I'm Still It.

Here it is, friends. My second interview, with questions from the amazing Julochka.

1. how long have you lived without a t.v. and how did you come to that decision?

It has been eight or nine years since we've lived without television. Becoming TV-free was quite an easy decision for us. Increasingly, we found ourselves watching instead of doing. For us, it is too easy to sit and watch something stupid rather than getting up and getting busy. Being, experiencing, reading, talking, playing, and walking are all pursuits we think are more valuable than watching. But. We just kept watching. We also found ourselves watching shows that portrayed morals and values we did not share, and we wanted to be more intentional with our entertainment. We do have a computer and watch DVDs through it. We have an old TV set that we drag out for big events like inaugurations. For two or three weeks this summer our living room was taken over by this odd creature with bunny ears and tin foil so we could watch the Olympics.

2. what is the best thing about your job?

All day, every day, what I do matters. Someone once asked me how I could take such a big pay cut to become a teacher. I told them that I had spent several years making money. Now I was ready to make a difference. I don't mean to say that you have to teach to make a difference, just that this is my way. In teaching, I've found my calling, my passion, my commitment, and my conviction. Teaching allows me to bring every part of who I am and what I've experienced into the classroom. I don't live two separate lives; one me for work and one for weekends. I try to distill all that I've learned and experienced, all my training and education, each of my interests and passions into creating an environment that nurtures children's minds and spirits. The best thing about my job is that I am doing exactly what I was created to do. What a powerful joy that is.

3. what is the worst thing about your job?

The worst thing about my job is the nation-wide epidemic of vigorously criticizing public education while doing nothing to help. This is a hard job; a really, really hard job. Where else will you find over-educated, under-paid, highly-skilled employees willing to work 70 hour work weeks so they can go home, open the paper, and read about what a terrible job they are doing? If things are so awful in the schools in your area, how about showing up? Lend a hand. To paraphrase Gandhi a bit: Be the change you want to see in your school. And, please, please understand that educators can only do so much. We can not change the home environment, take the test, or raise IQs. Most teachers I know show up every day with a heart full of love, a head full of knowledge, and a willingness to do everything it takes to kindle a spark. The criticism may sometimes be deserved, even needed, but please. Be gentle. And be involved.

4. in a busy, hectic everyday, how and when do you make time for blogginess?

I guess I just take the time. This is what I need. Blogging feeds my soul in ways that are difficult to name. Mostly I blog late at night while the world sleeps. I try to include my daughter, Sloane, in things I do. So, I often do the visual and technical aspects of blogging with her after school. She loves it, and even has a blog of her own. She hasn't updated in a while, but has been asking me to help her on a new post.

5. are you a morning person or a night owl?

Well, it is exactly 1:49 AM as I write this. I guess that answers that question. I love the night.

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain --and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.
~ Robert Frost

Good night, dear ones.

The image above is by SF buckaroo. I'm still willing to interview you, if you are interested.