thinking . That's a conundrum.
Ok folks lets get back our adventures. The last two days we've walked to work. I love it !! It's a marvelous 2.5 mile hike to warm up before school and cool down afterwards. It also helps with daddy and dude time ( SCORE!!!!) .To be honest our days have been rocky but we are looking for ways to improve. It's a very trying time for a bright boy who has trouble behaving. I wonder if they go hand in hand.
We've had some great moments at home though. We actually watched tv. PBS aired " Legends and Myths" . We learned about Shambahla, Jason and the Golden Fleece and King Arthur . Zander also reminded me laugh more and said my smile makes him happy. The mouth of babes !
I'm cutting it short tonight to go snuggle with junior mint. We have to put the pieces back together and quiet our brains.
Thanks for reading
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I've got a secret
Greetings y'all :
A-Rob and I had good days. Not perfect but good. We'll take that. I confess he wanted to walk to school, about two miles, but I blew it by dragging my heals. Then I was upset with myself, silly ol papa bear. But we have to remember not to feed the monster , who is an omnivore.
The monster grows and feeds on anger used negatively, impatience, fear , frustration, aggression , selfishness, self loathing, hate, revenge, retaliation, etc... Every time we yell at someone , seek revenge, wish harm, speak ill or think ill of others we've invited the monster to inhabit a larger portion of our lives. Sounds depressing huh? Why bother trying to defeat the monster huh? The monster can huge for some, is easily fed, and we are wee tiny humans. Alas tis useless to try, tis easier to acquiesce. That is proven by spending an hour watching tv or reading the paper or especially by going online to hear/ read vitriolic rants spewed at others.
Now here's a secret, usually I charge $99 for an all day Mindfulness Training but I'm giving it away today , but for a limited time. This one little secret is mind blowing in its simplicity, beauty and obviousness ! It's as easy as eating pie! Now who doesn't like pie? I love pie ! The secret is ........... you!
Yes folks I'm quite serious. We aren't battling the monster we are battling ourselves. But we need merely stay mindful of each moment, each action, each thought to watch the monster fade. It's always lurking in each of us. Yet if we stay present we shall build ourselves and feed our souls growing our light while subconsciously starving and sending the monster deeper into the darkness. Act with non malfeasance and see what happens. It's takes awhile but you'll discover a quieter mind which makes for a happier brain and more gentle soul.
Folks we are all interconnected. Others see our behavior and are affected by it. We have untold power to help or harm. In my humble opinion the creator put us here as helpers. With that said I'll enjoy my cuppa and prepare for another day of learning from my students, co- workers, friends, strangers, and of course A-Rob. He teaches me more than anyone can imagine.
Thanks for reading again folks .
A-Rob and I had good days. Not perfect but good. We'll take that. I confess he wanted to walk to school, about two miles, but I blew it by dragging my heals. Then I was upset with myself, silly ol papa bear. But we have to remember not to feed the monster , who is an omnivore.
The monster grows and feeds on anger used negatively, impatience, fear , frustration, aggression , selfishness, self loathing, hate, revenge, retaliation, etc... Every time we yell at someone , seek revenge, wish harm, speak ill or think ill of others we've invited the monster to inhabit a larger portion of our lives. Sounds depressing huh? Why bother trying to defeat the monster huh? The monster can huge for some, is easily fed, and we are wee tiny humans. Alas tis useless to try, tis easier to acquiesce. That is proven by spending an hour watching tv or reading the paper or especially by going online to hear/ read vitriolic rants spewed at others.
Now here's a secret, usually I charge $99 for an all day Mindfulness Training but I'm giving it away today , but for a limited time. This one little secret is mind blowing in its simplicity, beauty and obviousness ! It's as easy as eating pie! Now who doesn't like pie? I love pie ! The secret is ........... you!
Yes folks I'm quite serious. We aren't battling the monster we are battling ourselves. But we need merely stay mindful of each moment, each action, each thought to watch the monster fade. It's always lurking in each of us. Yet if we stay present we shall build ourselves and feed our souls growing our light while subconsciously starving and sending the monster deeper into the darkness. Act with non malfeasance and see what happens. It's takes awhile but you'll discover a quieter mind which makes for a happier brain and more gentle soul.
Folks we are all interconnected. Others see our behavior and are affected by it. We have untold power to help or harm. In my humble opinion the creator put us here as helpers. With that said I'll enjoy my cuppa and prepare for another day of learning from my students, co- workers, friends, strangers, and of course A-Rob. He teaches me more than anyone can imagine.
Thanks for reading again folks .
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Forgiveness
Greetings y'all :
I'll keep it brief today. As an American I know today holds special significance in our history and modern day psyche. As a Quaker it's a another day to forgive and move forward. We shall reflect on what happened and move on. This may seem unAmerican but as I teach my child and students - do not give your energies to those wish you harm, give them understanding and maintain you're own personal peace. Dwelling gives the folk your power.
This truly is a life lesson. Forgiveness is the essence of personal happiness. Forgive the broken heart, the misguided word, the act of anger. As a parent and an educator, I dare say as a sentient being, I embrace the notion of letting go and fresh starts. Every second is a learnable moment.
