This past Friday was the scheduled day for my dog Misty to have her every two-month bath and grooming at an area vet. I arrived promptly at 8:30, her prearranged time. As we were exiting my car, another customer drove up. I didn’t notice whether he had a dog or cat in tow.
Anyway, Misty gets so “excited” when she gets to the vet’s that she must relieve herself prior to entering the office. I walked her out into the open spaces for just that purpose. When she had finished, we proceeded to head for the front door.
As she was led away - in anticipatory dread of the washing that was about to take place -I happened to ask the young customer if he were having the same thing done to his pet. I assumed as much because I had been told that another animal was to be “gussied up” also that morning.
He told with an obviously pained voice that he was there to have his 14-year-old dog put to sleep. I offered my condolences, but they were probably of minor comfort to someone who was struggling with the decision that he had made.
I could feel empathy because a little less than two years ago I was forced to do the same thing. For you see, Alex, my 16-year-old “pedigreed mutt” passed away on November 16, 1997.
There are never the right words when you have to say the ultimate farewell to a friend who has been there unconditionally. I knew exactly how the young man felt.
Before Alex’s death, I had begun dreading the moment when the Grim Reaper would call her. The signs were there that a visit was imminent: listlessness, lack of appetite, and diminishing faculties. But, I did not want to accept the inevitable.
Many of my friends and co-workers familiar with the oft-told stories about her were compassionate and offered comforting remarks to lessen my burden. For that I am most appreciative. Because of that, I am passing on the kindness to anyone preparing for the death of a pet and the choice for euthanasia.
Don’t dwell on your decision in regards to your pet. The animal is, without a doubt, in less pain and is in a better place. Yes, all dogs go to Heaven. Reverse the letters in the word “dog” and you’ll understand what I mean.
Do dwell on the fun times that you had. Think about how the dog loved to ride with you in the truck, how it would make that funny sound that you could never understand, or how it would tear up something of yours and give you that “forgive me” face.
Remember how it “trained” you to respond to its every wish, how it was particular about some of your friends, or how it had an unusual fondness for some un-doglike food.
You did the right and honorable thing, my friend. I am sure that if your dog were here, it would give you an approving lick and wag of the tail.
He’d probably say in perfect Southern doggy, “You done good, buddy!”
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Teach Children Respect, Self-Discipline, and Work Ethics/Preparation
As one that has “fought” in the educational “trenches” for close to three decades now, I have seen it all. Programs have come and gone. Trends have become “revolutionary,” then have become passé. Budgets and other financial matters in regards to public schools have been expanded to cover new initiatives and then slashed when those initiatives are replaced with other “ideas.”
However, the biggest change that I have seen in these thirty years has been in those of whom I am directly responsible: the children. The students that I teach today are a far cry different from those that I dealt with thirteen years ago.
Students from 1994 seemed to have more realistic expectations for their future employment possibilities. Many wanted to be doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, soldiers, and a couple aspired to follow in their teacher’s footsteps.
However, too many of today’s students, especially the males, have unrealistic expectations about their prospective careers. They believe that they are going to be the next “Michael Vick” or the next “Kobe Bryant,” never considering that they’re more likely to be struck by lightening than get drafted by the NFL or the NBA.
Unfortunately, both sexes have not the slightest clue as to how to attain their future objective(s). And they are also missing some of the basic social and self-discipline skills to reach their goals.
Too much of the school day is spent “correcting” and/or “disciplining” students that lack self-control, feelings of self-worth, and acceptable moral character. If these “weaknesses” are not addressed soon, the future for these students is quite bleak.
While schools do their best to prepare students for the challenges that they face in their adult lives, there is only so much that can be covered within that 180-day period known as the school term.
With that in mind, here are ten little “tips,” in no particular order, to assist you, the parents, as you assist in the “growth” of your children toward adulthood responsibility:
1. Take them regularly to the library. Toddlers should begin to marvel at the wonders of books. Older kids should have a library card that is used frequently. With the advent of computer use and other technological wizardries, the library is more than just a haven for books; it is a melting pot of all sorts of media, designed to enlighten and amaze.
2. Get the child a subscription to a magazine of his/her choice, with your guidance, of course. Children love seeing their names and will excitingly read the book that is just for them. Also, depending on the type of magazine selected, children might get their first “peek” at a job that may interest them.
3. Give your children daily tasks that are their singular responsibilities. This will teach the importance of “pulling their own weight”, preparing them for the work world of tomorrow.
