My friend Mike, over @ http://www.mmbeachbum.blogspot.com/ usually posts something at the beginning of each football season about keeping things in perspective. I sort of touched on this in my post yesterday, but I wanted to revisit it. Mike does an excellent job each year with his post, and I wanted to give it a shot myself.
It seemed like this off-season was filled with a hate like never before. After so much has gone on, I thought MAYBE some of the hate would die down a little, but I see that isn't going to happen. Now, I love football. I love it more than any girl I know. However, I also feel compassion in my heart for other people, not just my team or the rival. I have witnessed a spreading of hatred for each other's teams like I have never seen before. I don't know if it's media hyping up the hate, if its social media, or if society is really losing a grip on humanity, but I saw things I didn't think I'd EVER see. It makes me sad, and I think it ALMOST ruined me on the sport. I did decide though, that I wouldn't let someone else's words, actions, or thoughts change something that I have loved all of my life.
There are people struggling in the aftermath of the tornadoes in AL, MO, MS, and many other areas. Folks lost everything they owned. People lost loved ones. Yes, football can take your mind off of these problems, but spreading hate isn't going to help any either. Personally, when I feel that sort of ugliness in my heart, it just leaves me upset with an empty feeling inside.
Then again, a rivalry can bring out the best in us, too. After the trees were poisoned, fans from the other school jumped in to help us. We all jumped in to help anyone who needed it after the tornadoes. It's too bad that we can't keep things this way.
My friend Teresa lost her grandmother and her dad within a short period of time.
My friend Robert lost his mom.
We have had THREE! teachers at school have miscarriages.
A lady I used to teach with has been diagnosed with a blood cancer and she is now waiting on a bone marrow transplant.
A young man named Garrett and his wife both died in a tornado in Birmingham. A friend of his dad's maintains a site for prayer for others. There I learned about Chelsea, a young lady who almost died from a drug overdose. She is struggling to get back to daily life, dealing with some brain damage and some emotional damages. I learned about Tyler, a little boy who has a cancer that will probably get the best of him.A rivalry in football seems minor compared to these problems. It goes on and on.
So many people are hurting. So, as the season goes on, cheer for your team!!! I know I certainly will! I think even a friendly jab is ok. Before you decide to be HATEFUL, think of the people who have lost everything. Root for your team, but let's keep things in perspective. I don't have any nifty, clever sayings to go here, but as a man I admire said in his book, 'Wins don't validate us and losses don't define us. How we respond to things is what matters.'
So, I am challenging myself and anyone else who reads my blog and is a lover of college football, let's preserve this game. Lose the hate for the other team and root for your team.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
This and That
Football starts next week!!! College football, anyway!! I am very excited for the season to get kicked off and all of the offseason garbage to get taken care of by the game instead. I LOVE college football. I mean it. The media ALMOST ruined it for me this past year, and I don't mean just the stuff with Auburn. They are so bent on getting a story or getting even, they don't even care about the people that are being affected. I have decided that they won't steal my joy of the game.
So many people are struggling with so many things right now. A lady I used to teach with has been very sick. She has finally been diagnosed with a blood cancer. She needs your prayers. Her name is Lisa. So many people are hurting. Young children are sick. People who work can barely pay bills. Things are more important than breaking a story or getting a W.
I just hope as this season comes along, we can all keep in perspective the things that are really important.
So many people are struggling with so many things right now. A lady I used to teach with has been very sick. She has finally been diagnosed with a blood cancer. She needs your prayers. Her name is Lisa. So many people are hurting. Young children are sick. People who work can barely pay bills. Things are more important than breaking a story or getting a W.
I just hope as this season comes along, we can all keep in perspective the things that are really important.
Friday, August 5, 2011
First Days of School
OK, I needed to tell this story, but it would be too hard to tell it with multiple tweets, so I will put it here.
This year, I am not doing inclusion. I won't be so consumed with state testing prep, although I will still be administering the tests every time. We operate on a 4x4 schedule, which means we have 4 classes a day that are 95 minutes. They take 4 classes in semester one and 4 classes in semester.
