Birthdays ... Gotta LUV 'em V3.0

Say what you wish, but who doesn't yearn to be a Magnificent Sparkle Beast? 

I'm closing in on the end of a very busy season for birthdays in my extended family. I received a comment from one of my relatives that they were enjoying the posts about various people in the FAM and were hoping I'd pen some thoughts about them too. I guess that pretty much makes the decision, doesn't it? 

The great thing about posts featuring members of our family is that, if you, my dear reader, are not interested, closing the browser window is pretty easy.

For those that have regularly inflicted my unceasing stream of thoughts upon their retinas and synapses, you'll recognize that March 1st is the numero uno BDay for the Porter clan because the it's the one that belongs to the Matriarch ... the Mama ... the Grand Dame ... our mother Andrea. I already included my note to her in "Birthdays ... Gotta LUV 'em V2.0" so I'll choose not to re-do my tidal wave of compliments. She knows how much love I have for her. 
Happiest Birthday wishes and thoughts Mom!

March 3rd will be my nephew Jackson's 22nd. Jackson is my brother Rob's second born son. While first born son Marcus is physically "a chip off the ol' block", Jackson is physically more influenced by his Mom's side of the family. I went to university, studied biology/genetics, got the piece of paper and I'm still flabbergasted by the repercussions from that incredible double-helix strand of nucleotides' impact on offspring. Jackson couldn't be any more physically different than Marcus, but it's how they're similar in so many other ways that is even more profound, when you stop to think about it. Is that Nature? Or is that Nurture? Regardless, I have a pretty high opinion of the young man my nephew has turned out to be. He's always had a good work ethic, possesses an aptitude for the trades and fell head long into a love affair with cars, in particular, his Subaru GRX. He has great people skills, a wonderful sense of humour, is quick witted and loyal. A pretty good list of qualities, If I do say so, and I know that Rob and Jen are thrilled with the young man he's turned out to be. Following a pretty polished high school experience which included some standout athletic performances, Jackson has discovered the Ying to his Yang in fellow BNC alum Drew Copping, completing a mini Circle of Life. I coached Drew's father Ryan in Royals back in the day, and Drew was on my first Sr Girls' Basketball team when I moved to North and now she's the apple of nephew's eye. I happen to think that's pretty cool because I personally think the world of her after spending some quality together!

Happy birthday Jackson! I have every confidence that Drew will make sure you're spoiled!

March 17th will feature a boat load of revellers using the ready made excuse of celebrating St Patrick's Day to treat themselves to a healthy dose of liquid refreshments. While that is pretty awesome, I'll raise at least one glass of Proper 12 myself because it also happens to be my niece Teresa's birthday ... her 21st to be specific. She is my brother Dave's first born. Although extremely shy as a child, Teresa has grown into an amazing young woman who is Uber intelligent, introspective, empathetic, compassionate, and possesses a biting sarcastic wit, a trait that she has her Dad to thank for. Like so many young adults, she has had to endure the ridiculous impact that this pandemic has had on her post-secondary studies, having spent 2nd and 3rd year learning on-line. As expected, she's rolled with the flow and has continued to excel, despite the craziness. I know that Dave and my sister-in-law Cheryl as proud as peacocks.
Wishing you all the happiness and joy possible on your birthday Teresa!

Whew!
That was a busy stretch for our family!
It's pretty quiet for a little while so you'll have to wait a bit for V4.0.

They keep asking for more

A high school friend recently posted this on her FB page. She said it was written by an education acquaintance of hers but didn't include a name. Whomever it was, this is sadly brilliant and tugs strongly on my teacher heart strings, and I thank them for eloquently putting it all into words. As I have written in other posts, the trend toward Teacher Bashing is more prevalent today then ever, and it can hurt a lot. I am keenly aware of the passion and energy so many put into classrooms across Canada and this writing represents the rawest emotions I've read in quite some time.

Dedicated to my fellow educators. We are all at our breaking point. They keep asking for more.

Can you make sure the kids wear a mask in class?
Can you separate them a little more?
Can you make sure they are not playing with anyone outside their cohort?
Can you please sanitize their hands every time they leave the classroom and every time they come back?
Oh and make sure you are sanitizing every computer and every iPad every time a child touches it.

They keep asking for more.

Can you make sure you are providing work for the kids at home?
Can you check in on the kids at home and help them? You can do a Google Meet for each of them individually. Oh that’s while you teach your class. You can find the time, right? Make sure you set it up.
Oh and remember to do attendance for kids working at home.

