Today is the last day of my official tour of duty as a duly elected school board member for the Lansing School District USD469. It was only a four year term. I look back on it with great pride. Not so much for my individual contribution, but for the manner in which the board was able to come together as a cohesive unit and do the job it was elected to do.
Among the most notable accomplishments were the developing as a group determined to return to the position of setting and monitoring the fulfillment of policy. We were able to get away from micro-managing the district. To help with that we hired a superintendent who is intelligent, capable and articulate. We were also able to pass a bond issue to build a much needed elementary school. I believe we were also able to move in the direction of establishing a more trusting relationship with the teachers and staff. I am confident that the new board will continue this work.
Serve well!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The Beauty of Polishing Wood
Periodically it is time to do some house cleaning. In a home where the labor is divided, I get the opportunity to polish the wooden furniture. Yesterday was the day for the "great room". I received the greatest enjoyment from polishing the sofa table. You know, the one that sits behind a sofa that is positioned in the middle of a room. Our table is narrow and long. It takes on a beautiful shine. There is something about applying the polish and then rubbing it into the wood. The shine is spectacular. The wood grain pops right out at you.
I can almost imagine Sisyphus admiring the rock as he rolled it back up the hill. Fortunately for me, I can admire my handiwork with the knowledge that the task was self-imposed.
Serve well!
I can almost imagine Sisyphus admiring the rock as he rolled it back up the hill. Fortunately for me, I can admire my handiwork with the knowledge that the task was self-imposed.Serve well!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
A very busy Sunday
Our day started at 0400. This is not typical, but appropriate. Hoc Sieu and Amina had to catch an early flight back to Maryland. They have called to say they made it with no difficulties. It was the finale of a wonderful reunion. We have known them for about 30 years. Thankfully they were able to visit us for the first time. Consequently, there were many place to take them and such little time.
Since it was their vacation they wanted to make sure it was our vacation too. Therefore, we did not spend much time in the kitchen.
In our area there are many places to go and many restaurants that are fantastic. A trip to the Country Club Plaza is a must for any out-of-town visitor. Even on a hot day it is great.
Union Station is another sight that must be seen to be believed. While there we went to the September 11th exhibit which is only being shown in a very few cities. Among all of the poignant exhibits was this one of a flag found in the rubble.
Another one of the exhibits showed some of the shoulder patches of those police departments who sent folks to help with the rescue efforts, etc.
After seeing that exhibit we were allowed into Science City. What a great time. It is designed for children to learn things about science in very unique and interactive ways. Our friends enjoyed it as much as we did. It brought out the child in all of us. They had a tough time getting coordinated on one of the activities which tests just that. Each of them could only move the object in one direction.
They had to coordinate there movements to get the object into the center of the screen. It is easier said than done even with coaching.
As for the restaurants where we dined, you alreay know we had a marvelous meal at P. F. Changs on the Plaza, The next evening we had the pleasure of dining at Tatsu's French Restaurant. The wine was good too. For our last evening we had Bar-B-Q at Jack's Stacks near Union Station. It is some of the best you can get.
Enough for now. I must rest up after such a short night.
Serve well!
Since it was their vacation they wanted to make sure it was our vacation too. Therefore, we did not spend much time in the kitchen.
In our area there are many places to go and many restaurants that are fantastic. A trip to the Country Club Plaza is a must for any out-of-town visitor. Even on a hot day it is great.
Union Station is another sight that must be seen to be believed. While there we went to the September 11th exhibit which is only being shown in a very few cities. Among all of the poignant exhibits was this one of a flag found in the rubble.
Another one of the exhibits showed some of the shoulder patches of those police departments who sent folks to help with the rescue efforts, etc.After seeing that exhibit we were allowed into Science City. What a great time. It is designed for children to learn things about science in very unique and interactive ways. Our friends enjoyed it as much as we did. It brought out the child in all of us. They had a tough time getting coordinated on one of the activities which tests just that. Each of them could only move the object in one direction.
They had to coordinate there movements to get the object into the center of the screen. It is easier said than done even with coaching.As for the restaurants where we dined, you alreay know we had a marvelous meal at P. F. Changs on the Plaza, The next evening we had the pleasure of dining at Tatsu's French Restaurant. The wine was good too. For our last evening we had Bar-B-Q at Jack's Stacks near Union Station. It is some of the best you can get.
Enough for now. I must rest up after such a short night.
Serve well!
Friday, June 24, 2005
PORE Review Day
The first Friday after the fourth class day for a principles of real estate (PORE) class we have a review. It is a four hour opportunity for the students who choose to do so to practice their test taking skills. It is not mandatory and not everyone elects to take it. For those who do, it gives them additional information to help them prepare for the big tests.
