It’s Christmas time and despite what I tell my students every December, I love Christmas. I love it for a lot of reasons, one of the many being all the free time I get (by the way, that’s one of the great things about being a teacher, I still get my Christmas break). As part of my free time, I’ve decided to update this here web log (yes, I realize I update it even if I don’t have free time, but that’s beside the point isn’t it).
Anyway, here’s the information for this week:
- I read the book The Chosen this past weekend. Absolutely fantastic. One of the top five books I’ve read in my lifetime. I cried almost as much as Danny and Reuven at the end of the book. I recommend it to all.
- I signed up on LDSsingles.com and let me tell you, it was worth it signing up just to see the questions they ask when signing up. A sampling: “How regularly do you attend church.” “What is your temple worthiness.” “Did you serve a mission?” And all this time I thought my bishop was supposed to ask those questions.
- I’m still not listening to Christmas music.
- One day I really want to post my “favorite people of all time” list on this here weblog. However, since I know there would be some offended by not being on it (and probably more who would be offended by being on it) said list remains safely hidden away. But don’t you worry, it does exist and I cannot be bribed (unless the tendency to bribe me is an inherent part of your nature, in which case you‘re probably already on the list).
- This is the first year since I got back from my mission that I don’t have to do any shopping for presents the week of Christmas. I don’t think you understand how proud I am of myself.
- I really, really don’t think they should have sporting events on Christmas day. I mean, think of all those ushers and cameramen who have to work on Christmas day. Ridiculous I say, ridiculous. Same goes with movie theatres. I know people like to go to movies on Christmas, but think of the poor blighters who have to work. It’s a travesty I tell you.
- The more I read the more I’m convinced Obama is going to make a great president. And I don’t use great here hyperbolically. I really think when history looks back, he will be considered a great president (of course, I didn’t vote for him, so if he turns out to be a failure I’ll just remind everybody that I voted for somebody else so it wasn’t my fault he was the president).
- I’m currently listening to the Rudy soundtrack. It is beautiful. I recommend it to all.
And a Merry Christmas
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Gaffer
I have a couple of things to say:
1. My brother, Speedy Dub, is on his mission in the Brazil. From his letters I gather that, in the two weeks he's been in the field, he's already taught more people on his mission than I did in two years on mine (no exageration, really).
2. From the looks of things it appears that the Salem, Utah 84653 is about to get its first traffic lite. Do they have ribbon cuttings for traffic lites? I'm going if'n they do.
3. Sometimes people ask me if teaching is hard. Let me answer that question for any who might wonder: No, it is not hard at all. Honest. We only work from 7:30 to 3:00 (with a forty minute lunch), we work with some of the most incredible people in the world, and we only work about 188 days a year. How can anybody think that would be hard?
4. The past week I saw two movies: Bolt and The Day the Earth Stood Still. I really, really liked both movies, but I especially liked Bolt. It was great and I would recommend it to all people with any taste in good movieness (my favorite character was the agent by the way).
5. I bought stock in Wendys the other day. Hope it doesn't collapse.
6. I'm still not listening to Christmas music. Nope. I'm waiting until just the right time.
7. And finally, I'll end with just a few statements from my students these last couple of weeks:
Situation One: A girl slept in my class and was just waking up--
- Mr Wright: Jane (names have been changed . . .), I hope you enjoyed your nap. At least you'll be awake in your next class
- Jane: Oh don't worry Mr. Wright. I won't fall asleep in my next class. I like my next teacher.
Situation Two: I was handing out an assignment and explaining how my assignments develop knowledge--
- Pete: Ah screw knowledge, let's watch a movie.
- Pam the Cheerleader: Yeah Mr. Wright, we don't learn anything from these stupid assignments anyway.
Situation Three: I was talking to Mr. Rockwood (a fellow social studies teacher) and a student walked up to me
- Tim: Wow Mr. Wright, are you actually carrying on an intelligent conversation.
And that's all.
P.S. My prediction for Super Bowl Champion: The Colts
1. My brother, Speedy Dub, is on his mission in the Brazil. From his letters I gather that, in the two weeks he's been in the field, he's already taught more people on his mission than I did in two years on mine (no exageration, really).
2. From the looks of things it appears that the Salem, Utah 84653 is about to get its first traffic lite. Do they have ribbon cuttings for traffic lites? I'm going if'n they do.
3. Sometimes people ask me if teaching is hard. Let me answer that question for any who might wonder: No, it is not hard at all. Honest. We only work from 7:30 to 3:00 (with a forty minute lunch), we work with some of the most incredible people in the world, and we only work about 188 days a year. How can anybody think that would be hard?