They keep asking for more.

Just letting you know, there are no supply teachers available so you aren’t going to get planning time because your colleague is sick and you need to cover their class.
Now can you make sure the kids all have good mental health?

They keep asking for more.

Just letting you know that we don’t trust you to distance yourselves from others so we are closing all staff rooms. No you can’t boil a kettle. No you can’t use the microwave. 

Where will you eat? Is your car an option?

They keep asking for more.

You must teach this new math curriculum. Oh...no, sorry we don’t have time to train you. You’ve never learned coding? Oh...well figure it out yourself because you have to teach it. Maybe take a course in your spare time. Yes, we know there is a world-wide pandemic. But parents want a new math curriculum now. We aim to please.

They keep asking for more.

Attention! You are switching to synchronous learning. You will teach from home, online, for 225 minutes every day. You can use the rest of your time to plan and create digital content.
...No you won’t be paid for your wifi, hope you have a good plan.
...oh you can’t see your students when you present something on the screen? No you won’t be given a second monitor. You can buy one though. I hear Amazon has good deals....
No, I don’t know how you will parent your young children while you teach. I understand it’s difficult. You can do it. We’re counting on you.
Oh... You didn’t receive training for teaching online? Well we meant to do that so we’ll tell the public you did. I mean you taught yourself, and well, you’re a teacher, so that counts as receiving training. Right? Maybe check out YouTube. I hear there are lots of videos there that could help.

They keep asking for more.

You’re going back to class! 

What? We thought for sure that would be enough time. I mean we told you Friday afternoon. That leaves you Saturday and Sunday to plan and prepare. How hard can it be to switch everything from digital to paper?
Now that you’re back in schools we need you to be aware that the new variant can actually transfer through the eye membrane, but don’t worry, we are giving you these $5 safety glasses to wear. You have to wear them at all times. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to teaching through fogged lenses. Make sure to sanitize your hands before you wipe them! No, no I’m sorry your prescription glasses won’t fit under them. You don’t really need your prescription glasses, right?
Now with the worries about the new variant many more of your kids are staying at home. It makes sense, we’re still under a Stay-At-Home order. No...no that doesn’t apply to you. Anyway, make sure you check their attendance every morning. Also, make sure you provide work for them at their individual level. 

And check in on them. 

And check on their mental health. 

And give them feedback on the assignments they complete. 

Yes, written on Google Classroom. 

Figure out times when you can meet with each of them individually on Google Meet. 

Yes while you’re teaching.

They keep asking for more.

Oh, and you need to make sure the kids wear their masks outside now too. The whole time.
And all the kindergarteners, Grade 1s, 2s and 3s will also have to wear their masks. 

Yes I know he just turned 4. That’s okay. He will learn.
Oh, he dropped his mask in the toilet? 

Well, If he doesn’t have another mask you need to get him one.. don’t you. That’s pretty obvious.

They keep asking for more.

Oh and now we need you to make sure that people aren’t travelling, ok? So we are cancelling March Break. Well ...WE are still taking OUR March Break, but in fairness we have been working VERY hard in-person in the legislature. Yes, yes I know the legislature has not been in session since December 12. 

That’s beside the point.
Now we care about your mental health, we really do, but watch your absences, okay, because if you go over 6 for the year then we have a problem. We will need to call the Attendance Support person and we will need to meet with you in front of a panel of people and you will need to supply doctors notes explaining every absence.

They keep asking for more.

Can you just keep the kids safe?
And happy?
And not overwhelmed?
Look after their mental health?
But make sure you’ve taught everything.
And you’ll need to fill in all those gaps in learning caused by the first school closure last year.
Get your 15 kids up to grade level.
Oh... You have 27 kids? Not 15? Hmm. 
You have kids working at a Grade 1/2 level? And gifted kids working at a grade 7 level? Some are in class and some are at home learning through Google Classroom? 

Well make sure you’re providing the appropriate level of work for each of them. 

And posting your assignments on Google Classroom. 

And answering parent emails, but please do this on your lunch. 

Oh you sanitize the computers on your lunch? Well how long should it take to sanitize 27 computers and return them to the lab? Surely you have time to answer those emails after you return computers. 

Yes, well you get 40 minutes. Pee quickly. You know we advise not congregating with your colleagues anyway as this is what has caused all the spread in the schools so it’s best to just stay in your classroom.
Remember, we care about you.