My first period class is called 'Comprehensive Reading and Math, and it was created for students with IEPs working on a regular diploma who might need a period with a tutor teacher to help them with homework, test reading, and things of that nature. That class is an INTERESTING mix of kids. I have about 8 kids in the class as of now. There is one student with hearing impairment. We shall call him *Matthew. He attends class with an interpreter. There is another student named *Donald. Donald has a genetic disorder. He is in a wheelchair. His brain works fine, but his body doesn't work. Donald has a personal aide that attends class with him because he cannot write (hands wont let him), and he cannot get books out or things like that. Donald's aide is named *Carla. There is another student who has autism. The rest just have learning disabilities. Only the student with autism is not on a regular diploma program.
Matthew also uses an FM System. He wears a receiver and I wear a transmitter. This is a battery pack type thing with a cord that goes around my neck and a microphone clipped to the top of my shirt. Matthew has never heard much at all, so he is sensitive, even though the FM system isn't loud.
On Thursday, the first day of school, Donald's aide stepped out to go to the restroom. No problem whatsoever. While I was reviewing the new bullying protocol, Donald raises his hand (just a little) and tells me he has a nosebleed. I walk over to move his other hand, and he has a GUSHER of a bleed, not a small one. So, I grabbed a wad of tissues and applied pressure. The interpreter came over to help me. She was holding the tissues to Donald's nose so I could get help. Meanwhile, the student with autism is FREAKING out. He was hopping around the room. He also got some tissue paper and wadded it up in little rolls. He walks over to Donald and tells him to stick it up his nose to stop the nosebleed.
I had gone to the door (didn't want to hit call button...yet) to see if Carla was on her way back. Sure enough, there she was. So (forgetting I was wearing the FM system!!!!!!), I YELL into the hallway, 'CARLA! DONALD'S NOSE IS BLEEDING!!! At this moment, Matthew is doubled up with his hands over his ears. Oops.
So, we finally got Donald's nose under control, cleaned up, and ready to go. Matthew has moved past hte loud sound he was not used to hearing. The student with autism had settled down. We were back to reading the handbook policies. At this time, our new principal got on the intercom to announce we were about to have our tornado drill. He told the kids what he told us...about with all the things that had happened weather wise this year, he didn't feel comfortable with anyone going one day without knowing what to do. He then adds that it isn't tornado season, but we were going to do it anyway.
So, we moved to tornado drill position in the hallway. Right after we returned to the room, it was time for the bell to ring. That was yesterday, then last night we had the insane weather. It wasn't a tornado, but if someone looked at some of the damage, they would think it was a low-level tornado.
So, all of that happened between 7:55-9:00. Ahhh, so is life. :) Today was just as nutty, but we got through it!
** Names have been changed to protect the...well, protect people. :P
Christy
This year, I am not doing inclusion. I won't be so consumed with state testing prep, although I will still be administering the tests every time. We operate on a 4x4 schedule, which means we have 4 classes a day that are 95 minutes. They take 4 classes in semester one and 4 classes in semester.
My first period class is called 'Comprehensive Reading and Math, and it was created for students with IEPs working on a regular diploma who might need a period with a tutor teacher to help them with homework, test reading, and things of that nature. That class is an INTERESTING mix of kids. I have about 8 kids in the class as of now. There is one student with hearing impairment. We shall call him *Matthew. He attends class with an interpreter. There is another student named *Donald. Donald has a genetic disorder. He is in a wheelchair. His brain works fine, but his body doesn't work. Donald has a personal aide that attends class with him because he cannot write (hands wont let him), and he cannot get books out or things like that. Donald's aide is named *Carla. There is another student who has autism. The rest just have learning disabilities. Only the student with autism is not on a regular diploma program.
Matthew also uses an FM System. He wears a receiver and I wear a transmitter. This is a battery pack type thing with a cord that goes around my neck and a microphone clipped to the top of my shirt. Matthew has never heard much at all, so he is sensitive, even though the FM system isn't loud.
On Thursday, the first day of school, Donald's aide stepped out to go to the restroom. No problem whatsoever. While I was reviewing the new bullying protocol, Donald raises his hand (just a little) and tells me he has a nosebleed. I walk over to move his other hand, and he has a GUSHER of a bleed, not a small one. So, I grabbed a wad of tissues and applied pressure. The interpreter came over to help me. She was holding the tissues to Donald's nose so I could get help. Meanwhile, the student with autism is FREAKING out. He was hopping around the room. He also got some tissue paper and wadded it up in little rolls. He walks over to Donald and tells him to stick it up his nose to stop the nosebleed.