Out of a PORE class of 35, seven students showed up. That's about average. They are busy right now taking an 80 question quiz on the natioinal portion of the class. They have an hour and a half to complete it. They will than have an hour to complete a 30 question quiz on Kansas real estate license law. Hopefully they will all gain from it
I have had the first report of one of their classmates who has successfully completed the big tests. She seemed surprised about her accomplishment. I was not. I knew she would do it. There is so much material to cover and so little time to cover it. They tend to be overwhelmed by it all. We are going to have to take another look at it and cut away some of the unneccesary stuff. I have an interestiing task in front of me.
That's all for now. I will have some papers to grade very shortly.
Serve well!
Out of a PORE class of 35, seven students showed up. That's about average. They are busy right now taking an 80 question quiz on the natioinal portion of the class. They have an hour and a half to complete it. They will than have an hour to complete a 30 question quiz on Kansas real estate license law. Hopefully they will all gain from it
I have had the first report of one of their classmates who has successfully completed the big tests. She seemed surprised about her accomplishment. I was not. I knew she would do it. There is so much material to cover and so little time to cover it. They tend to be overwhelmed by it all. We are going to have to take another look at it and cut away some of the unneccesary stuff. I have an interestiing task in front of me.
That's all for now. I will have some papers to grade very shortly.
Serve well!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Day Two of a really great visit
It has been a wonderful day here in Lansing, KS. We decided to take our esteemed visitors to see some of the cultural sights in the greater Kansas City area. It has been years since we visited the Nelson-Atkins museum. This visit was worth it.
We began with lunch at the museum restaurant and then went on tour. There are wonderful exhibitions of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian art and sculpture. Our guests were impressed and were able to give our guide some information about the art and the geography.
After viewing the splendid exhibits we decided it would be fun to go to the Country Club Plaza and view the art and architechture there. It was very warm so a stop for a cool iced decaf mocha at Starbucks fortified us for the coming trek. We saw some outstanding fountains and sculptures as well as the usual architecture.
Maryann and Amina were posing for Hoc Sieu. I couldn't resist the opportunity.
We stopped by a few of the many shops on the Plaza. We managed to resist most of the opportunities to purchase. Amina did find a very nice summer top.
We then had dinner at P. F. Chang's. A great Chinese Bistro. Hoc Sieu and I almost had to arm wrestle about who was going to buy dinner. My arm suffered the worst of it. I'll recover.
We did finish our day back home by having a drink on our patio. Even though it was very hot today. The temperature did cool off by the time we got home. All in all it was another great day. I am absolutely amazed at how people can make a very personal connection when they have such diverse backgrounds. We are more alike then we are different.
Serve well!
We began with lunch at the museum restaurant and then went on tour. There are wonderful exhibitions of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian art and sculpture. Our guests were impressed and were able to give our guide some information about the art and the geography.
After viewing the splendid exhibits we decided it would be fun to go to the Country Club Plaza and view the art and architechture there. It was very warm so a stop for a cool iced decaf mocha at Starbucks fortified us for the coming trek. We saw some outstanding fountains and sculptures as well as the usual architecture.
Maryann and Amina were posing for Hoc Sieu. I couldn't resist the opportunity.
We stopped by a few of the many shops on the Plaza. We managed to resist most of the opportunities to purchase. Amina did find a very nice summer top.
We then had dinner at P. F. Chang's. A great Chinese Bistro. Hoc Sieu and I almost had to arm wrestle about who was going to buy dinner. My arm suffered the worst of it. I'll recover.
We did finish our day back home by having a drink on our patio. Even though it was very hot today. The temperature did cool off by the time we got home. All in all it was another great day. I am absolutely amazed at how people can make a very personal connection when they have such diverse backgrounds. We are more alike then we are different.
Serve well!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Our Guests Have Arrived
It is absolutely amazing to have friends whom you haven't seen in about five years. You have known them for over thirty years, and they finally are able to visit in your home. We are privileged and blessed by such an occasion.
I first met Sou Hoc Sieu when he was a Captain in the Cambodian Army and attending the Military Police Officer's advanced course at Fort Gordon, GA. Just as he was about to return to Cambodia after completing the course he learned about the fall of Cambodia to the Khmer Rouge. He chose to remain in the US. His family were all in Cambodia. It was one of the most difficult decisions he ever made. To return meant he would be shot as soon as he landed just as some of his friends had been.
It took about five years for him to learn that his wife, Amina, and two of their three children had made it safely out of Cambodia. They were able to get to France where they spent time with family before they could come to the US to join him. Today they are both American citizens. Their children are prospering. Their daughter is married, has one child, and works as a nurse. Their son is an officer in the US Air Force. He too is married and his wife is expecting their first child.
It is people like them who help give the meaning of America. A place of boundless opportunity. All you have to do is be willing to work for it.
It is an honor to call them friend and to have them visiting. We have a lot of activities planned for the short time they will be here.