4. The past week I saw two movies: Bolt and The Day the Earth Stood Still. I really, really liked both movies, but I especially liked Bolt. It was great and I would recommend it to all people with any taste in good movieness (my favorite character was the agent by the way).
5. I bought stock in Wendys the other day. Hope it doesn't collapse.
6. I'm still not listening to Christmas music. Nope. I'm waiting until just the right time.
7. And finally, I'll end with just a few statements from my students these last couple of weeks:
Situation One: A girl slept in my class and was just waking up--
- Mr Wright: Jane (names have been changed . . .), I hope you enjoyed your nap. At least you'll be awake in your next class
- Jane: Oh don't worry Mr. Wright. I won't fall asleep in my next class. I like my next teacher.
Situation Two: I was handing out an assignment and explaining how my assignments develop knowledge--
- Pete: Ah screw knowledge, let's watch a movie.
- Pam the Cheerleader: Yeah Mr. Wright, we don't learn anything from these stupid assignments anyway.
Situation Three: I was talking to Mr. Rockwood (a fellow social studies teacher) and a student walked up to me
- Tim: Wow Mr. Wright, are you actually carrying on an intelligent conversation.
And that's all.
P.S. My prediction for Super Bowl Champion: The Colts
Friday, December 5, 2008
My New Favorites
I've decided to make a list of some of my new favorite things:
- Taylor Swift's song "Love Story." I love it, love it, love it. In fact, I love it so much, I'm currently listening to it.
- The town of Goshen. I think I'll drive there tomorrow, just for kicks. And while I'm at it, maybe I'll continue on to Eureka and walk around for a little bit.
- The chess game on my computer. It's pretty sweet. I lost my first five games, but since then I've been pretty much unstoppable. Course, I'm only playing level one (it goes up to ten), but still . . .
- My 3A and 2B classes. They make teaching worthwhile. If I didn't think it was so unethical, I'd give them all A's.
- The Killers song "Human." Before I started listening to Sister Swift, I was listening to this song. I don't know why I like it so much, I just do.
- My principal. One of the greatest people I've ever worked with.
- The movie Twilight. Specifically,
A. Cedric Diggory's hair. If I could have my hair be in any style, it would be like that.
B. Alice Cullen's hair. I find that hairstyle mega attractive.
C. Dr. Cullen. No reasoning here, just liked him in the movie and liked him as a character.
D. The whole story line. I've never read the book, so I didn't know anything about what it was. I like it.
- My new coat from the J.C. Penney. It's nice.
- Learning about the stock market. I don't understand it hardly at all, but I'm kind of obsessed with learning about it currently.
- Watching the recordings of a TV show called "The Pretender" which used to air when I was in high school. I love it.
And that's all
- Taylor Swift's song "Love Story." I love it, love it, love it. In fact, I love it so much, I'm currently listening to it.
- The town of Goshen. I think I'll drive there tomorrow, just for kicks. And while I'm at it, maybe I'll continue on to Eureka and walk around for a little bit.
- The chess game on my computer. It's pretty sweet. I lost my first five games, but since then I've been pretty much unstoppable. Course, I'm only playing level one (it goes up to ten), but still . . .
- My 3A and 2B classes. They make teaching worthwhile. If I didn't think it was so unethical, I'd give them all A's.
- The Killers song "Human." Before I started listening to Sister Swift, I was listening to this song. I don't know why I like it so much, I just do.
- My principal. One of the greatest people I've ever worked with.
- The movie Twilight. Specifically,
A. Cedric Diggory's hair. If I could have my hair be in any style, it would be like that.
B. Alice Cullen's hair. I find that hairstyle mega attractive.
C. Dr. Cullen. No reasoning here, just liked him in the movie and liked him as a character.
D. The whole story line. I've never read the book, so I didn't know anything about what it was. I like it.
- My new coat from the J.C. Penney. It's nice.
- Learning about the stock market. I don't understand it hardly at all, but I'm kind of obsessed with learning about it currently.
- Watching the recordings of a TV show called "The Pretender" which used to air when I was in high school. I love it.
And that's all
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tagged Schon Wieder
Finally, back to normalcy and non-seriousness (I hope you’re all as relieved as I am). My good sister K-Dawn tagged me a bit back and I now respond.
Joys
1. Driving to Goshen. (I know I said I wasn’t going to be serious, but I hope you'll forgive this exception). I drove there today and it is definitely one of the coolest places ever. I highly recommend it if you’ve never been there.