I had gone to the door (didn't want to hit call button...yet) to see if Carla was on her way back. Sure enough, there she was. So (forgetting I was wearing the FM system!!!!!!), I YELL into the hallway, 'CARLA! DONALD'S NOSE IS BLEEDING!!! At this moment, Matthew is doubled up with his hands over his ears. Oops.
So, we finally got Donald's nose under control, cleaned up, and ready to go. Matthew has moved past hte loud sound he was not used to hearing. The student with autism had settled down. We were back to reading the handbook policies. At this time, our new principal got on the intercom to announce we were about to have our tornado drill. He told the kids what he told us...about with all the things that had happened weather wise this year, he didn't feel comfortable with anyone going one day without knowing what to do. He then adds that it isn't tornado season, but we were going to do it anyway.
So, we moved to tornado drill position in the hallway. Right after we returned to the room, it was time for the bell to ring. That was yesterday, then last night we had the insane weather. It wasn't a tornado, but if someone looked at some of the damage, they would think it was a low-level tornado.
So, all of that happened between 7:55-9:00. Ahhh, so is life. :) Today was just as nutty, but we got through it!
** Names have been changed to protect the...well, protect people. :P
Christy
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Prayer
In the last week or so, I stumbled onto a FB site called 'Prayers for Garrett Jones'. Garrett was critically injured in the tornados in AL in April. Not sure exactly where they lived. His wife was killed in the tornado. Early this morning, Garrett joined his wife in Heaven. Garrett's parents lost another son a decade ago from cancer. This family is grieving and and rejoicing at the same time. Please join me in praying for his parents, Frank and Janelle Jones. I believe there is an Aunt Stephanie and maybe another brother named Kevin. Please pray for this family. This line in the story broke my heart, 'We haven't made any plans for arrangements yet; only that he will be laid to rest beside Jennifer.' I think they were around 25 years old. This family will need your prayers.
C
C
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
General Stuff
So far, I have been enjoying my time off. I have been doing an extreme cleaning of my house, and I have had various doctor appointments taken care of. I need to have a little work done on my car. It has been REALLLLLY hot. I have still been walking and exercising, although the eating right hasn't been going as well. My mom is having minor surgery on Friday, so I will have to help her out for a few days.
I wanted to get something down. It's a quote from Coach Chizik after the Iron Bowl this year.
"You fight when it don't look good. You fight when everybody counts you out. You fight when there's NO WAY anybody besides you thinks you can do it. You just keep fighting, and at some point, you are going to win."
I like that quote. It definitely described Auburn football this year. The more things piled on, the more focused they seemed to get.
I like Coach Chizik. I like most everyone on the Auburn staff. I don't know him personally, of course, but he seems to be a genuine person.
Anyway. Just some random thoughts tonight.
I wanted to get something down. It's a quote from Coach Chizik after the Iron Bowl this year.
"You fight when it don't look good. You fight when everybody counts you out. You fight when there's NO WAY anybody besides you thinks you can do it. You just keep fighting, and at some point, you are going to win."
I like that quote. It definitely described Auburn football this year. The more things piled on, the more focused they seemed to get.
I like Coach Chizik. I like most everyone on the Auburn staff. I don't know him personally, of course, but he seems to be a genuine person.
Anyway. Just some random thoughts tonight.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Lasting Legacy
So, today we had a retirement reception for our football coach, Coach Jones. Due to an interesting hiring situation, the new coach's name is ALSO Coach Jones. Hence the names, Old Coach Jones and New Coach Jones. None of this blog is a comparison to New Coach Jones, it just meant to be a few thoughts on OCJ.
7 players in the NFL
10 yrs straight of playoffs
1 State Championship
2 South State Championships
Tons of kids on football scholarships at various colleges
23 years of coaching
17 years of head coaching
Yet, no one today discussed football or wins. Instead, people mentioned integrity, loyalty, honesty, dependability, a love for his players and students, and character. They discussed what an impact OCJ has had on the community by teaching the players to become honest, productive members of the community. This is a man who could teach classes on how to be a man, a dad, a teacher, and a coach.