4. Though they can be expensive, a pet is a wonderful “gift” for a child. Whether it is four-legged, six-legged, finned, or winged, a pet is ideal in teaching responsibility and, indirectly, compassion, patience, and humility.
5. Spirituality is an essential to ethical development; thus, regular fellowship with like-minded individuals is a must. It doesn’t matter if it is a church, synagogue, mosque, tent, or the confines of one’s own home.
6. Become familiar with the media of which your child is introduced. Though it is hard to keep up with the changes that occur in entertainment/technology, it is mandatory that parents do their best to be abreast of what “enters” the home.
7. If your child is of school age, make visits to announced gatherings or even set up appointments to meet with your child’s teacher. It would also be advantageous to volunteer, if possible, in your child’s class. Not only will the teacher welcome the help but also, for some children, it will be a badge of honor to have “Mom” or “Dad” to come into the classroom.
8. Be an informed voter. Politicians that really do not have an adequate knowledge base about or vested interest in America’s schools have meted out too many changes in the education system. An educated electorate can assure that schools are adequately funded and equipped to meet the needs of each child.
9. Praise your child as much as possible. Allow him/her to express his/her feelings and thoughts about preferences and dislikes. Have daily conversations with your child and avoid shouting matches. There is no “winner” in verbal jousts. Orderly and mutually respected “chats” will allow you and your child to bond and, perhaps, set the stage for a “discovery” that will be rewarding for both parties.
10. But, most of all, remember that you are the parent and are in charge. Too many parents want to be “friends” with their children, forgetting that they have the task of being the primary example of how that child will act when he/she is outside of the parent’s eyesight. By being role models for awareness of socially acceptable behavior, parents can be sure that their children will always make the right decisions and positively interact with teachers and peers alike.
Most of the aforementioned “tips” are familiar but a little “refresher” can go a long way in benefiting the teacher, the school, the community, and the child.
However, the biggest change that I have seen in these thirty years has been in those of whom I am directly responsible: the children. The students that I teach today are a far cry different from those that I dealt with thirteen years ago.
Students from 1994 seemed to have more realistic expectations for their future employment possibilities. Many wanted to be doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, soldiers, and a couple aspired to follow in their teacher’s footsteps.
However, too many of today’s students, especially the males, have unrealistic expectations about their prospective careers. They believe that they are going to be the next “Michael Vick” or the next “Kobe Bryant,” never considering that they’re more likely to be struck by lightening than get drafted by the NFL or the NBA.
Unfortunately, both sexes have not the slightest clue as to how to attain their future objective(s). And they are also missing some of the basic social and self-discipline skills to reach their goals.
Too much of the school day is spent “correcting” and/or “disciplining” students that lack self-control, feelings of self-worth, and acceptable moral character. If these “weaknesses” are not addressed soon, the future for these students is quite bleak.
While schools do their best to prepare students for the challenges that they face in their adult lives, there is only so much that can be covered within that 180-day period known as the school term.
With that in mind, here are ten little “tips,” in no particular order, to assist you, the parents, as you assist in the “growth” of your children toward adulthood responsibility:
1. Take them regularly to the library. Toddlers should begin to marvel at the wonders of books. Older kids should have a library card that is used frequently. With the advent of computer use and other technological wizardries, the library is more than just a haven for books; it is a melting pot of all sorts of media, designed to enlighten and amaze.
2. Get the child a subscription to a magazine of his/her choice, with your guidance, of course. Children love seeing their names and will excitingly read the book that is just for them. Also, depending on the type of magazine selected, children might get their first “peek” at a job that may interest them.
3. Give your children daily tasks that are their singular responsibilities. This will teach the importance of “pulling their own weight”, preparing them for the work world of tomorrow.
4. Though they can be expensive, a pet is a wonderful “gift” for a child. Whether it is four-legged, six-legged, finned, or winged, a pet is ideal in teaching responsibility and, indirectly, compassion, patience, and humility.
5. Spirituality is an essential to ethical development; thus, regular fellowship with like-minded individuals is a must. It doesn’t matter if it is a church, synagogue, mosque, tent, or the confines of one’s own home.
6. Become familiar with the media of which your child is introduced. Though it is hard to keep up with the changes that occur in entertainment/technology, it is mandatory that parents do their best to be abreast of what “enters” the home.
