Well, it has been a while. I a having trouble keeping my promise to write at least once a week. No excuses, just have not made time for, which is even worse because one of the reasons for this blog's very existence is so I will write regularly. In actuality, I have written a couple of different posts, or at least started to write them, but I just did not feel they were ready for primetime (hopefully at least one of you understands that reference. So, that being said, here I go.
What to write what to write. Every blogger seems to have a "stuff I love and stuff I hate" post every now and then, probably when they do know what to write about, so I will go with that. If you are bored or feel I am wasting your time, you can definitely move on to something else, and I will be fine with that.
Hey, I will start with that. One thing that annoys me is the loud and belligerent response many people have to TV shows, music, movies, and the like that they do not like, and the demand that everything be changed to match what they want. Usually, regardless of the issue or where the respective sides sit politically, the "other side" will then come back with just as much volume and fervor, with one side screaming "free speech", oftentimes when such an application of the Bill of Rights is not appropriate. Unless the speaker is being muzzled, directly or indirectly, by some level or branch of the government, keep that objection in the holster. If you do not like what is said, turn the channel, do not buy the album or products advertised on the program, or do not attend the screening. Start a movement for others who agree with you to do the same. People have a right to express themselves, even if I disagree with them or if what is said proves to be offensive. I respect that. People who disagree have a right to express themselves too. We all also have the right to turn the channel. And when it is tied to business, especially selling advertising, turning the channel might be the best way to express your dissent. Money talks, and most businesses will only take a moral stance so far when the register stops ringing. If you turn the channel, at the least, you will not have to listen to and you will not be supporting someone whose views run counter to yours.
Ok, that was something that annoys me, so here is one thing that I love. I am thrilled when my students take something I say or present them in class and turn it over in their minds, then throw it back at me in a question. The other day, a freshman (we will call him Dawson) took my notes on tragic heroes and asked me a question about the TV series Breaking Bad. It took what we were examining, and it clarified the view for many of the kids sitting in that classroom. "Oh yeah. That makes sense" is a line that warms the heart of any teacher, regardless of how we get to that point.
You know what else I love? Twitter mentions. I know that some of you just groaned and rolled your eyes. Not just Twitter applies here, I guess. Facebook mentions are neat (I think I want to start a movement to bring back the use of the word neat, but that is a totally different dicsussion). I really do love when a student or former student mentions me in a tweet about what his college professor said or something that we had done in class that is now paying off. Or maybe it is about something in a movie he saw that harkened back to a discussion in class. Perhaps a football player, or his mom, liked the highlight video I posted. Whatever it is, tt is just plain cool. Call it being egotistical, insecure, or needy; I do not care. It brightens my day. #thankyou
Those mentions are one of those little things that I appreciate. I guess I am trying to say that I try to love, and appreciate the little things. That is one of the main rules of Zombieland, afterall, so it must be important. I love when students say, "Good morning Mr. Kohls" when they come by my room and drop of their books and bags early in the morning. I try to return that favor. I love when a fellow teacher asks me what I am doing in class, or send me a link or activity that he or she is using in class and has been useful. I love when my daughter comes in between classes and gives me a hug or asks if I want to see what she has drawn or painted. I love when my son decides to empty the dishwasher or make cookies. I love when former students stop by or catch me at a game or in the grocery store just to say "Hello." I love when kids surprise me with what they have written or ask questions for the first time in class. I love when a fellow coach or a player says, "Thank you" for something that I enjoyed doing in the first place. I need to do a better job of that. I don't say, "Thank You" enough. I love when my wife kisses me goodbye in the morning just before I walk out the door. Little things that are not so little. They are neat.
I am done for the day. I could complain much more, and the list of things I love is definitely incomplete here. However, you are probably becoming bored, or annoyed, and are welcoming a conclusion. So this is the end, my friend.
Oh, and if you feel like it, give me mention, or a retweet, if you want. That would be #neat.
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