The Kansas City Batas

Archive for January, 2009

I once read in an old fantasy/sci-fi book a cryptic last line in the first book of a trilogy:

Hope is the denial of reality.

While not exactly inspiring, it stuck with me.  Hoping is futile.  It does nothing.

There has been a lot of talk with the transition to Obama’s administration about change and hope.  The first cannot happen with the second.  Hope does nothing.  Absolutely nothing.

I think Obama can make a big, if not huge, impact on our country for the good.  I even voted for him because of that.  I think he can bring about the change that the country needs.  Hoping for it won’t do a damn thing.

Doing is the only thing that will bring about the change that Obama is trying to bring about.  Be a mentor to a student.  Volunteer in a local school, library, etc.  Donate money to a worthy organization.  There are a plethora of other opportunities to do something.  I am sure there will be a push for service that will detail different ways.  Make a change.

I am lucky.  My job is to make a change.  A difference in students’ lives.  I should try to find a way to do something during the summer when I am not teaching.

What are you going to do?

Whatever it is, don’t hope for change.  Make it.

Well, the semester ends tomorrow.  I have no idea how this school has gotten away from me so easily.  The problem is, the second half always goes by quicker with all of the performances, games, meets, and whatever else we have.

I still have three trips to take:  down to Tan-Tar-A resort for the MO Music Educators Association Conference, Boston for MYP training, and New York for our performance in Carnegie Hall.

The weekends are filled.  This one has All-district Band all day long on Saturday, with Sunday having a gymnastics meet for Parker 3-hours away in Witchita.  It is good that I don’t have students on Monday.

I am not griping.  I enjoy everything I do.  It’s just:  Where has it gone?

Bill RIchardson just withdrew his nomination for Commerce Secretary.  Good.  He would have been wasted there.  Now it is time to kick Hilary over there and put Richardson in as Secretary of State.  With his track record, it would be the perfect place for him.  Secretary of Commerce is just rewarding him for loyalty.  State would be utilizing him for the benefit for the country.

I know it isn’t going to happen, but it is a thought.

Our annual newsletter is done.  It took me a long while.  We aren’t sending out very many by snail mail.  Pretty much to those without email.

I have redesigned the site into a blog format.  You are welcome to peruse it.  Comments are welcome.

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Thanks for visiting.