7. If your child is of school age, make visits to announced gatherings or even set up appointments to meet with your child’s teacher. It would also be advantageous to volunteer, if possible, in your child’s class. Not only will the teacher welcome the help but also, for some children, it will be a badge of honor to have “Mom” or “Dad” to come into the classroom.
8. Be an informed voter. Politicians that really do not have an adequate knowledge base about or vested interest in America’s schools have meted out too many changes in the education system. An educated electorate can assure that schools are adequately funded and equipped to meet the needs of each child.
9. Praise your child as much as possible. Allow him/her to express his/her feelings and thoughts about preferences and dislikes. Have daily conversations with your child and avoid shouting matches. There is no “winner” in verbal jousts. Orderly and mutually respected “chats” will allow you and your child to bond and, perhaps, set the stage for a “discovery” that will be rewarding for both parties.
10. But, most of all, remember that you are the parent and are in charge. Too many parents want to be “friends” with their children, forgetting that they have the task of being the primary example of how that child will act when he/she is outside of the parent’s eyesight. By being role models for awareness of socially acceptable behavior, parents can be sure that their children will always make the right decisions and positively interact with teachers and peers alike.
Most of the aforementioned “tips” are familiar but a little “refresher” can go a long way in benefiting the teacher, the school, the community, and the child.
Profanity is in the ear of the beholder
I am sure that most have heard about the Michigan man who faced criminal chargess some years ago for uttering profanities in the presence of young impressionable ears. For those unfamiliar with the case, the guy was not having a good fishing day and began very vocally expressing in “colorful” language his disgust and irritation. A mother overheard his tirade and promptly reported his behavior to the authorities. Apparently, some obscure law is on the books in that state concerning public displays of profanity and the guy has to appear before a judge.
The gentleman’s unfortunate choice of words could result in him being fined or, heaven forbid, being incarcerated. Maybe the latter would be an appropriate lesson for the rest of us to refrain from frequently using four-letter expletives.
Sadly, we have become a nation of cursers. One cannot turn on the television or the radio without being bombarded with profane and offensive speech. Recordings come with warning labels advising parental discretion due to the content of the “lyrics.” So accustomed have we become that we rarely flinch anymore.
Well, I, for one, still raise an eyebrow when I hear Bart Simpson rattle off a zinger or two. I become upset when I hear a rapper refer to his girlfriend by a term that I would only give to my dog to identify her gender.
But, the words that we collectively label as profane are not the only words that annoy me. I have a short list of words and phrases that really make me cringe as if I have been royally “blessed out.”
They are as follows:
1. racial tolerance – I tolerate my dog’s snoring because I can’t do a thing about it. I tolerate the raucous laughter of a fellow movie patron who forgets that there are others in the auditorium. Toleration should not be equated with one’s skin color; in fact, skin color should be looked at for what it really is: a beautiful variation of the gene pool.
2. Diva – It seems as though any female performer who sells a million copies of a CD or brings in big bucks at the box office is being touted by that name. Diva status should not be brandished so easily.
Aretha Franklin, Faye Dunaway, Lauren Bacall and Eartha Kitt are divas; Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and Sharon Stone are not. Judy Garland was a diva; her daughter, Liza Minnelli is not. Lauren Hutton is a diva; Tyra Banks is not. And no matter how hard she tries, Madonna will never attain divahood as did Maria Callas, Marian Anderson, or Georgia’s own, the magnificent Jessye Norman.
3. Transition – It seems as though this noun has taken on the role of a verb. I have heard everyone from television commentators to national politicians incorrectly use the word. Enough is enough already! One cannot transition!
4. Dissemination – As a nation of paper pushers, we are forever “disseminating” memos, directives, forms, handouts, and other “important” documents to each other. Most of these end up in a wastebasket or provide nourishment for a hungry shredder. We are really making the stockholders of Georgia-Pacific and the Mead Company filthy rich.
5. Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, Paula Jones, etc. – Yeah, yeah, yeah, the President’s women have used up your fifteen minutes and mine, too.
6. Independent counsel – Let’s see. With forty million bucks I could buy a bus for my church, a new wing for each school, a movie theater, and still have enough left over to purchase the presidency of a Third World country.
7. “Sweeps” – The television networks pull out their “best” programming efforts during the months of November, February, and May in order to maximize ratings and corporate dollars. So what? Half of the programs can’t hold a candle to an I Love Lucy or Star Trek rerun!
8. “You know what I’m saying?” – This is the latest catchall phrase that America’s youth are so fond of uttering. Unfortunately, the kids are not really saying anything when they use it. Stop buying the Tommywear and get those teens some Merriam-Webster’s!