They keep asking for more. 

But what they fail to realize ...

like many others in our world today ...

is that we don’t have any more to give.

On behalf of all education workers, my thanks to this beautiful soul for expressing what so many are feeling right now.

What're ya at?

Like the Great Big Sea song "What're ya at?", espousing the proper greeting to a friend from down home, I'm curious to know how everyone is holding up in light of our collective set of circumstances, since it's been a while since we were actually face to face.

The past few weeks have affected me more than I'd really like to admit. 

I've been reminded of people I lost in the past (Mark Ramolla and My Father), I've lost friends to Covid-19 (Dave Selvaggi), I've run into some friends I haven't talked to in a while (Peter Kalbfleisch, Diane + Doug Eves, Steve Middleton), I laughed my way through a few Retired Central Old Farts Zoom calls, and smiled at some neat things that happened in the lives of loved ones and friends (Keaton's BD, Maddi's wedding plans, Kelly Faye retiring). 

I've already written about some of these happenings, but it got me thinking about the "state of the union" right now, my former career in education, and the really great people I have come to call friends. 

The photo at the top left is a group of former Central colleagues whom I shared a number of years with rep'ing the Red, White and Black. We laughed A LOT, cried a little, steered a boatload of kids in a good direction, and built lives that were chock full of great memories. This particular photo was taken by me (at least I think it was me and why I'm not in it) at one of the Kempenfelt Cups soon after Central closed. If you were a student at Central, you'll likely recognize some faces, but in the event that your memory has been filled with adult-ing things, from left to right are Neil Mavor (now BCK), Drew Forsyth (now BNC), Rich Jessome (now BNC), Sue Berardi (Now RETIRED), Peter Kalbfleisch (now ESS), Robin Malandrino (now ISS), Ron Andrews (now RETIRED) and Craig Banks (now ISS). These people, as well of so many others not shown there, are tremendous humans and I'm proud to have them in my life.

I still stay in touch with these folks, thanks to the pandemic it's largely through Social Media and chance encounters along the trails that Barrie-ites boast so much about, but I truly find there's a small emptiness in me that used to be filled with the daily zaniness we found ourselves in. Who amongst those that went to Central doesn't recall the zany Teacher's Assembly without smiling widely? Now, extrapolate that times 190 ... the number of teaching days in a school year. Get the picture? This isn't penned to be another "Damn you for closing BCC" rant or a "Pining for the good ol' days" whine, but rather a tip of the hat or Hey 'sup nod to some epic shenanigans that left a deep impression on my soul.

As we age, inevitable health concerns arise that impact our lives or the lives of those we care about. 

A shining ray of light arrived the other day with an email from one of the retired Central Old Farts Club. Ed Leach shared news that his wife Nancy had a nearly perfect surgery following her many weeks of chemo and is now on the mend. The smile that crossed my wrinkly old face as I read the email prompted an inquiry from Joyce about what could make me react that way. Needless to say, we were both very pleased for Ed and Nancy. I hope that this means the stress of the unknown future will subside.

I just found out that the previously mentioned Sue Berardi will be facing some minor, but still serious, surgery that will require some challenging recovery, requiring her family to take up the slack. If you know Sue at all, you'll immediately understand how significant that slack will be. If my Joyce is SuperMom, Sue is her long lost twin sister. She "mothered" the residents of Rm 119 for years so I feel strongly that I have a valid opinion on this, and I know Ron, Pete, C'Nut and Sweezey will back me up on it. Don't fret ... She assures me that she will be fine, but it still causes a pause for reflection.

Joyce and I were out for a walk, like we do almost everyday right now, and the conversation eventually settled on the changes we have made in our health since I retired. Making the time to be active regularly is obviously easier in retirement, but it's also a consequence of relocating your focus to bring stuff forward from the "back burner". Does that mean that we won't be faced with some sort of change in our health in the future? Of course not, but it does mean that we'll be more equipped to handle it, from a mental viewpoint anyway. I am finding that we both are in a really good head-space right now, likely due to a refocus on things that truly matter to us, discovered while conversing about a myriad of topics as we stride ourselves into improved health.

