Walk This Way

Many of our decisions about where to work, shop or attend school depend on how far from home we’re willing to travel. It boils down to choosing between adventure and inconvenience. Some people don’t mind traveling long distances while others prefer quick trips. Regardless of how far you’re willing to travel, would you do this if you couldn’t go by car?

                                         https://youtu.be/5F6VGlLuzKM

The title “America Strong” underscores the student’s determination. Who else would do what he did? Think about the number of times you’ve texted from your bedroom to someone in your kitchen or ignored a ringing phone because you had to walk across the room to answer it. Rather than walking through the mall, I’ve considered leaving the building and driving to a store at the opposite end. Okay, I actually did that. We find the wildest reasons to avoid moving on. When you don’t feel like taking the next step, who or what motivates you to push forward?      

Looming Tower of Rights

The moment you think everybody’s on the same page about a subject—bam—someone pops up with a totally different viewpoint that would have never crossed your mind. For instance, thousands of students across the country walked out of school protesting gun laws and a school shooting, but not every student walked out.

Some students held indoor vigils, and in one school, students traveled the hallways, posting encouraging notes on one another’s lockers. It sounded like a creative twist on an unfortunate incident. Unfortunately, not everyone agreed with that decision. They thought the idea oversimplified the issue and placed responsibility on the students to modify questionable behaviors in schools.

We’re great at arguing about issues and picking apart other people’s opinions. Sort of like what I’m doing and what you’ll see here:

                                         https://youtu.be/654YMP971ao  

Granted, some arguments are simply dumb, and it’s fine to disagree with an opposing viewpoint. How about if we do it by reinforcing our key points instead of taking a bat to someone else’s position? Maybe one day we’ll all share the same perspective on an issue. Which one do you wish everyone believed in and supported?    

One Day at a Time

Once we think we understand a situation is the moment the surprising, true facts emerge.  As the school year draws to a quick close, one of our kids commented how time flew and that school should continue for at least another month. What? By June, most students, parents, and teachers yearn for the end of the long routine. Throughout the year, our child complains about studying and school-related inconveniences that interrupt web-surfing and other important activities, so it was bewildering to hear a call for more school days. Time is a peculiar thing, and our perspective of it changes depending on who (or what) we are and where we stand. Have a listen:       

                                         https://youtu.be/Bc-YpWBxsHU

No wonder flies escape us so easily and so often. Imagine how life would change if we perceived time differently. Even now, dangerous close calls demonstrate how our reaction times can make the difference between life and death. What situation is moving too fast for you right now, and what would you do now if you knew you would run out of time this week?     

Time for Class

I glanced in our backyard and discovered a deer staring toward the street, and I could tell by the expression on its face it was calculating the odds of making it to the other side. Before I could stop it, the deer sped off toward danger. I ran to the front window to see if it would survive.

It probably sensed my concern because instead of crossing the street, it headed down the block. Frightened by cars whizzing by, the deer panicked, dashed across the street and lunged into the bushes. Seconds later, it leaped from the shrubs with a branch lodged between its antlers, turned, and galloped into thicker woods.

Too bad deer can’t take street-crossing classes. If that sounds absurd, take a look at some of the incredible classes our schools offer: 

                                          https://youtu.be/Kfyicb_ZCuE

It’s good marketing when teachers use popular class titles to attract students, but it’s a waste of money when the classes lack any real value. In your opinion, what type of class should everyone take?        

Lazy Or Not, Here We Go

It’s time! We’ve heard the commercials and purchased the school supplies. Students, tired of lounging around, want a change of pace. I can see the summer slipping away. I think I saw brown leaves the other day. Regardless of whether you or someone you know plans to attend classes in the fall, September feels like a time for new beginnings. It will require a change in schedule, habits, and/or mindset. Here’s a little insight on the days to come:   

                                   http://youtu.be/RpiDWeRN4UA

 Changing habits can be challenging. No wonder we plod around like zombies during those first few weeks of September. I’m considering joining a gym, which should increase my exercise schedule from zilch to healthier. I’m not eager to start, but it’s time. During this next season what habit do you plan to add or subtract from your life? 