Yesterday was a rough day all around. Twould be easy to see the struggle and strife, dwell on them and remain in an emotional quagmire. Yet by doing that I am giving in and giving up. I am not growing, changing or learning. I've accepted defeat. I'm many things but quitter does not make it on my list. I've walked through the vacillation of fire and water that forged my steel armor.
But that is my journey. What of my precious, confused, and angry man cub? The anger is still bubbling just under the surface. He's showing the behaviors he's learned at school over the last couple of years. I see he has good teacher who is teaching him life and social skills. It's up to my young man to learn though. Yesterday afternoon was scary as I dealt with a tantrum, one of his more overt and demonstrative tantrums. I see how I could handle my end better, yet the true key to success lies in him using strategies to cope with accepting consequences.
We had a break through last night that I've been waiting for. Man Cub, after our second meditation session and while snuggling, finally confessed some fears and frustrations. He was able to, nay strong enough, to look them in the eye and call them out. It may appear to others he is just randomly mean at times. The reality is he's an eight yr old boy who has also been through fires that would render some adults useless. He's an eight yr old boy with grown up experiences and pain. He's an eight ounce glass with a gallon of water being dumped into him. He can be the water, but his little mind is overflowing with emotion. What I see as a positive is that we are dealing with learned behaviors and that he is better able to touch upon his feelings and emotions. It still means having him think- what color do you feel when you feel yada yada yada... Where is the fire in you or where do you feel it in you before you explode. I have failed on many levels as parent but am learning and will not quit on him.
Last night we talked about his magic. Magic is wonderful, it's out there and it's personal. It took me several decades to find my magic, or rather admit I had it. But to get to our personal magic we must face our "Big Green Monster" .We can't feed the monster or it will grow and grow and make it exponentially more difficult to find and grasp or our magic. I learned man cub thinks he can feed the monster until it explodes. When I asked how long would he have to feed it until it explodes he said he had no idea, it just grows. Oh my , the mind of a self reliant, quirky and exuberant child. Then talked about what might happen if you stop feeding it. " silly daddy if you don't feed something it dies or goes away" . If I may borrow from ' The Courtship of Eddies Father' you my son just put your little finger on a very big problem ( solution in our case) .
Today we forgive ourselves and others because if we don't forgive with our entire being we feeding the monster and will never get our magic.
Thanks for reading again today.
I'll keep it brief today. As an American I know today holds special significance in our history and modern day psyche. As a Quaker it's a another day to forgive and move forward. We shall reflect on what happened and move on. This may seem unAmerican but as I teach my child and students - do not give your energies to those wish you harm, give them understanding and maintain you're own personal peace. Dwelling gives the folk your power.
This truly is a life lesson. Forgiveness is the essence of personal happiness. Forgive the broken heart, the misguided word, the act of anger. As a parent and an educator, I dare say as a sentient being, I embrace the notion of letting go and fresh starts. Every second is a learnable moment.
Yesterday was a rough day all around. Twould be easy to see the struggle and strife, dwell on them and remain in an emotional quagmire. Yet by doing that I am giving in and giving up. I am not growing, changing or learning. I've accepted defeat. I'm many things but quitter does not make it on my list. I've walked through the vacillation of fire and water that forged my steel armor.
But that is my journey. What of my precious, confused, and angry man cub? The anger is still bubbling just under the surface. He's showing the behaviors he's learned at school over the last couple of years. I see he has good teacher who is teaching him life and social skills. It's up to my young man to learn though. Yesterday afternoon was scary as I dealt with a tantrum, one of his more overt and demonstrative tantrums. I see how I could handle my end better, yet the true key to success lies in him using strategies to cope with accepting consequences.
We had a break through last night that I've been waiting for. Man Cub, after our second meditation session and while snuggling, finally confessed some fears and frustrations. He was able to, nay strong enough, to look them in the eye and call them out. It may appear to others he is just randomly mean at times. The reality is he's an eight yr old boy who has also been through fires that would render some adults useless. He's an eight yr old boy with grown up experiences and pain. He's an eight ounce glass with a gallon of water being dumped into him. He can be the water, but his little mind is overflowing with emotion. What I see as a positive is that we are dealing with learned behaviors and that he is better able to touch upon his feelings and emotions. It still means having him think- what color do you feel when you feel yada yada yada... Where is the fire in you or where do you feel it in you before you explode. I have failed on many levels as parent but am learning and will not quit on him.
Last night we talked about his magic. Magic is wonderful, it's out there and it's personal. It took me several decades to find my magic, or rather admit I had it. But to get to our personal magic we must face our "Big Green Monster" .We can't feed the monster or it will grow and grow and make it exponentially more difficult to find and grasp or our magic. I learned man cub thinks he can feed the monster until it explodes. When I asked how long would he have to feed it until it explodes he said he had no idea, it just grows. Oh my , the mind of a self reliant, quirky and exuberant child. Then talked about what might happen if you stop feeding it. " silly daddy if you don't feed something it dies or goes away" . If I may borrow from ' The Courtship of Eddies Father' you my son just put your little finger on a very big problem ( solution in our case) .
Today we forgive ourselves and others because if we don't forgive with our entire being we feeding the monster and will never get our magic.