2. Eating cheese. I think I’m addicted.
3. Giving tests (easily one of the best things about being a teacher)
Fears
1. Going completely and utterly baldified.
2. Going on a date and forgetting my money/debit card. If that ever happened, I think my dating days would be officially over.
3. One day one of my classes (I can picture it now) totally mutinying against me and going absolutely ballistic. In fact, I periodically have nightmares about such an event and I always wake up the next morning a little bit unsure of myself.
Goals
1.Not to complain on my web log. I think I’m doing a good job thus far.
2. Not be the worst teacher ever (I’m not saying I AM the worst teacher ever, I’m saying I never want to descend to that status).
3. Learn how to ride a horse. And I don’t mean just sit on a horse as it saunters around. I mean I want to really learn how to ride . . . like the man from Snowy River.
Current obsessions
1. Goshen
2. Playing chess on my computer. I’m really bad (I only win about 33% and that’s on the beginning level) but shoot, once I get started, there’s no stopping me. In fact, I left my laptop at the school today just so that I can try and break my addiction.
3. Trying to figure out why fans and athletes in general are typically so . . . hmmm . . . what’s the word . . . obnoxious. Really, I think about it all the time. Get a fairly decent person, put them in a sports atmosphere, and he/she will suddenly become so obnoxious, biased, and basically unbearable. Madness.
Facts
1. Peyton Manning is THE BEST quarterback in the NFL.
2. Christmas music is to be listened to solely during the months of November, December, and January (enjoy it while it lasts Mother).
3. People that root against the Cougars of the B.Y.U. are not going to heaven.
Monday, November 17, 2008
look out, this one's serious and religious
First off, before I begin, Karen don’t worry, I’m not ignoring you, I’ll get to your tag next week.
Now, for today . . .
The other day I went to visit my friends over at the B.Y. (Their names are LJ, Jana B., and the Cat, respectively. Three of the best people you’ll ever meet. If there are any single males out there who want to be set up with one of them, I’m sure I could arrange that). Anyway, during my visit, LJ notified me that my web log was deficient in at least four separate areas. She said I complain too much, I make too many lists, I never write about what I‘m really thinking, and she also complained about her web log link not being on my page.
Well, I’m not going to never put a link to her page on my page, but I do believe that I will acquiesce to those other three demands. So here I go. I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to make a list, and I’m going to write about what I‘ve been really thinking about lately (this will be the first and only time by the way, so enjoy it while it lasts).
For those of you not up to reading something serious, you’d better stop now and wait for next weeks’ edition.
There’s still time to stop . . .
Okay, here you go . . .
So, what have I been thinking about lately? Well, due to my current life situation, I’ve been thinking a lot about two things: one, what is life REALLY like after this one‘s over; and two, what does the future hold for our country and for me.
Both of these questions caused me to think a lot about my religious convictions. When somebody you know is on the verge of dieing or when scores of people around you are questioning the actions of your church leaders, it is a sort of wake up call isn‘t it. Do I believe what I say I believe? Is there really a life after this? If there is, what’s it like? Is it all white with a lot of clouds and harps or what? And, does God really lead the world today through prophets? If He does, how do I know when and where and whom to follow.
So this is what I’ve been thinking about. And what are my conclusions? Well, (don’t worry, I’m not going to list them) I’ve decided that I don’t know much about anything. I have no idea what life will be like after this. I don’t know what is in store in the future. I don’t know what will happen economically, or politically, or spiritually, or ethically in this nation. No idea. Nor do I always understand what the First Presidency is seeing or planning. Nope. I just don’t know.
But I do know a couple of things. I know that God is in control of the events here, especially this nation, even though at times it might not seem like it. He knows what He’s doing. I know that safety lies in following and sustaining the First Presidency, even if they aren’t perfect and even if I don‘t always understand their reasoning. And finally I know that God really is good, that better and more beautiful things await us after this life, and that my dad is in good hands, as are we all. As He so often admonishes us, there really is nothing to fear. Do good and be believing and in the end the loving-kindness of God will take care of the rest.
And that’s all.
Now, for today . . .
The other day I went to visit my friends over at the B.Y. (Their names are LJ, Jana B., and the Cat, respectively. Three of the best people you’ll ever meet. If there are any single males out there who want to be set up with one of them, I’m sure I could arrange that). Anyway, during my visit, LJ notified me that my web log was deficient in at least four separate areas. She said I complain too much, I make too many lists, I never write about what I‘m really thinking, and she also complained about her web log link not being on my page.
Well, I’m not going to never put a link to her page on my page, but I do believe that I will acquiesce to those other three demands. So here I go. I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to make a list, and I’m going to write about what I‘ve been really thinking about lately (this will be the first and only time by the way, so enjoy it while it lasts).