The more I think about things, the more I am convinced that the single greatest stress of the pandemic-imposed conditions we are all so weary of is the diminished opportunity to share moments of human connection with those that we have grown to care about. Zoom, Facetime, Skype, or whatever the platform is, for me anyway, is a simple stop-gap measure that will never replaced the real thing because the algorithms of the platform create an awkward conversational metric that is significantly, and uncomfortably, slower like a governor on a golf cart. Video will never be a quality substitute for our eye's ability to detect the sparkle of friendship in the faces looking back at us as we boast, recall, conjecture or tease the ones we surround ourselves with.

I'm coping okay under the threat of Covid-19. I'm weary of the restrictions, but okay none the less.

I'm not trying to diminish the very valid feelings of others who feel they are struggling, but for Joyce and my personal situation, happiness is the prevalent emotion from day to day. We're still gripping the handles of the roller coaster car, with all of it's chattering ascents, plummets of terror and careening loop the loops, but the key is we're no longer fearful of the future, likely a residual of a contentment with our situation. 

Soooo ... What're ya at?

BDays & personal transformation

February 21st, 2021. 

My bestie's annual celebration of appearance in this world and the greatest excuse ever made to indulge the sweet tooth urges! She is my shining star, the hitch in my giddy'up, the apple of my eye, the ying to my yang. LOVE only partially describes the depth of emotion I have for her. I will be forever grateful that she chose me to grow wrinkled and grey with, and for our incredible children she protected and nurtured so willingly and selflessly.

Around about 365 days backwards, give or take a few, Joyce and I decided that we really desired a change in how we saw our journey proceeding through life's pathways. The kids were out marching down their own personal pathways, retirement celebrations had passed, and it was going to be just the two of us for much of the rest of whatever time we still had. The decision was not made quickly, occupying the duration of walks that were a daily component of our post-retirement vacation in the sunny south. Although I had previously taken a journey toward a healthier me starting in 2013, the oh-so-familiar roller coaster ride had resulting in an another 40-60 lbs discovering my lair in a tragic game of girth Hide 'n Seek.

We both knew what had led to our unsatisfactory state of being, so identifying the actual steps required to make the change was simple enough. Southwestern Florida is not really a great place to start a dietary transformation, the peddling of delicacies and treats are a MAJOR business, but we also knew that a change in diet was not going to suffice as the sole vehicle of improvement. We embraced the idea of adopting a more active lifestyle using sustained hikes and bike rides as the preferred choices. 

I avoided the scale but there was no hiding my 280-290 lbs from the mirror.

Being blessed with the genetic disposition to release the stranglehold my belly had on those lbs, our efforts started to show more quickly in my mirror than in Joyce's, but since my girth was far more pronounced than hers, it made sense. She was more determined then than I had seen her in our previous 35 or so years together. As the time drew near signalling the northward journey home, we knew that we had 27 or hours of driving to have lengthy brainstorming sessions about what the program would resemble once we were home.

We arrived home on March 6th, 2020, the panic of the novel coronavirus hung in the air like a soupy fog, and the lockdown began on March 17th. We were faced with making these life-altering changes in the midst of a stay-at-home order.

Step #1 was the dietary part. It was fairly simple, to be honest. For both of us the elephant in the room was portion size. Personally, I have always claimed that I had never accidentally eaten anything in my life, so eschewing the need to feel full after each dinner was paramount to success. 

Step #2 was the habit part. For both of us, was mentally locking the cupboards and fridge at 7:00 pm, since we both embraced the late-night, in-front-of-the-TV snacking trend. 

Step #3 was to address the activity requirement. We became each other's willpower compass and continued our daily walks, but we also took to daily sessions of resistance training. I was using the rubber tubing, stability balls and paint cans already in the house, while Joyce was following a YouTube program. 

Step #4 was consistency. Something I knew was key, having ventured down this road so many times before, was finding was to avoid excuses to not do it. While we had already discovered the pleasure of hikes in the beauty of Barrie and Simcoe County, we also chose to use our bicycles to get out in the sunshine and get those heart rates up, in a low impact sort of way, because I had gone back to running only to injure a meniscus.

Little did I know that fate was lurking just beyond my sight, waiting for a chance to significantly alter my life's choices. 

Two summers ago, I convinced Joyce to purchase "decent" bikes for each of us. They were affectionately coined Hybrids, but to us they were simply trail bikes. Hefting my 280 lbs onto the precarious perch that is the bike saddle meant that there was a lot of pressure going through a sensitive portion of my nether region. As regular readers of this Blog know, I slipped back into my familiar creed of "Go Hard or Go Home" by methodically upping the KMs of each ride. 