Thanks for reading again today.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Uniqueness
Greetings y'all :
Windows were open all night and got down to 55f. It's funny how that's cause for an extra blanket this time if year but in the spring it means sleeping atop the covers. Seriously though this is one tough morning to break from snuggling with Z . I love my job and co-workers ( I consider the "students" my teachers and since we all strive to achieve they are my co-workers as well.) But let's face it I'd rather spend time with my offspring. He grows every day.
Yesterday Z cleaned his room while followed his directions. He had to plan and predict where to put things. He'd then had to consider how soon he'd use things sort , purge, and in general took ownership of his domain, his ship.
Naturally like any self respecting domestic god Z decided we needed to bake after that. He chose a new recipe for cinnamon swirl bread. Yummy! Needs some tweaking but what in life doesn't ? It still tasted delicious especially with the left soup he made. He spoils his old man.
He did watch a few minutes if football but realized it didn't matter. Lots of money and stress over something that is not reality. It's a great way for people to unite and forget about reality for a few hours, provided they realize it's not reality.
We wanted a hide away stay in day. Therefore we did a bunch of reading, playing and had two twenty meditation sessions. That was amazing, humbling and precious. Yeah I'm man enough to see the beauty in the wee small things.
Like I said it was cool night but great for sleeping! I woke up thus morning at what seemed like a logical part of a dream. Not the end of the dream but end of a chapter, knowing the dream will continue. The last words I heard were - every child , every person is different. Ok I knew it was a dream because I was married to a wonderful woman and he had a blended and extended family. We discussed if giving children a room full of things helps it hurt the child. But what is too much and what is too little? We decided values and character are the best things to give. The children will appreciate what they have rather than pine for what they want. (no I hadn't indulged in alcohol yesterday)
Folks tis time to bid my semi-daily adieu. I'll leave you with he latest Zander quote, this one came from a little voice in the shower " daddy can you bring me my goggles so I can keep the soap out of my eyes?"
Thanks for reading folks.
Windows were open all night and got down to 55f. It's funny how that's cause for an extra blanket this time if year but in the spring it means sleeping atop the covers. Seriously though this is one tough morning to break from snuggling with Z . I love my job and co-workers ( I consider the "students" my teachers and since we all strive to achieve they are my co-workers as well.) But let's face it I'd rather spend time with my offspring. He grows every day.
Yesterday Z cleaned his room while followed his directions. He had to plan and predict where to put things. He'd then had to consider how soon he'd use things sort , purge, and in general took ownership of his domain, his ship.
Naturally like any self respecting domestic god Z decided we needed to bake after that. He chose a new recipe for cinnamon swirl bread. Yummy! Needs some tweaking but what in life doesn't ? It still tasted delicious especially with the left soup he made. He spoils his old man.
He did watch a few minutes if football but realized it didn't matter. Lots of money and stress over something that is not reality. It's a great way for people to unite and forget about reality for a few hours, provided they realize it's not reality.
We wanted a hide away stay in day. Therefore we did a bunch of reading, playing and had two twenty meditation sessions. That was amazing, humbling and precious. Yeah I'm man enough to see the beauty in the wee small things.
Like I said it was cool night but great for sleeping! I woke up thus morning at what seemed like a logical part of a dream. Not the end of the dream but end of a chapter, knowing the dream will continue. The last words I heard were - every child , every person is different. Ok I knew it was a dream because I was married to a wonderful woman and he had a blended and extended family. We discussed if giving children a room full of things helps it hurt the child. But what is too much and what is too little? We decided values and character are the best things to give. The children will appreciate what they have rather than pine for what they want. (no I hadn't indulged in alcohol yesterday)
Folks tis time to bid my semi-daily adieu. I'll leave you with he latest Zander quote, this one came from a little voice in the shower " daddy can you bring me my goggles so I can keep the soap out of my eyes?"
Thanks for reading folks.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Less Words
Greetings y'all :
We'll folks its Sunday ,ahhh sit back and relax day. We don't have enough petrol to get to Friends Meeting so we shall relax and meditate at home. The windows are open and it appears to be a splendid day. Coffee is ready and so are we.
Yesterday was delightful, oh me oh my oh how I love Saturdays in the fall! Why? Well jeepers thanks for asking ....College Football. Yeppers it's my vice. It doesn't hurt that my baseball team is in a pennant chase also but I prefer college football over the NFL. ( go ahead ahead throw some barbs at me I can take it ) To me NCAAF is about kids playing a game for the passion of playing. Just my opinion.
Ok with that said we watched a little NCAAF before I removed the tv again. It may seem harsh but it's the consequence I gave, after warnings, for over reacting to games and for an over the top tantrum. The tantrum ended , after a time in that we both spent in his weather alert safety zone. Hey some kids have forts mine has a weather alert safety zone. Love that little odd ball. Without the telly Zander randomly chose a workbook about the presidents. He completed the entire book , on his own. He put another notch in his perseverance belt. What's a fella to do when his 8 1/2 yr old son thanks him for taking the tv away?
Let me back track for a minute because that's what a meandering mind of a ADD dad does. The day was not just him getting upset over a team having to punt it was actually filled with him mostly watching sports nicely and him cooking and helping clean up our humble abode. He made a delicious pot of Zander's Three Bean Gypsy Soup accompanied by fresh baked simple wheat bread. The weather was threatening and the food was comforting.
