They did this thing on "The West Wing," at least early in the show's run, when they'd have occasional episodes about something called "Big Block of Cheese Day." Long story short, it was a chance for smaller interest groups to get an audience with someone on the White House senior staff. I've done a few Big Block of Cheese posts in the past when I've had ideas bouncing around that probably didn't have enough behind them to develop into an entire independent post, or, more likely, I was too lazy to take the time to do that. Since this is May and I'm looking to fill space, here are a few of the things on my mind these days.
*I've had a few discussions with a number of teachers in the past few days about how structuring the school year calendar to something closer to year-round school with manageable breaks built in would be an effective way to prevent the summer slide, when kids forget so much of what they learned the year before. Our school calendar follows an agrarian schedule that is completely outdated in the 21st century, and yet I'm glad we have it. I do like having a nice chunk of time off during the summer. However, even though my students are personally important to me so many get cranked up with attitude and less-than-desirable behavior this time of the year, because they're feeling the same school year fatigue I am. This usually makes it much easier to say goodbye on the last day. I'm sure they'd agree.
*I think I have at least the first wave of my summer reading list figured out and stacked on my piano bench. Of course there will be other books I buy during the summer that I'll add, but I've got a pretty good idea now of at least where I'm going to start. Last summer was a disappointing one as far as how much reading I got done so I'm making a point of taking advantage of that time this year. I have to say though, some of these books are pretty long. It looks a little daunting now, but I'm ready to take it on.
*Our media guy Reed hit me up with another head-scratcher of a question not too many days ago. The only reason I'm not using it as an independent post is because I'm so close to the end of May, and, to be honest, my stamina for coming up with a new topic every day and writing coherent thoughts about it is nearly running on fumes. Think about this one, though: If you consider every relationship you have, friends, family, colleagues, whatever -- each person you bring into your life has some reason for being there. Your relationship evolved out of an interest you shared, or fulfilled a need that you provided each other in some way. If you thought of all the people you have in your life, could you identify the connective threads that bind you to all of them?
*I've always watched television news, and I tend to follow it more closely during a political season leading up to a major election. I really don't know if I can this year. I'm just so sick of looking at Trump, much less viewing the lowbrow political performance art he's been displaying for nearly a year. I'm not even so sure I can put up with local news as much anymore. Not because of the Trump factor, but more because I'm questioning how necessary it is on a daily basis. Sure, if something big happens it's a good way to get information. But so much of it, even in a metro area that size of Minneapolis/St. Paul, has become more about community interests and presenting the anchors and reporters as engaging and accessible personalities.
*It's an unfortunate thing for me to admit, but I have yet to narrow down what will be my favorite album to listen to while driving with the windows down this summer. That title has often gone to a live album (they seem to lend themselves to driving, somehow) and something with a good straightforward, energetic rock sound, but without being too intense. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has favorites to mention.
*I think I have officially crossed over into the end of the school year slide. Not that I'm giving up on teaching anything of value or plan on sleepwalking through my final 11 instructional days, but we're now close enough to the end that I can see everything left that I need to do roughly mapped out in front of me, and the light at the end of the tunnel is that much brighter because of it. I think I can speak for most teachers by saying that reaching that point in the year is pretty nice.
*On the subject of planning out my summer, I've got some good ideas for Post-It Noting up my fridge. Right now I'm just collecting ideas though, and I won't officially even display my summer experiences to-do list until I drive away from school for the last time this year late in the afternoon on June 13. And honestly I'm even seriously considering posting at least select items online, almost as an unofficial open invitation for anyone who would like to join in with any of my adventures...though I can almost guarantee it would be a stretch to call any of them that.
*I'm curious: Do people not use Facebook that much anymore, or have a lot of people just gradually morphed into lurkers who sign in to read other posts, or memes, or videos, or whatever? I only ask because I've noticed, even in just the past few months, that a lot of people on my friend list don't seem to be as active online as they once were. I assume that means they're just off doing different things and the Facebook shine has worn off for them. Either that, or they're slowly blocking and ignoring me into oblivion...and after I've clogged up the news feed with daily blog posts for nearly a month now, can you blame them?
*Anybody want to make a Dairy Queen run this weekend? I might be up for it....
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