Dear Friends,
Last night was awesome. It was the perfect combination of great music, good people, and just the right amount of school night fun. I’m so glad Liam and I went to see Sir Richard Bishop and Hans Olson.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time on how great it was and rub it in. If you didn’t go, well, you didn’t go. You had your reasons. I do encourage everyone to see a concert at the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) if you can. The sound in there is awesome.
*****
Yesterday was another one of those days where the students are lucky that their lives didn’t depend on their ability to keep their mouths shut. In some quantum universe option, there is a world where students who misbehave are given a chance to save their lives by atoning for their transgressions, but if they don’t, it’s curtains for them. That’s effed up but if quantum reality exists, and there is no reason to think it doesn’t, then it’s out there.
I am well past the point where I plead with the students to do the right thing. I learned my lesson about that long ago. Now I just calmly explain the consequences of their actions and choices and follow through on what I say I’m going to do about their issues. That works a lot better than appealing to their humanity.
Abject humanity, really.
Not to say that all children are hopeless or without pride. Most have hope and pride in abundance. Combine it with any shred of accountability or humility and you have a pretty good cocktail for frustration. Well, that, and opportunity.
Opportunity to help them see the light.
*****
I had such a good idea for The Bet last night at the show. I think I know where it is going now and I’m a little giddy.
Thank you, Ricky Bishop, for playing a song that helped me figure out my ending.
See you tomorrow
Sir Richard doing his thing.
Comments