Not much to report today folks. We sailed through rough seas and realized it was just a little squall. Hmm perception is reality. Sorry had to do it . A wise young man once told me " less words" and that really is the key to helping man cub maintain and not picking up the rope i.e.: getting into a tug of war or engaging him. Being that my young man is self reliant he will get the last word in and try to play dad tv or whoever is engaging him tv. Hmm it comes back to the tv .
I'll leave you with a pair of Alexander "the Great" Robinson quotes.
" Thank you for giving birth to me and for being my mommy/daddy"
"I'll be the veggie chef, soup chef and bread chef. You can be the fish chef"
Thanks for stopping by and for reading today. My apologies but no pithy parting words Never mind I can't resist, folks try a little experiment today- expect graciousness and kindness and in anticipation of them give them freely.
We'll folks its Sunday ,ahhh sit back and relax day. We don't have enough petrol to get to Friends Meeting so we shall relax and meditate at home. The windows are open and it appears to be a splendid day. Coffee is ready and so are we.
Yesterday was delightful, oh me oh my oh how I love Saturdays in the fall! Why? Well jeepers thanks for asking ....College Football. Yeppers it's my vice. It doesn't hurt that my baseball team is in a pennant chase also but I prefer college football over the NFL. ( go ahead ahead throw some barbs at me I can take it ) To me NCAAF is about kids playing a game for the passion of playing. Just my opinion.
Ok with that said we watched a little NCAAF before I removed the tv again. It may seem harsh but it's the consequence I gave, after warnings, for over reacting to games and for an over the top tantrum. The tantrum ended , after a time in that we both spent in his weather alert safety zone. Hey some kids have forts mine has a weather alert safety zone. Love that little odd ball. Without the telly Zander randomly chose a workbook about the presidents. He completed the entire book , on his own. He put another notch in his perseverance belt. What's a fella to do when his 8 1/2 yr old son thanks him for taking the tv away?
Let me back track for a minute because that's what a meandering mind of a ADD dad does. The day was not just him getting upset over a team having to punt it was actually filled with him mostly watching sports nicely and him cooking and helping clean up our humble abode. He made a delicious pot of Zander's Three Bean Gypsy Soup accompanied by fresh baked simple wheat bread. The weather was threatening and the food was comforting.
Not much to report today folks. We sailed through rough seas and realized it was just a little squall. Hmm perception is reality. Sorry had to do it . A wise young man once told me " less words" and that really is the key to helping man cub maintain and not picking up the rope i.e.: getting into a tug of war or engaging him. Being that my young man is self reliant he will get the last word in and try to play dad tv or whoever is engaging him tv. Hmm it comes back to the tv .
I'll leave you with a pair of Alexander "the Great" Robinson quotes.
" Thank you for giving birth to me and for being my mommy/daddy"
"I'll be the veggie chef, soup chef and bread chef. You can be the fish chef"
Thanks for stopping by and for reading today. My apologies but no pithy parting words Never mind I can't resist, folks try a little experiment today- expect graciousness and kindness and in anticipation of them give them freely.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Perception is reality
Greetings y'all :
The weekend is here and there's lots to be done around the humble Robinson abode. I loathe housework , but at least I have a house to clean. I'm flummoxed because I was only paid for one week but expected and needed to be paid for two. My credit rating has plummeted this year anyway with the additional medical expenses I had for Mowgli. But at least I have a job. While I'd prefer a nationalized health care I'm lucky to have a job and be able to have insurance for my family. Sure Zander keeps asking for a mommy but we both know we're lucky to have each other.
Perception..... is reality
Is the glass half full? Half empty? Or like me are you happy to have a glass ?
I saw enormous growth from Alexander the Great this week. It came with immense struggle. As one person said " he can read at talk about things as a young adult with great comprehension then we forget he's only eight and hasn't learned to control all his big emotions " quite honestly I fought back tears when I heard that. Another person told me she sees a kind boy trying to get out, I had to hug her. Zander's battling the age old conflict of man vs. himself.
These positive affirmations to him and about him are important. The last two years at school he's been told he is bad and is mean. The negatives were highlighted. Naturally he lived up , or rather down, to those labels.
Perception is reality.
I wonder what would happen if he were placed in a challenging academic environment? Maybe even skip a grade like I pleaded for and tested him for back in K and 1? I'm pleased with his teacher this year, great job stressing cooperation but can't help but wonder about surrounding him more academically advanced peers. He was slated for GT until he was placed in BLS . Oh I understand his behavior holds him back . Could the fact he's not been challenged be a factor in these learned behaviors?
Perception is reality
We are the Robinson Boys and play the hand we are dealt. Doesn't mean we aren't looking to build a better mouse trap though. By golly we're Pisces we are always mulling over ways to improve.
Now for something completely different...
By gum I have some good friends. Not just Facebook friends who randomly pop into your life and have no stake in your life but down to earth angels. One is going through personal hell and is an inspiration to the universe, another has physical issues but is always smiling and a deep rich soul, another is suffering from cardiac break apartus but doesn't see their personal light yet, another manages to just keep moving forward, yet another unknowingly is teaching me to be a better man/father/ person. Resiliency and honesty are what keeps us all moving forward. I'm honored to have friends who reach for me and to me. That was lacking for years because of a situation I allowed myself to be in. Yeppers years of DV and follow up therapy and I still blame myself.
