Working with kids, sometimes I get the random hug. They want to feel connected and loved and express their apprecation of whatever we are doing. Sometimes its a hug from one of the kids who takes my Lego classes, other times, one of my teens will randomly get excited and hug. I always give them the one arm, side hug that lasts only for a few seconds. Don't want someone thinking that the hug I give back means something a little more.
Yesterday was a little different. I got three hugs, and while I still did the side arm hug, I did squeeze a little more. I gave it a few more seconds, held on a little bit tighter. Because what if. Newtown isn't that much different from any other town in the northeast. Sandy Hook Elementary isnt that much different than my elementary school, or any of the other schools in my area. They were getting ready for holiday break; teachers finishing up lessons, making holiday crafts, teaching songs, decorating the class rooms. These could have easily been my kids. They could have come to my classes or my programs, they could be the younger siblings of my teens. It breaks my heart.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I've never been more hopeful about our future
"And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future.
I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope. I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight.
I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.
America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunity and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.
I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America."
I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope. I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight.
I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.
America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunity and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.
I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America."
- President Barack Obama
November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sandy Blows
8 days ago I shut off my computer here at work, turned out all the lights in the teen center & locked the doors. I had no idea it would be 8 days before I was able to sit down and actually get work done again. All in all, my family has survived the hurricaine. My parents house (last year's storm was a disaster) is still without power, but this year at least, we had fewer leaves and no snow!
Once of the biggest problems is that there is no gas. Which is a wierd concept, considering that there is practically a gas station on every corner in these towns. But they are empty. Or they dont have power so the pumps are off. We have a gas rationing system that no one seems to understand (I've heard like 6 explenations of the licence plate rules, all contradicting each other). I retreated up to PA for the weekend, so I filled up before I left, and brought back 10 gallons of gas for my dad. There are also, unfortunatly, people taking advantage of this fact, and price gouging like you woulding believe (200% increase overnight for fuel...wtf) Unfortunatly, with the disaster affecting SO much of the state, most of the attention has (rightly) gone to the ravaged shore. Its a good learning expereince for the northern counties, how to carpool, plan trips, ride your bike etc. My co-worker and I set a good example by walking to DD for lunch, and I think we are going to make a thing of it from now on. We drive way too much (I promise I dont usually drive to work unless I am leaving from work to go somewhere that requires a car. I live about 100 yards from the building...)
If you are looking to help out NY & NJ, I recommend donating to the American Red Cross. We are going to start a food and clothing drive here, so send me a message if you would like to contribute to that :)
Once of the biggest problems is that there is no gas. Which is a wierd concept, considering that there is practically a gas station on every corner in these towns. But they are empty. Or they dont have power so the pumps are off. We have a gas rationing system that no one seems to understand (I've heard like 6 explenations of the licence plate rules, all contradicting each other). I retreated up to PA for the weekend, so I filled up before I left, and brought back 10 gallons of gas for my dad. There are also, unfortunatly, people taking advantage of this fact, and price gouging like you woulding believe (200% increase overnight for fuel...wtf) Unfortunatly, with the disaster affecting SO much of the state, most of the attention has (rightly) gone to the ravaged shore. Its a good learning expereince for the northern counties, how to carpool, plan trips, ride your bike etc. My co-worker and I set a good example by walking to DD for lunch, and I think we are going to make a thing of it from now on. We drive way too much (I promise I dont usually drive to work unless I am leaving from work to go somewhere that requires a car. I live about 100 yards from the building...)
If you are looking to help out NY & NJ, I recommend donating to the American Red Cross. We are going to start a food and clothing drive here, so send me a message if you would like to contribute to that :)
Saturday, September 29, 2012
A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem
I don't miss anyone more than I miss him. Rest Easy, Pete
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
-- James Taylor
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
-- James Taylor
If you or a friend are struggling, say something to someone. Here is a great resource for those suffering from depression & thinking about taking their own life. HopeLine
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