It takes all kinds

As I sit here in an airport, awaiting a connection, I'm acutely aware that it takes all kinds. What I mean is, that in this country we have all kinds. Tall, short, fat, thin, well dressed, frighteningly dressed, well-behaved children, children running amuck, people on cell phones, people with laptops, black, white, brown, red hair, blond hair, black hair, high heels, flip flops, baseball caps, and yes, even a man dressed as Santa complete with an elf and two reindeer. Yes, coming to the aiport reminds me, more than any other place, that we have all kinds here.

It almost brings me out of my comfort zone, not just because I don't like crowds, but because we, by our human nature, are not comfortable amongst differences. As I think to my last post of loving one another regardless of any difference, the airport is the critical venue in which to put this into place. For example, finding the toddler without pants on amusing instead of irresponsible (the parents, that is...), finding the differences in languages intriguing instead of frustrating, and at this time of the year, embracing the families traveling together for the holidays despite their lack of understanding of how to travel.

I heard an article on NPR the other day about whether or not this country is ready for a black president (Barack Obama) or a woman president (Hillary Rodham Clinton). It seems to me that it would be an absolute shame to negate either. Not Senators Obama or Clinton directly, but a person of color or a female. We are a country of immense diversity, perhaps more than any other country in the world. Yet, our leaders in government and business remain predominately wealthy, white men. Don't get me wrong, our country was founded by a bunch of white men, of this I'm quite aware. But in our age of vast diversity and continually colorful population, what does it say to the world that we do not choose to put minorities (women included) into our highest levels of office? Does it say that we put less value in the abilities and character of these men and women? Does it say that we don't believe that they are right for the job? Does it say that we are still stuck in a 200 year old belief that rich, white men are the best for the job?

Shall we not look to the history of our world colleagues and their leaders as examples? Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel provide us with examples of female leadership in countries of world power. We have finally broken the glass ceiling as Congresswoman Pelosi will take reign of the Speaker's chair in January (where consequently, they will have to build a new bathroom for women...). We have seen exemplary leadership in Gen. Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice, ascending the the position of Secretary of State (not to mention Madeline Albright, a female immigrant holding the post). So I pose the question, if not now, when? When will the time come for the U.S. to stand up and realize that it takes all kinds. If we are truly a representative government, than we must have upper echelons of power that represent the demographics of our country.

It takes all kinds.

The Most Important Thing

I took this interesting class several years ago called The Skillful Teacher. It was interesting because I couldn't believe that teachers who were actual practiconers of their subjects were actually be required to take a basic methods and strategies course. It seemed to me that most of what was taught should have been intrinsic to being a good teacher. However, It refreshed my memory to some cool and interesting techniques after being out of the classroom for several years. It also introduced me to a few strategies that I had never used. This was also helpful.

My favorite summarizer that we learned was called "The Most Important Thing". During a lesson, the teacher expresses the most important fact about a particular subject. The teacher proceeds with the lesson, providing a variety of facts, opinions, etc and so forth, but always returns to TMIT. At the end of the lesson the children complete a TMIT chart to recall their information learned.

I think that in life we should have a Most Important Thing. It changes (back to that change again, huh?) through time perhaps, or maybe it just grows more clear or manifests itself in different ways, I'm not sure. I see that The Most Important Thing is to love one another. Obviously, this is seems trite. But a colleague today reminded me that TMIT is to love one another, unconditionally and not in spite of our differences but because of them.

I teach music, general and choral. But, if I never got to teach music again and simply spent all of my days teaching my children to love on another, that to me would be TMIT. I want my children to know that regardless of what they do, how they act, or anything of superficial matters, that they are loved.

So, here is my chart:

The Most Important Thing in life is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER,
and live a healthy lifestyle,
and balance work and play,
and rejoice in our blessings,
and share our blessings with others,
but The Most Important thing in life is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Peace

Yes, Change is Hard.

I decided on a new bumpter sticker slogan yesterday that I am starting to embrace as my life mantra: If it sucks, fix it. If you don't like it, stop complaining and do something.

Much has of my life has been spent in strict aversion to change. Kicking, screaming, tantrums, whining, complaining, and bargaining to not make changes. Most of this aversion stems from fear; of failure, or even worse, of success. But in the last few years, as I have traveled from state to state, job to job and company to company, I have realized that change has become easy for me. And that I have a low tolerance for those who stick to the unacceptable status quo just to avoid change.

Change is scary. Despite the best laid plans, it is a journey into unchartered territory, a leap of faith. But that does not excuse an inability to change or even consider change for the betterment of others. Being stuck in one's ways is not always best, nor does it always benefit.

Change is not easy. But if everything in life were easy we would miss some of the sweetest moments around us.

Some examples:

Change: Moving across the country to Cali for a job. Result: An amazing husband

Change: Getting off the couch and going running Result: Health, pride, enjoyment, new friends

Change: Quitting a job at a public school and going to a private school Result: Support, renewed joy of teaching

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world"-Ghandi

Change is hard, but change is worth it.

Peace....