Look at each moment , if it's a learnable moment of struggle and thus growth we ought to ask ourselves " do I have a problem or does the problem have me ?" l if it's the former then you own it, you have choices. You can solve and resolve. If its the latter then you'll be stuck in that quagmire for some time until you own it and take control.
Perception is reality.
I'll leave you with a pair of John Lennon quotes .
" Reality leaves a lot to the imagination"
" There's no problems only solutions"
Thanks reading today folks !
The weekend is here and there's lots to be done around the humble Robinson abode. I loathe housework , but at least I have a house to clean. I'm flummoxed because I was only paid for one week but expected and needed to be paid for two. My credit rating has plummeted this year anyway with the additional medical expenses I had for Mowgli. But at least I have a job. While I'd prefer a nationalized health care I'm lucky to have a job and be able to have insurance for my family. Sure Zander keeps asking for a mommy but we both know we're lucky to have each other.
Perception..... is reality
Is the glass half full? Half empty? Or like me are you happy to have a glass ?
I saw enormous growth from Alexander the Great this week. It came with immense struggle. As one person said " he can read at talk about things as a young adult with great comprehension then we forget he's only eight and hasn't learned to control all his big emotions " quite honestly I fought back tears when I heard that. Another person told me she sees a kind boy trying to get out, I had to hug her. Zander's battling the age old conflict of man vs. himself.
These positive affirmations to him and about him are important. The last two years at school he's been told he is bad and is mean. The negatives were highlighted. Naturally he lived up , or rather down, to those labels.
Perception is reality.
I wonder what would happen if he were placed in a challenging academic environment? Maybe even skip a grade like I pleaded for and tested him for back in K and 1? I'm pleased with his teacher this year, great job stressing cooperation but can't help but wonder about surrounding him more academically advanced peers. He was slated for GT until he was placed in BLS . Oh I understand his behavior holds him back . Could the fact he's not been challenged be a factor in these learned behaviors?
Perception is reality
We are the Robinson Boys and play the hand we are dealt. Doesn't mean we aren't looking to build a better mouse trap though. By golly we're Pisces we are always mulling over ways to improve.
Now for something completely different...
By gum I have some good friends. Not just Facebook friends who randomly pop into your life and have no stake in your life but down to earth angels. One is going through personal hell and is an inspiration to the universe, another has physical issues but is always smiling and a deep rich soul, another is suffering from cardiac break apartus but doesn't see their personal light yet, another manages to just keep moving forward, yet another unknowingly is teaching me to be a better man/father/ person. Resiliency and honesty are what keeps us all moving forward. I'm honored to have friends who reach for me and to me. That was lacking for years because of a situation I allowed myself to be in. Yeppers years of DV and follow up therapy and I still blame myself.
Look at each moment , if it's a learnable moment of struggle and thus growth we ought to ask ourselves " do I have a problem or does the problem have me ?" l if it's the former then you own it, you have choices. You can solve and resolve. If its the latter then you'll be stuck in that quagmire for some time until you own it and take control.
Perception is reality.
I'll leave you with a pair of John Lennon quotes .
" Reality leaves a lot to the imagination"
" There's no problems only solutions"
Thanks reading today folks !
Friday, September 7, 2012
Smooth sailing on rough seas
Greetings y'all :
Aww what a delightful Tech Free Thursday! We enjoyed plenty if conversation, laughter, and reading. We really needed it too after two long and rather eventful if not interesting days. But you know our mantra- we are the Robinson Boys !
Wednesday was a day of learning and growth on many levels. But that is the key - to learn. Thursday was another day of growth and learning. Perfection is unattainable and unrealistic. I don't expect it from anyone. It may appear I expect it from myself but I seek improvement and growth.
Every moment us a learnable moment. Life is impermanent therefore failures and successes are fleeting. Suffering comes from holding on to either one. Others choices are strictly that , their choices. We can choose how we act, react and feel. I choose not to allow others to make me feel what I don't want to feel.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by supportive and professional co- workers. I guess that last little diatribe was for man cub and some friends who are experiencing rough seas. Be the captain of your ship.
Aww what a delightful Tech Free Thursday! We enjoyed plenty if conversation, laughter, and reading. We really needed it too after two long and rather eventful if not interesting days. But you know our mantra- we are the Robinson Boys !
Wednesday was a day of learning and growth on many levels. But that is the key - to learn. Thursday was another day of growth and learning. Perfection is unattainable and unrealistic. I don't expect it from anyone. It may appear I expect it from myself but I seek improvement and growth.
Every moment us a learnable moment. Life is impermanent therefore failures and successes are fleeting. Suffering comes from holding on to either one. Others choices are strictly that , their choices. We can choose how we act, react and feel. I choose not to allow others to make me feel what I don't want to feel.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by supportive and professional co- workers. I guess that last little diatribe was for man cub and some friends who are experiencing rough seas. Be the captain of your ship.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Love of Learning
Greetings y'all :
Well it's hump day already. As I write this exposition I realize we had little rising action thus far and if yesterday/ last night was our climax then we're in for a quiet week. Most of my characters gave seen little action and conflict and therefore limited resolution. In conclusion I hope every one has a wonderful Wednesday.