For those of you not up to reading something serious, you’d better stop now and wait for next weeks’ edition.
There’s still time to stop . . .
Okay, here you go . . .
So, what have I been thinking about lately? Well, due to my current life situation, I’ve been thinking a lot about two things: one, what is life REALLY like after this one‘s over; and two, what does the future hold for our country and for me.
Both of these questions caused me to think a lot about my religious convictions. When somebody you know is on the verge of dieing or when scores of people around you are questioning the actions of your church leaders, it is a sort of wake up call isn‘t it. Do I believe what I say I believe? Is there really a life after this? If there is, what’s it like? Is it all white with a lot of clouds and harps or what? And, does God really lead the world today through prophets? If He does, how do I know when and where and whom to follow.
So this is what I’ve been thinking about. And what are my conclusions? Well, (don’t worry, I’m not going to list them) I’ve decided that I don’t know much about anything. I have no idea what life will be like after this. I don’t know what is in store in the future. I don’t know what will happen economically, or politically, or spiritually, or ethically in this nation. No idea. Nor do I always understand what the First Presidency is seeing or planning. Nope. I just don’t know.
But I do know a couple of things. I know that God is in control of the events here, especially this nation, even though at times it might not seem like it. He knows what He’s doing. I know that safety lies in following and sustaining the First Presidency, even if they aren’t perfect and even if I don‘t always understand their reasoning. And finally I know that God really is good, that better and more beautiful things await us after this life, and that my dad is in good hands, as are we all. As He so often admonishes us, there really is nothing to fear. Do good and be believing and in the end the loving-kindness of God will take care of the rest.
And that’s all.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Good Sabbath
Well, it’s almost been a whole two weeks since my last posting. I hope you all have enjoyed the slight reprieve from the madness. There’s just been so much to write I had to wait until I had enough time to gather my thoughts and figure out what items were really important enough to put on this here web log.
- First off, this English person I once met named Ruth Sharman Hall has severely reprimanded me for my constant bemoaning of my lack of social skills. Since English people should always be obeyed, my goal: Not to complain for the whole rest of 2008.
- Okay, could somebody please tell me what “lol” means? People use it all the time in all kinds of different places and I, for the very life of me, cannot figure out why. Advise.
- Concerning the recent presidential election (we’re going to have a new president, if you didn’t know), I’m really not too displeased with the choice of Brother Obama. I don’t know too much about his policies (another goal is to read a couple of books about him before January, if you have any suggestions let me know) but I think he’s a swell fellow (course, I could be wrong about that). Really, I think he’ll do a fine job. Which is in stark opposition to the many around these parts who think he’s the devil.
- So, I’m thinking about using Rogain. What do you say?
- Don’t worry, don’t worry, my Spanish Fork City Recreation League soccer team did end up winning the tournament championship. It’s good to see the Wright boys, after a couple years absence, ascend once again to the top of the soccer scene here in the Salem/Spanish Fork area. If you want a signed picture, just send me your address with $50.
(This is the championship team, minus Big D, right after our glory. Oh yeah, did I mention I scored the game winning goal. That's right.)
- I love teachifying. I love it. I have my bad days when I wonder if anybody ever listens to me (they probably don’t), but all in all, it’s a great job. I’d highly recommend it to anybody (as long as you don‘t hate teenagers).
- And finally, I’ve decided that janitors, when they die, are going straight to heaven. Really. I’m pretty sure there aren’t better people in the whole world.
Sincerely,
The Skin
- First off, this English person I once met named Ruth Sharman Hall has severely reprimanded me for my constant bemoaning of my lack of social skills. Since English people should always be obeyed, my goal: Not to complain for the whole rest of 2008.
- Okay, could somebody please tell me what “lol” means? People use it all the time in all kinds of different places and I, for the very life of me, cannot figure out why. Advise.
- Concerning the recent presidential election (we’re going to have a new president, if you didn’t know), I’m really not too displeased with the choice of Brother Obama. I don’t know too much about his policies (another goal is to read a couple of books about him before January, if you have any suggestions let me know) but I think he’s a swell fellow (course, I could be wrong about that). Really, I think he’ll do a fine job. Which is in stark opposition to the many around these parts who think he’s the devil.
- So, I’m thinking about using Rogain. What do you say?
- Don’t worry, don’t worry, my Spanish Fork City Recreation League soccer team did end up winning the tournament championship. It’s good to see the Wright boys, after a couple years absence, ascend once again to the top of the soccer scene here in the Salem/Spanish Fork area. If you want a signed picture, just send me your address with $50.