9. Y2K – I seem to recall from childhood that the world was to have ended in 1965. I wonder if that had something to do with the British Invasion of the Beatles, the Stones, or even Herman’s Hermits.
10. Progressive lenses – I actually like the term; it sounds better than the dreaded “b-word” that it is synonymous with. The only regret that I have is that by having to wear them I realize that I have entered . . .
11.Middle age – I would really like to know when this phrase was coined. According to the statisticians I now fall into the demographic just before senior citizenship. I do not belong to the “ideal” target group prized by many of America’s leading commercial conglomerates. I was even told by the publisher of my men’s health magazine that they have a publication that is more suited for “a man of my years.”
So what? My money will still spend. I can still hold my own with the twentysomethings at the gym. Label me “middle age” and I’ll show you what I’m made of! Just let me find my glasses with the progressive lenses!
Well, there you have it! The eleven words or phrases above may not offend you as much as they do me. But say them in my presence and I may be forced to make a citizen’s arrest.
Hopefully, Georgia has some law on the books that we just don’t know about!
The gentleman’s unfortunate choice of words could result in him being fined or, heaven forbid, being incarcerated. Maybe the latter would be an appropriate lesson for the rest of us to refrain from frequently using four-letter expletives.
Sadly, we have become a nation of cursers. One cannot turn on the television or the radio without being bombarded with profane and offensive speech. Recordings come with warning labels advising parental discretion due to the content of the “lyrics.” So accustomed have we become that we rarely flinch anymore.
Well, I, for one, still raise an eyebrow when I hear Bart Simpson rattle off a zinger or two. I become upset when I hear a rapper refer to his girlfriend by a term that I would only give to my dog to identify her gender.
But, the words that we collectively label as profane are not the only words that annoy me. I have a short list of words and phrases that really make me cringe as if I have been royally “blessed out.”
They are as follows:
1. racial tolerance – I tolerate my dog’s snoring because I can’t do a thing about it. I tolerate the raucous laughter of a fellow movie patron who forgets that there are others in the auditorium. Toleration should not be equated with one’s skin color; in fact, skin color should be looked at for what it really is: a beautiful variation of the gene pool.
2. Diva – It seems as though any female performer who sells a million copies of a CD or brings in big bucks at the box office is being touted by that name. Diva status should not be brandished so easily.
Aretha Franklin, Faye Dunaway, Lauren Bacall and Eartha Kitt are divas; Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and Sharon Stone are not. Judy Garland was a diva; her daughter, Liza Minnelli is not. Lauren Hutton is a diva; Tyra Banks is not. And no matter how hard she tries, Madonna will never attain divahood as did Maria Callas, Marian Anderson, or Georgia’s own, the magnificent Jessye Norman.
3. Transition – It seems as though this noun has taken on the role of a verb. I have heard everyone from television commentators to national politicians incorrectly use the word. Enough is enough already! One cannot transition!
4. Dissemination – As a nation of paper pushers, we are forever “disseminating” memos, directives, forms, handouts, and other “important” documents to each other. Most of these end up in a wastebasket or provide nourishment for a hungry shredder. We are really making the stockholders of Georgia-Pacific and the Mead Company filthy rich.
5. Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, Paula Jones, etc. – Yeah, yeah, yeah, the President’s women have used up your fifteen minutes and mine, too.
6. Independent counsel – Let’s see. With forty million bucks I could buy a bus for my church, a new wing for each school, a movie theater, and still have enough left over to purchase the presidency of a Third World country.
7. “Sweeps” – The television networks pull out their “best” programming efforts during the months of November, February, and May in order to maximize ratings and corporate dollars. So what? Half of the programs can’t hold a candle to an I Love Lucy or Star Trek rerun!
8. “You know what I’m saying?” – This is the latest catchall phrase that America’s youth are so fond of uttering. Unfortunately, the kids are not really saying anything when they use it. Stop buying the Tommywear and get those teens some Merriam-Webster’s!
9. Y2K – I seem to recall from childhood that the world was to have ended in 1965. I wonder if that had something to do with the British Invasion of the Beatles, the Stones, or even Herman’s Hermits.
10. Progressive lenses – I actually like the term; it sounds better than the dreaded “b-word” that it is synonymous with. The only regret that I have is that by having to wear them I realize that I have entered . . .
