To thine own self be true (Polonius)

Wie geht's?

I have lived a sheltered life. A charmed life. A privileged life.

This I have always known, but being back in the classroom, teaching some English again, has again confirmed that belief.

Especially when students reveal details of their past in writing exercises.

In stark contrast: I had two parents who loved each other, loved me and showed me the way; I had a crystal-clear idea of my bliss from an early age (since the age of 12 I have never had a plan B); I met Jacky and we've been married for 40 years; I have four children who worship me (ha ha - even if they are unlikely to read this blogpost); my rock solid integrity is challenged daily (I won't look the other way) and I have always had a purpose in life.

Actually, on that integrity one - phones are banned in school but, teenagers being teenagers, they all have one. My deal is that if I see it, the student gets a warning that if I see it a second time I will confiscate it.

I was challenged on this recently and I said, "Sorry but I can't ignore it or pretend I haven't seen it. I need to do the right thing". A different student heard me and said, "Wow sir, I've never heard a teacher say that before! That's impressive. You're my idol!!" (I may have added the idol bit).

I had mixed feelings hearing that, but as Polonius says to Laertes - To thine own self be true.

Love and peace - Wozza

He blazed a pick white liberty trail through history's hall of fame (Fess Parker)

Harry S. Truman

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Ryan Holiday's book Right Thing, Right Now is a rich source of inspiration. While discussing concepts emanating from stoicism, he returns many times to the example of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of The United States of America.

Ryan is certainly a fan. Truthfully, and shamefully, aside from his signing off on the two atomic bombs and that sign on his desk (The buck stops here), I've never thought of Truman much or read about him. But I'm going to change that after Ryan's descriptions.

Truman wasn't a successful businessman, but he was honourable and a man of integrity. He toiled away in obscurity as a senator, but he was honest.

As Ryan notes, "it's one thing to try to keep your hands clean, it's another to manage to do it in a den of thieves."

Truman drew ethical lines and respected the code. It was, for instance, unthinkable for him to be late.

In many ways, it seems, Truman was an ordinary man, but after FDR's stroke, he became President. And I need to know more about him. Not the condensed bios online and not the glossed over ones that centre on his years as President.

To do him justice, I'll need a visit to the Little Red Bookstore, I suspect.

Love and peace - Warren N. Purdy

The eagle laughs at you, just barely walking (Jackie Lomax)

Trees on the right are by the river (magpie in there somewhere)

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This one is about a magpie that warns me off his patch with a succession of strafing runs.

One of my weekend walks is along a stop bank beside a local river. On one side is pasture land and on t'other - stands of trees.

For the last 5 or so walks I've got about halfway and suddenly seen a magpie sitting high up in the branches, watching me keenly. He has then dive bombed me repeatedly and swooped down, close to my head. Even me flailing around with a stick hasn't deterred him. 

Each time, as I've turned around and walked away, he's given me one final attack run before flying off.

It's pretty scary and I must look like a madman as I take preventative measures.

I know it's his turf, even though it's a public walkway, so I don't want to report him in case he gets terminated with extreme prejudice.

Anyway, enough! Guess I'll just have to find a different walkway.

Love and peace - Wozza

Do the right thing.

Wie geht's? Cool for cats?

I'm loving a new book I picked up recently - Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, yes the Daily Stoic guy.

It's terrific.

The main message: 

Do what is right.

Do it right now.

For yourself.

For others.

For the world.

Sounds easy? Well, yes...and, no.

Basically, it involves the line between good and evil, right and wrong, ethical and unethical, fair and unfair.

It involves some key decisions:

What you will do.

What you won't do.

What you must do.

How you do it.

Whom you do it for.

What you're willing to give for them.

The first chapter of the book centres on the example shown by Harry Truman and it held me entranced while I read during my Year 10 class' sustained silent reading time today.

Love and peace - Wozza

Happy dad day!

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Late Sunday night in Nu Zild post.

Let's not talk about sport this time out - All Blacks lost and Arsenal drew. Boo hiss.

Instead, let me tell you about my Fathers' Day spent marking Year 11 and 12 scripts. Actually, let's not talk about that either.

How about Fathers' Day? 

I did get some lovely gifts from Jade - some home baking, a homemade card (signed a.k.a. The Favourite) and a couple of books. Very thoughtful of her, especially as she was heading over to Melbourne and must have been doing a thousand things to get Asher squared away and herself and Chris to the airport.

Thanks Jade - I really appreciated the thought, and the phone call from Australia, too. That was also very thoughtful as you were busy there with Poppy's party at Adam and Ashleigh's place. Nice to know that you spared a thought for your old dad.

Okay, post done. Marking done. Planning for tomorrow done. Back to school tomorrow. Bed time according to Alexa.

Love and peace - dad