Serve well!
I first met Sou Hoc Sieu when he was a Captain in the Cambodian Army and attending the Military Police Officer's advanced course at Fort Gordon, GA. Just as he was about to return to Cambodia after completing the course he learned about the fall of Cambodia to the Khmer Rouge. He chose to remain in the US. His family were all in Cambodia. It was one of the most difficult decisions he ever made. To return meant he would be shot as soon as he landed just as some of his friends had been.
It took about five years for him to learn that his wife, Amina, and two of their three children had made it safely out of Cambodia. They were able to get to France where they spent time with family before they could come to the US to join him. Today they are both American citizens. Their children are prospering. Their daughter is married, has one child, and works as a nurse. Their son is an officer in the US Air Force. He too is married and his wife is expecting their first child.
It is people like them who help give the meaning of America. A place of boundless opportunity. All you have to do is be willing to work for it.
It is an honor to call them friend and to have them visiting. We have a lot of activities planned for the short time they will be here.
Serve well!
I can see my blog again today.
For the past 24 hours I was unable to see my blog page. I have no idea what caused that. Shannon helped by giving valuable suggestions and information. She even sent me the web address for the problem desk at blogspot. After sending my question, I went to my Dashboard which was always available. While there I decided it would be interesting to have Shannon alerted whenever I posted a comment. As a part of that action I opted to see the republished blog. Wow, I was able to see the blog page again. I am not sure how it happened but we will see how long it lasts. A long time I hope.
Today is a special day. We will be having visitors whom we have not seen in about five years. They will be spending about four days. We have a full calendar of things to see in around Lansing. Kansas City isn't that far away, and we will be going there. We will also take them to see our Northern suburb, Leavenworth. There is also a great tour of Fort Leavenworth that we will be taking.
With a little luck there may be some photos of our adventures.
Serve well!
Today is a special day. We will be having visitors whom we have not seen in about five years. They will be spending about four days. We have a full calendar of things to see in around Lansing. Kansas City isn't that far away, and we will be going there. We will also take them to see our Northern suburb, Leavenworth. There is also a great tour of Fort Leavenworth that we will be taking.
With a little luck there may be some photos of our adventures.
Serve well!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Happy father's day.
What sweet words. It gives me another reason to think of my children. I have been blessed with three of the most marvelous daughters any father could want. Each is going about her life in ways I could never imagine. I can rest easy knowing that each challenge and event in their lives is for the purpose of making them even better than before.
Each has chosen a path that is different from her sister. I applaud them and brag about their successes. Each makes my life better in so many ways. Just being able to think and talk about them makes me a better person.
Writing this little note has made my father's day perfect. I only wish that other fathers have similar feelings.
Serve others well.
#4
What sweet words. It gives me another reason to think of my children. I have been blessed with three of the most marvelous daughters any father could want. Each is going about her life in ways I could never imagine. I can rest easy knowing that each challenge and event in their lives is for the purpose of making them even better than before.
Each has chosen a path that is different from her sister. I applaud them and brag about their successes. Each makes my life better in so many ways. Just being able to think and talk about them makes me a better person.
Writing this little note has made my father's day perfect. I only wish that other fathers have similar feelings.
Serve others well.
#4
Saturday, June 18, 2005
It's lunch time and I am in Topeka. We have completed two of the required four days of the principles of real estate class. All but one of the class members has gone to lunch. It has been great morning. Many good questions asked. Some good answers given. The music playing now is very soothing. lunch is tasty. But then it should be, I made it myself.
The class gets very energetic and I like that. Teaching time is fun when the students are eager to particpate in the discussion. I am constantly amazed at the numbers of people who have taken this course in the past four years. It seems as though more people are deciding to look into this field as a career. They are of all ages, etc. They are all winners and a pleasure to spend time with, even though not all of them will go on to become licenees. I care about all of them. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with them. We have touched each others lives in many ways.
#3
The class gets very energetic and I like that. Teaching time is fun when the students are eager to particpate in the discussion. I am constantly amazed at the numbers of people who have taken this course in the past four years. It seems as though more people are deciding to look into this field as a career. They are of all ages, etc. They are all winners and a pleasure to spend time with, even though not all of them will go on to become licenees. I care about all of them. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with them. We have touched each others lives in many ways.
#3
Friday, June 17, 2005
Visited with the "Old Bastards" for coffee this AM. Just a bunch of retired military guys who like to get together and swap information, war stories and other lies. The coffee leaves a lot to be desired. The cookies are OK, but the camaraderie is priceless. Friday AM's are just the right time to get together.
I'm still trying to find the path to posting photos to this site. Shannon will be helping me very soon.
Keep the peace and serve others!
#2
I'm still trying to find the path to posting photos to this site. Shannon will be helping me very soon.
Keep the peace and serve others!
#2
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)