(This is the championship team, minus Big D, right after our glory. Oh yeah, did I mention I scored the game winning goal. That's right.)
- I love teachifying. I love it. I have my bad days when I wonder if anybody ever listens to me (they probably don’t), but all in all, it’s a great job. I’d highly recommend it to anybody (as long as you don‘t hate teenagers).
- And finally, I’ve decided that janitors, when they die, are going straight to heaven. Really. I’m pretty sure there aren’t better people in the whole world.
Sincerely,
The Skin
Monday, October 27, 2008
Back to Monday
Well hello all.
It seems like I’m supposed to be doing something important right now, but I’m not really sure what that would be. It’s 10:10 p.m., the World Series has been delayed, and the Colts lost; that’s about all that’s registering in my mind currently.
Oh wait, there is one other thing, I was just reading about the Church’s support of Proposition Eight. I was going to write my thoughts about it (I had a whole paragraph typed up), but I decided not to ‘cause then I would have to be serious and thoughtful. Personally, I think serious people are boring (course according to some, since I‘m a Mormon, I don‘t even have the ability to think and have been brainwashed since I was two, so to them it would probably be impossible for me to be thoughtful at all).
Okay, okay, I will say this: I think President Monson’s an alright fellow, no matter what all those people who read the Tribune think (apparently, some of them aren‘t too fond of him).
But now, on to more serious issues:
- Last week was the end of the term. I didn’t fail nearly as many students this term as I did last year first term. What’s wrong with me? Am I getting soft in my old age or what?
- Sometimes a teacher gets in teaching ruts. I’m currently in a teaching rut from which I must soon escape or my students may start egging my house or slashing my tires (actually, most of my students probably think I’m in a teaching rut all of the time, so they probably don’t even notice the difference).
- Jamon: Word.
- Some unnamed people tried to play a nasty, nasty trick on me tonite (a plate of cookies tied to a string placed innocently on my doorstep). Don’t worry, I wasn’t fooled. But it sure was a close call. I was almost, ALMOST, taken in. My humiliation would’ve been irreparable had I been fooled by such deceit. Don’t worry, the culprits will pay.
- There’s this guy I know named Nathan Rees. We went to high school together. I think he’s a decent fellow. If you ever meet, be sure you say “hi” from me.
- And finally, since today is Red Ribbon week (actually, they don’t hand out ribbons anymore, now they hand out red wristbands, which is nice ’cause I never could get my ribbon on without poking myself with my pin 38 times), I would just like to once again confirm that I don’t do drugs. Nope. None. Never.
And that’s all I have to say for now. Be nice.
It seems like I’m supposed to be doing something important right now, but I’m not really sure what that would be. It’s 10:10 p.m., the World Series has been delayed, and the Colts lost; that’s about all that’s registering in my mind currently.
Oh wait, there is one other thing, I was just reading about the Church’s support of Proposition Eight. I was going to write my thoughts about it (I had a whole paragraph typed up), but I decided not to ‘cause then I would have to be serious and thoughtful. Personally, I think serious people are boring (course according to some, since I‘m a Mormon, I don‘t even have the ability to think and have been brainwashed since I was two, so to them it would probably be impossible for me to be thoughtful at all).
Okay, okay, I will say this: I think President Monson’s an alright fellow, no matter what all those people who read the Tribune think (apparently, some of them aren‘t too fond of him).
But now, on to more serious issues:
- Last week was the end of the term. I didn’t fail nearly as many students this term as I did last year first term. What’s wrong with me? Am I getting soft in my old age or what?
- Sometimes a teacher gets in teaching ruts. I’m currently in a teaching rut from which I must soon escape or my students may start egging my house or slashing my tires (actually, most of my students probably think I’m in a teaching rut all of the time, so they probably don’t even notice the difference).
- Jamon: Word.
- Some unnamed people tried to play a nasty, nasty trick on me tonite (a plate of cookies tied to a string placed innocently on my doorstep). Don’t worry, I wasn’t fooled. But it sure was a close call. I was almost, ALMOST, taken in. My humiliation would’ve been irreparable had I been fooled by such deceit. Don’t worry, the culprits will pay.
- There’s this guy I know named Nathan Rees. We went to high school together. I think he’s a decent fellow. If you ever meet, be sure you say “hi” from me.
- And finally, since today is Red Ribbon week (actually, they don’t hand out ribbons anymore, now they hand out red wristbands, which is nice ’cause I never could get my ribbon on without poking myself with my pin 38 times), I would just like to once again confirm that I don’t do drugs. Nope. None. Never.
And that’s all I have to say for now. Be nice.
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