Sunday, October 28, 2012

PLOG and Stuff

It seems like it has been awhile since my last blog.  I do have an excuse.  This is a busy time of the year as it seems like there are many meetings to attend and they hit back to back.  So this blog will touch on a variety of topics.

First I must say that I was satisfied with the Administrative Conference which occurred last week.  I always go with the hope of bringing something back that will be useful.  I came back with a reguvinated (spelling) attitude.  Like I've said many times before - It is soo much easier to see negatives in things than positives, and this conference brightened up many posititves that are occuring in our nations schools...including our own.  We are succeeding in our schools...to the point that we lead the world in many key characteristics.  I was excited to hear somebody else say that we are over testing our students, and that a school cannot be measured by just looking at test scores.  I could go on and on about the conference but I will leave it at that.  We are doing a great job in our schools, and educators across the State should be proud of themselves.

Second thing on my mind is how much we all make a difference in this world.  You may not know it but you do make a difference.  Things you say, things you do....somebody is watching you....and somebody admires you.  I absolutely love running into old students.  I say old...loosley as it hasn't been that long since I've been in the classroom, but there is no better feeling then when a past student approaches you and thanks you for something you said, or did.  Things that are easily forgetten by me, but forever remembered by someone else.  These moments are the best moments.  You hear this all the time, but it is definatley true.  You may not know this, but you have touched somebodys life in a way that you will never know.

I challenge you to start a conversation with somebody you don't know this week.  I can't believe that I'm saying this...as I've always been the shy guy...to the point where people could probably precieve me as stuck up...but I'm not that (more insecure than anything).  But even saying hi to someone you don't know may bring a big positive to them.  You never know how powerful your words and actions are.

And finnally speaking of positive.  We have seen Facebook explode.  Pinterest is now doing the same.  Blogging has become more and more popular.  I'm thinking I should start a PLOG site. This would be a blog, but only positive comments are aloud...hence the P instead of the B.  This would be a site that only comments allowed to you are postive ones.  Everybody has a page and people have access to write on there page...but only uplifting messages come through.  People could even write PLOGS and become PLOGGERS.   I wish I was techy enough to get such a page started.   To my tech friends....give me a call.

In any event.  I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.

Take Care
Mr. Jordan

 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Fantabulous Fall

I absolutely love this time of the year.  It doesn't get any better than that atmosphere that surrounds the Fall of the year.  So if your looking for an educational post tonight, you will not find too much, but hopefully you can agree with me when I say there is no better time than right now.

First off, the temperature is just right.  It is not too hot and it's not too cold.  As Summer flys by, I start to get sick of the hot weather.  I also tend to get sick of the cold weather as Winter "creeps" by.  So in the Fall of the year you get the best of both worlds.  One may ask "what about Spring?"  I love that too, however it is just too muddy and slushy for me.   The bottom line - I would rather be cold then hot, and I'd rather it not be a muddy mess.

The temperature might be the main reason I like this time of year, but its definately not the only reason.  Right now as I'm writing this I'm watching the Yankees.  They are currently up 1-0 in case anybody cares.  There is nothing better than Post-Season baseball.  Every year (it sure seems like) I get to watch the Yankees in the playoffs.  Even better yet, when they are blowing somebody out, I can flip the channel and watch Football.  My two favorite sports to watch all in the same season of the year. If I had a fire place - it will be all that much better.

This is also a great time for High School Sports.  Kids are getting back into the gym, concession stands are busy, etc, etc.  I love to see "school pride."   There is nothing better than high school sports - especially in a small town.  The community rallys together and comes to evening games.  Lets face it - the main form of entertainment in a small town is high school sports - and to me its some pretty darn good entertainment.  But also we have Friday night football.  A Fall evening, temperature in the low to mid 50's (I'll take high 40's) under the lights, and a community rallying behind there home football team.  It doesn't get much better.

But maybe there is another reason this is the best time of the year.  For me this is the time for some great anticipation.  Halloween is right around the corner, and you know Thanksgiving is not too far away.  And (I get it, your not supposed to start a sentance with "and" but it just makes sence sometimes) once Thanksgiving hits you know Christmas is very near. 

Uh ohh.  It is 2-1 Orioles.  I better hurry and finish this.  The Yankees need me.

Back to my anticipations.  I have soo many childhood memories from the three holiday's I mentioned. From dressing up at Halloween scaring people, to watching football on Thanksgiving with family, and all of the joys of Christmas - I just love this time of year.  It doesn't get any better.   I can always remember bugging my dad to put up christmas lights, and now I can't wait to do the same for my kids.  I want to take my kids trick-or-treating, I want to eat Turkey with them and watch football - sitting by a fireplace during a blizard.  Yes, I said blizzard.  Is there anything better than the combination of the following - football, Thanksgiving, and a Blizard (as long as everybody gets where they need to safely)?

So in any event.  Lets go Yankees - Lets go Fanatasy Football Team - Lets go Cougars - Lets go Titans - Lets go mid to high 50's - Lets go an occasional Blizard - and bring on the three anticipated Holidays.

Its 3-3 now, I better go.

Have a great Fall.