Fitness Training, the 12-Bar Blues, and hearing some happy news

I like being a teacher who's also a technology-freak, but I wish it required a little less manual labor. I teach in three different classrooms during a day, and so, when I want to be all "techno-man", I need to carry around: (a) my usual bag, which contains my Powerbook, textbooks, and papers, weighing in at probably about 163 pounds; (b) a supplemental bag, carrying a set of external speakers, headphones, any videotapes I might be showing in class, and a couple of cables that don't fit in my laptop bag; and (c) Mr. LCD Projector, which happens to be a lightweight model, so it only tips the scales at around 73 pounds. By the end of the day, I feel like I've been training to climb K2.

Still, it's worth it. I love being able to do stuff on the screen that the kids can see. And I can't wait to build up a bigger arsenal of presentations, games, and other teaching tools that we can use. I introduced my Freshmen to the Wikipedia today, and I think they enjoyed it. We might even edit our own article later in the semester. And my Sophomore classes have been learning about Superlearning and recording our own study tapes using GarageBand. Hoping to finish them up this weekend, and I'm looking forward to hearing how they turn out.

I had the last period free today (our "Meeting Period", which students can use to participate in clubs and organizations during the school day) so I grabbed my horn (saxophone) out of the car and headed down to the band room, where I knew the jazz combo would be playing. I haven't touched that thing in probably six months, but it felt good to blow the cobwebs out. I felt a little dumb asking for help with the 12-bar blues scale, but once we started playing tunes, I got to take out my sight-reading chops and get some exercise. That was fun. Nice to see this kids work together so well. And some of them have some serious game. Looking forward to more of these.

Also, I'm joining the Seniors on their overnight retreat next week. I LOVE retreats, and I can't wait for this one, especially since I already know some of the kids from class last year.

Today was quite a day, actually, from beginning to end. Started off with a dream that opened some new doorways of understanding for me, had some nice experiences in class, picked up a new computer client, and got some happy news from my brother. <smile!> (I'll tell y'all later.) Then, finished off my day with Survivor with Corey, Gina, Rachel, and the dogs. Quite a day.

Posted: Thu - February 5, 2004 at 11:33 PM

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Fitness Training, the 12-Bar Blues, and hearing some happy news

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