Ok folk bonus points if you can tell what we are working on in language arts.
Yesterday , after my little man worked through his home work, we returned for his follow up visit for his mini volcano. He fought through his mental block on his homework and did terrific! It doesn't hurt that I've taught third grade math before. Seems for the first time ever the water proof bandage bothered him. Had some irritation around his wound. I felt horrible. They redressed his abscess, which looks much better, and told me how to help heal the rest of the fresh irritation. They doctor said no swimming for a week. After she left A-Rob burst out laughing and said " daddy the pool is closed - it was worth it!" How can you not live that spirit!
It was back to school night. First off WOW a PTA run by parents and not the admin! This PTA is amazing ! That staff at my sons school did a great job preparing for back to school. More unseen hours folks don't realize underpaid teachers put in. Most teachers I know work 7-5 in order to be prepared and to integrate and differentiate for little Johnny. Not to mention the hours put in at home on night, weekends, and holidays. As well as the extra money they spend to make lessons work or for students who don't have money for supplies. I've met only dedicated professionals. Oh I should mention I work as a paraeducator in the same school my child attends.
Last night Zander's teacher said he has to read fifteen minutes every night. I told her not to tell him. When she asked why I said because he reads about two hours every night and I'd hate to seem him reduce that. At she laughed, but there was a painful kernel of truth it that jestful comment. A couple of years ago Zander was reading two to four hours a night and logging all his steps( a step being fifteen minutes) he was told to stop reading because others were cheating to catch up to him. Not way to go you raised the bar let's teach the others to be honest. Or yay you found what you excel at let's celebrate you,but stop reading. We worked through it and hopefully are returning to a love of learning.
Coffee is ready , who wants a cup?
Thanks for reading today.
Well it's hump day already. As I write this exposition I realize we had little rising action thus far and if yesterday/ last night was our climax then we're in for a quiet week. Most of my characters gave seen little action and conflict and therefore limited resolution. In conclusion I hope every one has a wonderful Wednesday.
Ok folk bonus points if you can tell what we are working on in language arts.
Yesterday , after my little man worked through his home work, we returned for his follow up visit for his mini volcano. He fought through his mental block on his homework and did terrific! It doesn't hurt that I've taught third grade math before. Seems for the first time ever the water proof bandage bothered him. Had some irritation around his wound. I felt horrible. They redressed his abscess, which looks much better, and told me how to help heal the rest of the fresh irritation. They doctor said no swimming for a week. After she left A-Rob burst out laughing and said " daddy the pool is closed - it was worth it!" How can you not live that spirit!
It was back to school night. First off WOW a PTA run by parents and not the admin! This PTA is amazing ! That staff at my sons school did a great job preparing for back to school. More unseen hours folks don't realize underpaid teachers put in. Most teachers I know work 7-5 in order to be prepared and to integrate and differentiate for little Johnny. Not to mention the hours put in at home on night, weekends, and holidays. As well as the extra money they spend to make lessons work or for students who don't have money for supplies. I've met only dedicated professionals. Oh I should mention I work as a paraeducator in the same school my child attends.
Last night Zander's teacher said he has to read fifteen minutes every night. I told her not to tell him. When she asked why I said because he reads about two hours every night and I'd hate to seem him reduce that. At she laughed, but there was a painful kernel of truth it that jestful comment. A couple of years ago Zander was reading two to four hours a night and logging all his steps( a step being fifteen minutes) he was told to stop reading because others were cheating to catch up to him. Not way to go you raised the bar let's teach the others to be honest. Or yay you found what you excel at let's celebrate you,but stop reading. We worked through it and hopefully are returning to a love of learning.
Coffee is ready , who wants a cup?
Thanks for reading today.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Captain and the kid
Greetings y'all:
Well looks like its back to reality today. Glad I have a job to return to after Labor Day. Prayers to everyone still seeking employment. I would posit I'm also tremendously fortunate because I enjoy spending days with Man Cub. Sure we have our moments of discord but it's mostly harmonious and always loving and entertaining.
Every night as we read we listen to our soundtrack which consists of "Beautiful Boy" (we sing this to each other because I've sung it him every night since he was a bump) Courtship of Eddies Father" "Fireflies" " The Fishin' Hole -Andy Griffith Theme" "Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world" ( Iz's version) "Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes" . This play list expands as we grow. He's recently begun requesting "captain and the kid" "Jolly man" and "nine million bicycles " The point is its part of our ritual, the fabric of our lives. The soundtrack is part of our song line.
Yesterday was rainy and sunny , hot and cool , dark and light day. The weather was persnickety and inconsistent. Plenty of rain, occasional thunderstorm, and sporadic sunshine. Since it was Labor Day we opted to work together on house work then go swimming. Now that's quality decision making right there. We only had to evacuate once because of thunder storms - note to self next don't leave towels on chairs- but still swam in the rain and the sun when it came out to play. I was proud of Man Cub because during thunder break he played sweetly with a disappointed young lad. Brother bear would make a fine older brother.
We opted for the fitness center during the downpour then returned to pool. By now y'all know Junior Mint has to be the last man standing. So yes he was last person in the pool for the season. He cracks me up.