In my opinion, there are not words to describe the impact he has had over those 23 years and there is no way to count the students he has impacted. He has impacted my life. He has truly left a lasting legacy at our school. I can only hope I impact lives the way he has. He has developed a winning program with honesty and integrity. He rarely gets mad. He is always respectful.
So, OCJ, whatever you do in life, where ever you go, your heart belongs to us. We love you and will miss you very much at GCHS. Good luck in everything you do.
7 players in the NFL
10 yrs straight of playoffs
1 State Championship
2 South State Championships
Tons of kids on football scholarships at various colleges
23 years of coaching
17 years of head coaching
Yet, no one today discussed football or wins. Instead, people mentioned integrity, loyalty, honesty, dependability, a love for his players and students, and character. They discussed what an impact OCJ has had on the community by teaching the players to become honest, productive members of the community. This is a man who could teach classes on how to be a man, a dad, a teacher, and a coach.
In my opinion, there are not words to describe the impact he has had over those 23 years and there is no way to count the students he has impacted. He has impacted my life. He has truly left a lasting legacy at our school. I can only hope I impact lives the way he has. He has developed a winning program with honesty and integrity. He rarely gets mad. He is always respectful.
So, OCJ, whatever you do in life, where ever you go, your heart belongs to us. We love you and will miss you very much at GCHS. Good luck in everything you do.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Learning From Kids
So, most everyone knows I have been to lots of the kiddos baseball games. They lost last night and are out of it now. However, we made it into the quarterfinals, so they were one of the four best teams in the state. It was heartbreaking to see them lose. They are such good kids. Some of the boys were crying a little bit, which is totally ok in my opinion. They were just so disappointed. Region and Area Champs, but they wanted to do more. The senior players were most upset. They knew it was going to be the last home game, so it was emotional already. It was the last game. They gave played 4 back to back 3 game series. They have had to travel for 2 of them. They have had senior awards nights, top 20 banquets, and other stuff to be at. I know they are exhausted.
There is another student, a physically handicapped student, who has attended almost all of the home baseball games. He loves baseball, and he loves talking with the senior players afterward. Even with the boys being as upset as they were, the seniors still got together and signed a baseball for Derrick. They had already gotten him a jersey. I know part of them wanted to just get in their trucks and leave last night. They are disciplined kids though, and they have huge hearts. They got together, signed the ball, gave it to Derrick and posed for pictures. (Red eyes and all) I think it says a lot about the character that they have.
So, for these boys, these senior boys- Mason, Dayton, Andrew, Derick E., Tyler H., Tyler C., Jason...you all are wonderful people. You are going to do great things in life. You have been wonderful examples and leaders of the school, classroom, community, and on the baseball field. You have represented George County High School well. Thank you to all of you. I can't wait to see what is in store for you. We are definitely going to miss you. You have left a lasting impression on the students and teammates younger than you. They will grow into great leaders because of you.
I think we could all take a lesson from kids. Remember, Once A Rebel, Always a Rebel!
There is another student, a physically handicapped student, who has attended almost all of the home baseball games. He loves baseball, and he loves talking with the senior players afterward. Even with the boys being as upset as they were, the seniors still got together and signed a baseball for Derrick. They had already gotten him a jersey. I know part of them wanted to just get in their trucks and leave last night. They are disciplined kids though, and they have huge hearts. They got together, signed the ball, gave it to Derrick and posed for pictures. (Red eyes and all) I think it says a lot about the character that they have.
So, for these boys, these senior boys- Mason, Dayton, Andrew, Derick E., Tyler H., Tyler C., Jason...you all are wonderful people. You are going to do great things in life. You have been wonderful examples and leaders of the school, classroom, community, and on the baseball field. You have represented George County High School well. Thank you to all of you. I can't wait to see what is in store for you. We are definitely going to miss you. You have left a lasting impression on the students and teammates younger than you. They will grow into great leaders because of you.
I think we could all take a lesson from kids. Remember, Once A Rebel, Always a Rebel!
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