Wednesday Words
The use of words is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can provoke thought and lead to understanding.
"We stand now where two roads diverge. The road we have long been traveling is deceptively easy, a smooth superhighway on which we progress with great speed, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork of the road — the one less traveled by — offers our last, our only chance to reach a destination that assures the preservation of the earth."
I Make a Difference?
I was sitting here at my desk working on lessons for my AP class and people kept congratulating me. The look of confusion on my face had to be the first clue that I didn’t know what they were talking about. Finally, one of my colleagues told me to read my email. Apparently the principal feels that I make a difference. There’s a weekly award that our principal presents to someone he feels makes a difference in the school and the lives of our students. In my eight years of teaching, it has only been awarded to a science teacher twice. The first time was to me six years ago and then to Lauri, one of my closest colleagues, later that same year. Have we been that bad for the last six years that no science teacher made a difference?
Here’s my thought on the whole award. While I appreciate the idea behind letting people know that they make a difference, isn’t that what a teacher is supposed to do? I mean, I know we are supposed to teach students about a particular subject, but I thought one of the most important parts of job was to make a difference in the lives of our students, preferably in a good way.
I work at a school with the lowest demographics of any school in the district. It is the only place I wanted to teach because it’s where I belong. I’m proud to have graduated from this school, although, it was many years ago. I understand and relate to the kids because I’ve literally been where they are and shared many of their experiences Most of my day is spent just trying to teach kids how to cope with the troubles of everyday life. It seems that with each passing year there is less and less time for teaching actual content. It amazes me that my kids actually score as high as they do on the standards tests.
My purpose here is not to earn or receive given to me by my colleagues. The awards, or maybe even better, rewards, that mean the most to me come from the kids. When one of my kids is successful in the real world and comes back to share their experiences, that means something. When one of my kids goes off to college and comes back to share their experiences, that means something. When I run into one of my kids and I can tell they’re doing okay for themselves, that means something. When one of my kids gives me an invitation to their college graduation or wedding, that means something. Every time one of my kids tells me how much they appreciate the things I did for them, that means something. In fact, of the teaching awards I’ve received, the ones that mean the most to me came from my kids. For six straight years, I’ve been nominated by one of my kids for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that, while I appreciate the sentiment, I’m not here for the awards, I’m here for the kids so I better go get ready for them.
I’m Going Completely Organic
I’ve tried for years to make the switch to eating only organic foods. At first, it wasn’t easy because there were few places to get organic food around here and there was no guarantee that’s what you were getting. In recent years though, organic food has managed to work it’s way into the larger grocery stores and with the certification process they have now you can be relatively sure it’s pure. I’ve spent the last couple of years weaning myself off the standard foods and onto organic foods. My goal now is to be completely organic by the end of the new year.
So why am I going completely organic? That’s easy, it’s better for you and the environment. I’ve always prided myself on eating healthy and taking care of myself. Plus, we all know how I feel about the environment, I’m a treehugger need I say more. The Organic Trade Association was nice enough to put together a list of ten good reasons to go organic.
Organic products meet stringent standards
Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.Organic food tastes great!
It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.Organic production reduces health risks
Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.Organic farms respect our water resources
The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.Organic farmers build healthy soil
Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.
Those are definitely enough good reasons to go organic. People have asked me why I don’t just go vegetarian. I really can’t see myself going that far because of the lifestyle changes it requires, but I am planning on switching completely to free-range meat. That will be a little tougher since it hasn’t become as popular as organic foods. The biggest adjustment I have to make is in my food budget. Organic and free-range foods are more expensive, but it’s worth it for my health and peace of mind.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people try to do other things while they drive. Like talking on the cell phone, putting on makeup, smoking a cigarette, or reading a paper. In my book, any one of these things are just not safe to do behind the wheel. They distract the driver and prevent them from paying attention to what they’re supposed to be doing, driving the car. Well, today I watched in total amazement as a woman managed to do all four things I mentioned at the same time while drive down the road.
This insane lady had her cell phone tucked between her shoulder and ear and a cigarette in her mouth while she put on eyeliner with one hand and read what appeared to be a letter that she was holding with her other hand which was grasping the steering wheel. I wanted to pull up beside her and yell at her but I was afraid something bad would happen. Somehow she was able to keep the car between the white lines. I’m still trying to figure out how she did it. If this were a commercial it would have a caption that read “professional driver on a closed course” but this lady was just plain insane and very lucky.