We came home and A-Rob decided we needed closing ceremonies. What else would a future Olympian think? He selected some Hawaiian slack key guitar music as he made brownie pops while I cooked the menu of his choice (salmon , brown rice and broccoli ) I was lucky to get any. After our feast it was snuggle up and read time , of course with the aforementioned soundtrack.
Sure we had hiccups yesterday but we talked about proactive ( preventive ) versus reactive choices. The decision dollars are working out nicely. He's accepted that he can earn them or get fined. He's caught himself a few times before he got fined. It's not a natural consequence but it's a visual clue and cue of certain behaviors.
Well folks time for coffee, shower and reality. Hope you enjoyed today's ramblings about the Robinson Boys adventures. Remember all feedback is welcome.
Well looks like its back to reality today. Glad I have a job to return to after Labor Day. Prayers to everyone still seeking employment. I would posit I'm also tremendously fortunate because I enjoy spending days with Man Cub. Sure we have our moments of discord but it's mostly harmonious and always loving and entertaining.
Every night as we read we listen to our soundtrack which consists of "Beautiful Boy" (we sing this to each other because I've sung it him every night since he was a bump) Courtship of Eddies Father" "Fireflies" " The Fishin' Hole -Andy Griffith Theme" "Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world" ( Iz's version) "Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes" . This play list expands as we grow. He's recently begun requesting "captain and the kid" "Jolly man" and "nine million bicycles " The point is its part of our ritual, the fabric of our lives. The soundtrack is part of our song line.
Yesterday was rainy and sunny , hot and cool , dark and light day. The weather was persnickety and inconsistent. Plenty of rain, occasional thunderstorm, and sporadic sunshine. Since it was Labor Day we opted to work together on house work then go swimming. Now that's quality decision making right there. We only had to evacuate once because of thunder storms - note to self next don't leave towels on chairs- but still swam in the rain and the sun when it came out to play. I was proud of Man Cub because during thunder break he played sweetly with a disappointed young lad. Brother bear would make a fine older brother.
We opted for the fitness center during the downpour then returned to pool. By now y'all know Junior Mint has to be the last man standing. So yes he was last person in the pool for the season. He cracks me up.
We came home and A-Rob decided we needed closing ceremonies. What else would a future Olympian think? He selected some Hawaiian slack key guitar music as he made brownie pops while I cooked the menu of his choice (salmon , brown rice and broccoli ) I was lucky to get any. After our feast it was snuggle up and read time , of course with the aforementioned soundtrack.
Sure we had hiccups yesterday but we talked about proactive ( preventive ) versus reactive choices. The decision dollars are working out nicely. He's accepted that he can earn them or get fined. He's caught himself a few times before he got fined. It's not a natural consequence but it's a visual clue and cue of certain behaviors.
Well folks time for coffee, shower and reality. Hope you enjoyed today's ramblings about the Robinson Boys adventures. Remember all feedback is welcome.
Monday, September 3, 2012
My little 102 month old man cub
Greetings y'all ;
For those of us in the Etats Unis Happy Labor Day. For the rest of the universe Happy 102 Month Birthday Mowgli!
In honor of his 8 1/2 yrs. of smiling at me and bringing me joy we shall make brownie pops!
It's been a great weekend folks. We've visited the farmers market and Trader Joes, tried dates and figs for the first time- delish! Ok I'm adding to figs to my personal list of perfect foods! I can live on figs, watermelon, edamame, coconut water, spinach .... Well and the occasional key lime rum and mango concoction or rum runners.
We did some swimming , don't even act surprised. We played and read and snuggled , again don't act surprised. We even watched the 'Bama football game, again don't act surprised. We finally made it to Friends Meeting Sunday morn. I steered our ship through icebergs and didn't let go of the helm. We needed that. It's a beautiful and humbling thing to watch my quirky and exuberant man cub sitting in quiet meditation for twenty minutes.
We followed Friends Meeting with a run to Express Care. Junior Mint had a little bug bite on his hip that was expanding. My brave little monkey had to get it taken care of. He screamed but the doctor reminded him he hadn't even picked up the needle. We laughed and wrapped up the visit, but not before Zander asked " will this affect my swimming" . Doctor said wear your waterproof bandages and have fun. So we got the antibiotics , came home, switched bandages and swam.
The antibiotics are given by syringe. It's like he's a new born all over again! He survived the first weeks of life on this plane by suckling on my thumb and me slowly feeding him with a syringe. You've come a long way little dude!
Again I can not imagine life with out my progeny! Joy and pain are what makes us grow. I am humbled to write my song line with my first mate. You've made me a better human being. With that said its time for the captain and the kid to .....
Thanks for reading again today folks!
For those of us in the Etats Unis Happy Labor Day. For the rest of the universe Happy 102 Month Birthday Mowgli!
In honor of his 8 1/2 yrs. of smiling at me and bringing me joy we shall make brownie pops!
It's been a great weekend folks. We've visited the farmers market and Trader Joes, tried dates and figs for the first time- delish! Ok I'm adding to figs to my personal list of perfect foods! I can live on figs, watermelon, edamame, coconut water, spinach .... Well and the occasional key lime rum and mango concoction or rum runners.
