thoughts

I never believe my own hype. "Founded a school." "Built a community." "A great teacher." "Endless patience." I never believe my own hype. It's pretty simple. In '04 I was given this wonderful opportunity. And I've treated it like something pretty important ever since. I just never fell for my own hype. It never went to my ego. It might have gone to other peoples....but mine remained fairly uncluttered. Why? Because I never thought I would even get this opportunity. I was older. I was happy teaching. I have this nonconformist streak. I run my mouth. But I love teaching. And have tremendous energy. And I understand what motivates people. And have ideas. About how schools should run. And be run.
It's a vision thing. It's not about the hype. I judge my school on two criteria. One, would I send my girls to my school? This year I would. Before this year, probably not. Two, have I put everyone associated with my school in a position to be better. I think I have. But I don't ever believe the hype.

Who I am....

I am a man in full. I'm flawed. I'm complex. I own who I am. I'm passionate.I smoke too much. Occassionally drink too much. My daughters are my life.I lost a marriage after 20 years. I lost a sister in '90. My business crashed in '88. I've been done and down. It's strengthened me. I don't hide. I'm a romantic. I found teaching in '90. It didn't save me. It did change me. I became a principal in '04. It's challenged me every day. My community is changing shape every day. Growing. Building. It's a good thing. I lost a relationship a while back. It shook me. I'm better now. I like me. I have a mix of talents.I've been dating more regularly. I don't have an end in sight. I know life is funny. I accept myself. I had breakfast with one daughter today. I've learned to let them teach me. My father died in '06. I don't see his face when I look in the mirror to shave every morning. I think that's good. I went to lunch with my other daughter yesterday. I've learned to let them teach me. I know who I am.