11.Middle age – I would really like to know when this phrase was coined. According to the statisticians I now fall into the demographic just before senior citizenship. I do not belong to the “ideal” target group prized by many of America’s leading commercial conglomerates. I was even told by the publisher of my men’s health magazine that they have a publication that is more suited for “a man of my years.”
So what? My money will still spend. I can still hold my own with the twentysomethings at the gym. Label me “middle age” and I’ll show you what I’m made of! Just let me find my glasses with the progressive lenses!
Well, there you have it! The eleven words or phrases above may not offend you as much as they do me. But say them in my presence and I may be forced to make a citizen’s arrest.
Hopefully, Georgia has some law on the books that we just don’t know about!
A Lesson to Be Learned from Our Four-Legged Friends
A little over five years ago, our home was enlarged by the addition of one new member: a cat named “Crystal.” Always having a soft spot for the downtrodden animals of the world, I did not hesitate to accept her as another pet in an already semi-large menagerie comprised of three dogs.
Having not had a cat in my life since I was very young, it took some time getting used to her behaviors. I have had to be prepared for her dash from out of nowhere when I walk to my car. I must be ready when she decides that my leg would make an appropriate “scratching post” or when she thinks that my book bag might yield some delectable treat. On occasion when I get to school, I realize that my clothing sports some cat hairs that weren’t there when I got ready for the workday.
She “announces” that it’s time for her meal by scratching on the backdoor screen. As soon as I exit, heading for her dish, she patiently waits for the familiar “plop” of the Special Kitty meal of the moment.
Sometimes, however, she decides to share her repast with a neighborhood stray. I guess she recalls the days that she herself was fending for herself prior to becoming my pet.
Crystal has soon endeared herself, not only to our family, but is an ever-present visitor to our neighbors next door. A visitor will either find her lounging on our front porch or stalking an inviting bird or squirrel as her intended prey.
As I mentioned earlier, I have three dogs. Although she has no dealings with the outside pair, Crystal has become a friend to the inside cocker Misty. At first I thought they wouldn’t hit it off, but to my surprise, the two of them quickly became amigos.
While Crystal stays on the outside, there are a few instances where she “slips” into the house. In her inside ramblings, she dips her head in Misty’s food bowl, decides to “examine” Misty’s bed, and even licks the dog’s chew toy. Misty just sits and watches, never making an aggressive move or growl toward the feline.
When Misty is taken out to “relieve” herself, Crystal hides in the bushes, waiting to pounce or slap Misty with her paw. Misty’s stub of a tail wags as she spots her buddy. Crystal plays with Misty’s leash when the dog is standing in one spot. They seem to enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company.
Aren’t dogs and cats supposedly “natural enemies”?
By the way, Crystal is white and Misty is predominately black.
Having not had a cat in my life since I was very young, it took some time getting used to her behaviors. I have had to be prepared for her dash from out of nowhere when I walk to my car. I must be ready when she decides that my leg would make an appropriate “scratching post” or when she thinks that my book bag might yield some delectable treat. On occasion when I get to school, I realize that my clothing sports some cat hairs that weren’t there when I got ready for the workday.
She “announces” that it’s time for her meal by scratching on the backdoor screen. As soon as I exit, heading for her dish, she patiently waits for the familiar “plop” of the Special Kitty meal of the moment.
Sometimes, however, she decides to share her repast with a neighborhood stray. I guess she recalls the days that she herself was fending for herself prior to becoming my pet.
Crystal has soon endeared herself, not only to our family, but is an ever-present visitor to our neighbors next door. A visitor will either find her lounging on our front porch or stalking an inviting bird or squirrel as her intended prey.
As I mentioned earlier, I have three dogs. Although she has no dealings with the outside pair, Crystal has become a friend to the inside cocker Misty. At first I thought they wouldn’t hit it off, but to my surprise, the two of them quickly became amigos.
While Crystal stays on the outside, there are a few instances where she “slips” into the house. In her inside ramblings, she dips her head in Misty’s food bowl, decides to “examine” Misty’s bed, and even licks the dog’s chew toy. Misty just sits and watches, never making an aggressive move or growl toward the feline.
When Misty is taken out to “relieve” herself, Crystal hides in the bushes, waiting to pounce or slap Misty with her paw. Misty’s stub of a tail wags as she spots her buddy. Crystal plays with Misty’s leash when the dog is standing in one spot. They seem to enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company.
Aren’t dogs and cats supposedly “natural enemies”?
By the way, Crystal is white and Misty is predominately black.
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