I was looking through pictures for the next post and thought it would be fun to put in these videos from the last Damdochax adventure. Check out "Clarity" Clint Starwalker, Aileen "The Rainbow Warrior", and of course, guiding us all, Hannah the "Damdochick." You'll want to turn up the volume for the insightful commentary.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
What a Long, Strange Trip...
So I'm looking at the time on the computer, 5:00 A.M. Nope, didn't just wake up. Been awake and asleep several times over the last three days, just not for very long at any one stretch. I picked up some sort of stomach bug that's nastier than any I've had since the Pakistan trip years ago. Sweats, shivers, frequent trips to the head. Was really sweating it when I saw the long border lines yesterday. Made it home O.K.
Anyway, I didn't start this to whine about being sick, but to kind of shed a little light on the kind of summer and year it's been. I remember towards the end of last summer, asking the Good Lord for a little help in getting out of what had become a four-year rut. Careful what you wish for, right? Wait a minute, isn't the New Year's crap supposed to happen January first? Not in my line of work. After so many years in the classroom, my mental year pretty much starts September first instead of January.
Last Fall turned out to be a good rut-buster. Fly-fishing trips down the Methow and Yakima rivers with my buddy Steve were priceless (I hope he still has one more in him this fall). Hunting season was full of September grouse hunts, back-to-back Ketchum and Stanley hunts in October, and a good trip to Bonner's Ferry in November.
Spent many weekends along with the annual after-Christmas trip steelhead fishing out on the Peninsula. Finally bought a spey rod despite earlier claims of never wanting to be one of those fruity-snooties. Learning to cast the damn thing has been both fun and frustrating. But I have managed to catch some fish with it.
Spent four days in Arizona with Carew and Rodly in February. My bulging belly really became apparent and frustrating while struggling to make it up a climb that previously would have been a walk in the park. It's incredible what steep granite can do to bust up denial. Spring break in Stanley was a hell of a good time catching up with some old Idaho friends and getting some rare fishing time with Mick.
Which bring us to this summer. Which really kicked off for me with a trip to Northern B.C. I had only met the lodge owner, Hannah, twice, but she graciously accepted my offer of trading some volunteer work time for some fishing time. what an experience. They must have liked me O.K. because I was invited to come back up. In between Canada trips, it was north to Alaska to visit my buddy Doug, and spend some time with eskimo folks. What an eye-opener. The second Canada trip? Even better than the first. It really gave me a chance to establish some new friendships that will hopefully continue on.
The weight? Lost 25 pounds so far. Which is a good start, but still a long uphill battle to get back to healthy. But I'm getting there. Hunting season should account for another twenty pounds, and if this stomach crud keeps holding on, I might lose more sooner than I thought. Not worth it.
So it's back to work on Monday and the start of a new year.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Six Heroes
I have a few heroes. They are people who I have looked up to, who have traits and values I admire. The list is pretty short. Here are six of them. There are more.
My Aunt Doris - Who lived life with a smile on her face. Who was a model of class, dignity, and thoughtfulness, even when she was fighting leukemia.
My grandpa Bernie. Who always had that twinkle in his eye. Who always made sure I thought about what I said before it came out of my mouth. Who taught me to never take myself too seriously.
My first principal, Bud Kuhlman. Who has shown me the right way to do the job, and the right reasons for doing it.
My former principal Chuck Turner. Who has shown me how to deeply care for my students and the people I work with on my own terms.
Edmund Hillary, of Mt. Everest fame. Who taught to give back to those who have given to you, and to never take success for granted.
Bill Russell, of Boston Celtics fame. Who has personified the phrase "It is far better to understand than to be understood." Say what you want about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, etc. It's a team game and Bill Russell was the best to ever play it. Period.
Anyway, I thought of this topic, when I came across a couple of videos of conversations between Bill Russell, and Kevin Garnett, who happens to be my favorite active player. So I thought I'd put them up on the old seldom-viewed blog.
My Aunt Doris - Who lived life with a smile on her face. Who was a model of class, dignity, and thoughtfulness, even when she was fighting leukemia.
My grandpa Bernie. Who always had that twinkle in his eye. Who always made sure I thought about what I said before it came out of my mouth. Who taught me to never take myself too seriously.
My first principal, Bud Kuhlman. Who has shown me the right way to do the job, and the right reasons for doing it.
My former principal Chuck Turner. Who has shown me how to deeply care for my students and the people I work with on my own terms.
Edmund Hillary, of Mt. Everest fame. Who taught to give back to those who have given to you, and to never take success for granted.
Bill Russell, of Boston Celtics fame. Who has personified the phrase "It is far better to understand than to be understood." Say what you want about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, etc. It's a team game and Bill Russell was the best to ever play it. Period.
Anyway, I thought of this topic, when I came across a couple of videos of conversations between Bill Russell, and Kevin Garnett, who happens to be my favorite active player. So I thought I'd put them up on the old seldom-viewed blog.
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