We did some swimming , don't even act surprised. We played and read and snuggled , again don't act surprised. We even watched the 'Bama football game, again don't act surprised. We finally made it to Friends Meeting Sunday morn. I steered our ship through icebergs and didn't let go of the helm. We needed that. It's a beautiful and humbling thing to watch my quirky and exuberant man cub sitting in quiet meditation for twenty minutes.
We followed Friends Meeting with a run to Express Care. Junior Mint had a little bug bite on his hip that was expanding. My brave little monkey had to get it taken care of. He screamed but the doctor reminded him he hadn't even picked up the needle. We laughed and wrapped up the visit, but not before Zander asked " will this affect my swimming" . Doctor said wear your waterproof bandages and have fun. So we got the antibiotics , came home, switched bandages and swam.
The antibiotics are given by syringe. It's like he's a new born all over again! He survived the first weeks of life on this plane by suckling on my thumb and me slowly feeding him with a syringe. You've come a long way little dude!
Again I can not imagine life with out my progeny! Joy and pain are what makes us grow. I am humbled to write my song line with my first mate. You've made me a better human being. With that said its time for the captain and the kid to .....
Thanks for reading again today folks!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Blue Moon
Greetings y'all ;
Well folks its a beautiful blue moon this morning. We watches it rise last evening and I'm watching it creep across the western sky this morn. Less than four hours sleep for papa bear last night. I don't feel stressed just that mind is busy. Oh and late night caffeine. The bonus is the door to our apartment building is framed in rose bushes. Aww the smell of roses, the rare blue moon, accompanied by a chorus of crickets. Only thug missing is my side kick , but since it's only 04:45 I think I'll let him sleep. As I sit here in reminded of days gone by. When man cub and I would sleep along the river under the stars . I miss those days.Oops guess who just came to snuggle up?
We taught about stress management in health yesterday and the kids said I'm always stress free. Hey just because I wear fun ties and aloha shirts on Friday, just because I'm usually smiling and don't get upset doesn't mean I'm stress free. The kids asked my ways to relieve stress. Hmm they said your always eating fruit, smiling and singing. They're onto me I guess. Funny thing is I'd just dropped an open brown marker on my white pants and my best aloha shirt had ripped. They saw me laugh it off, attempt to remedy it and continue smiling and joking. I'm human.
So I owe Mowgli an apology. Seems the pool was open until 8 all week and I assumed it closed at 7 as per usual. We left at 18:45 every night. Then again we maintained our school night routines. Last night we swam to a cacophony of cricket and kids playing in field next to the pool. Twas grand!
Ok y'all know the boy wonder has bean wonderful. (forgive me universe for bragging please don't punish us for it) I decided to work on a token economy with the lad. We will use decision dollars. He can earn dollars based on his decisions. He can lose dollars based on decisions. We are working out a specific dollar amounts based on actions and reactions and I supposed proaction. We are also working out the menu for spending the dollars. The menu thus far is mostly free things like additional Zander led time. The idea is to help lead him toward the path of being pro active and non reactive. I'll keep ya posted.
Folks enjoy your weekend, for us crazy Americans its Labor Day weekend. So enjoy your long weekend if you get it. It means more time to make memories.
Thanks for reading y'all !
Well folks its a beautiful blue moon this morning. We watches it rise last evening and I'm watching it creep across the western sky this morn. Less than four hours sleep for papa bear last night. I don't feel stressed just that mind is busy. Oh and late night caffeine. The bonus is the door to our apartment building is framed in rose bushes. Aww the smell of roses, the rare blue moon, accompanied by a chorus of crickets. Only thug missing is my side kick , but since it's only 04:45 I think I'll let him sleep. As I sit here in reminded of days gone by. When man cub and I would sleep along the river under the stars . I miss those days.Oops guess who just came to snuggle up?
We taught about stress management in health yesterday and the kids said I'm always stress free. Hey just because I wear fun ties and aloha shirts on Friday, just because I'm usually smiling and don't get upset doesn't mean I'm stress free. The kids asked my ways to relieve stress. Hmm they said your always eating fruit, smiling and singing. They're onto me I guess. Funny thing is I'd just dropped an open brown marker on my white pants and my best aloha shirt had ripped. They saw me laugh it off, attempt to remedy it and continue smiling and joking. I'm human.
So I owe Mowgli an apology. Seems the pool was open until 8 all week and I assumed it closed at 7 as per usual. We left at 18:45 every night. Then again we maintained our school night routines. Last night we swam to a cacophony of cricket and kids playing in field next to the pool. Twas grand!
Ok y'all know the boy wonder has bean wonderful. (forgive me universe for bragging please don't punish us for it) I decided to work on a token economy with the lad. We will use decision dollars. He can earn dollars based on his decisions. He can lose dollars based on decisions. We are working out a specific dollar amounts based on actions and reactions and I supposed proaction. We are also working out the menu for spending the dollars. The menu thus far is mostly free things like additional Zander led time. The idea is to help lead him toward the path of being pro active and non reactive. I'll keep ya posted.
Folks enjoy your weekend, for us crazy Americans its Labor Day weekend. So enjoy your long weekend if you get it. It means more time to make memories.
Thanks for reading y'all !
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