Throwbacks, Flashbacks, and Old School

I’m old school, baby! How many times have you heard that saying? If it’s said with enough bravado, old school sounds cool. People often think old school means you’re behind the times, but it might mean that you do your own thing, or march to a different beat. Old school could also refer to someone who uses a typewriter, plays eight track tapes, owns an iPhone 4—or it might refer to this guy:          

                                              http://youtu.be/FbsLHELLNoQ

Who knew a buffalo could plow fields? The animal cooperated like it understood just what to do and how to do it. At the end of planting season, the farmer must be exhausted—and healthy!  Buffalo plowing is several variations away from using oxen, horses, and tractors, and each method has its pros and cons. Sometimes the old way is the better way.

Maybe you’re old school, too. What do you prefer to do that seems contrary to the prevailing ideas and habits of today’s culture?  

Large and Small Deals

Did I see what I thought I saw? Back-to-school sales! Let’s give this merchandising strategy a  name, call it “sales creep.” It’s the retail industry’s habit of scooching the traditional selling period for any holiday or special event earlier and earlier every year. Before long, stores will sponsor huge sales at the end of a school year and keep going until Independence Day. How awful to rush the summer break! What’s worse is that I’d be the first to grab all of those horrible one cent deals at those too-early back-to-school sales. What can I say? I’m a pushover for a bargain. You can never own too many folders and paper clips, can you? If you like deals, here’s one that might intrigue you:

                                         http://youtu.be/ewEfz_AEc8Y

 What a gorgeous place! I know it has the potential for a great resort, but the advertisement frightens me. Blame it on the choice of background music that makes the ad feel like a movie about murder, mystery and intrigue. Once you combine murder and paradise, the last thing I’m thinking about is a relaxing resort. For that reason, I cannot purchase the island—but that’s just me. How about you? Barring one cent back-to-school deals, what’s the best offer you’ve  heard?

Supply-Side Education

It’s back-to-school shopping time again. This is the season in which we endure or enjoy the hustle and bustle of checking the supplies list and running from store to store for the best deals as the cash flows from our pockets. If you have children, you can identify with this scenario. If not, you get to enjoy the benefits of office supply sales. When you’re in stores this week, take advantage of the remaining back-to-school sales. Great deals exist and some items will only cost a penny. You’re going to need pens, paper, folders or notepads at some point so you may as well load up your shopping cart. Flexible rulers make great Christmas gifts, don’t they?    

My informal research indicates that kids fall into two camps: those who are ready to return to school and the other half—not so much. Our kids fall into the not-so-much camp. Despite their initial reluctance, I hope all kids enjoy a year full of new possibilities and achievements. Listen to how one school flips the script:

                          http://youtu.be/5BTRk7yMmdA

 The students appear excited about the new home and class routine.  It seems like a simple, inexpensive plan. Let’s hope test scores rise and the students learn a lot. In your opinion, what’s the main thing kids need to learn in their schools this year?

Whoosh! Going, Going, Almost Gone

Whoosh! Did you hear that noise?  That’s the sound of summer flying by. I didn’t feel prepared for summer to begin and now it feels like it’s almost gone. At an office supply store, I saw that they had already set up for the annual back-to-school shopping. When a back-to-school commercial came on TV, my kids groaned. However, I spoke to one little girl who admitted that she was ready to return to school. Fancy that!   

Like it or not, September is just down the road. Autumn is fast approaching with its crunchy, colored leaves and shortened daylight hours. I like the season so I’m not complaining. The weather is nearly perfect—not too hot and not too cold, no perspiring and no shoveling.  Remember this?

Hmm, flip flops in a snow storm. Now there’s someone holding onto summer! Be glad we’re not facing snow storms yet. In fact, I’m sure you still have items to check off on your Things To Do summer list. I’m looking at my calendar, but I don’t see Italy fitting in this year.  If I had a bucket list, that trip would be on it.

What about you? What would you recommend everyone put on their bucket list, and is it something you’ve already done or something you anticipate doing one day?