It was not an enjoyable affair, but I was seeing a change in the mirror.

A month into the lock down, we were both seeing the results of our labours, and our joint ventures now included hauling the bikes to a variety of new locations for rides, like the photo here at the beach in Thornbury.

As a consequence of those escapades, I connected with acquaintances who were avid cyclists as they introduced me to the phenomenon of Social Rides. It was still a chore to haul by smaller, but still significant, belly around the county, but I could feel the "dog on a bone" mentality growing steadily with each week. As the lockdown continued, and spring gave way to summer, the combination of shrinkage plus nether region fitness resulted in a swelling sense of enjoyment.

Was I becoming a cyclist? Hadn't I made fun of MAMILS for so many years?

The answer to that pressing reality arrived in August when I convinced Joyce that I had to upgrade the tools of the trade, resulting in an investment in a true road bike ... a carbon framed Ridley Damocles ... that was purchased from a cycling friend who was looking to upgrade his own ride. That purchase coincided with the decision to join the Great Canadian Cycling Challenge, a fund raising venture aimed at injecting much needed funds into Sick Kids Hospital. Take an addictive personality, combine it with a steeled desire to change, spice it with a vehicle for public scrutiny, then top it off with an activity that turbocharges the fat burning machine inside, and you get the recipe for significant change. 

The transformation was noticeable. Actually, so noticeable that Joyce was now lamenting that I was getting too skinny because hugging me she found her hands extended past each other, going further up her arms, instead of finger tips straining to touch. I consoled her that the cold weather was coming and I would eventually have to put the bike away, meaning that the possibility of the process reversing during the winter months was a threat, despite the massive positive changes in our dietary habits. 

Enter Kevin Simms, my go-to bike guru. I would have to "eat crow" again.

I had embraced the Bike Life, but had been vocal that I would have to take something else up in the snowy Canadian winter because I couldn't fathom sitting on a bike in the basement, spinning away the hours like some demented madman. Kevin was chiding me into trying an indoor trainer and the on-line cycling community of Zwift as a way to continue what I had started, but I had serious doubts. He sweetened the deal by offering me the loan of a trainer for the winter. I still voiced opposition.

I really should learn to shut my mouth. I just sound like a complete moron at times.

Long story short, we arrive at 365 days later, 65-70 lbs gone, and I daily descend into my subterranean "Pain Cave" in my love affair with my Ridley. My addiction is shifting ... I am far more concerned about my Watts and FTP than I am about my waistline. I am thrilled that my fitness is improving, my HR lowering, my joints less creaky.

I love that I am no longer struggling with clothing.
I love that I am no longer filled with indigestion and heartburn.
I love that I am no longer giving in to stress induced binge eating.
I love that we both are happier with how we feel about ourselves.
I love that we can enjoy Life's simple pleasures together.
I love that we are doing this together.

I'm still on that roller coaster ... but it's slowing down ... and I might be able to get off sometime in the near future. For both our sake, I hope I can persevere in hopes that we have a long time together.

Heaven's gates are permanently open right now

These are gut wrenching, heart breaking times.

A very good man named David Selvaggi (at left, in yellow) recently lost his personal battle with Covid-19, and I'd like to write a few thoughts to tell you why that saddens me. 

It has escaped no one's notice that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a staggering loss of life, cutting a swath through our communities like a whale-sized sickle. The daily death count reported in the media desensitizes the repulsion of so many people's passing, losing loved ones in the constantly mounting numbers. I can recall conversations where questions were posed if anyone had the personal impact of a passing, the responses consistently confirming that no one involved had lost a friend or relative. 

I can't say that anymore.

I first met David Selvaggi when his son Eric attempted to earn a spot on the U15 Rugby Ontario team in 2007. First impressions of Eric included appreciation for not only his impressive physical traits, but also his equally impressive people and leadership skills. I suppose I should admit that I felt a kindred spirit existed since we were both larger, hard-running centers, but it was Eric's quick smile, positive disposition, and magnetic personality wrapped around a tiger-like ferociousness that caught my attention. The cherry on top was finding out that my Queen's buddy Mark Burleigh had been a part of Eric's introduction to rugby when Eric attended Country Day School.

Eric, in case you didn't guess, earned his jersey, leading to a number of occasions for conversation with his Uber supportive parents, Dave and Doris. As the summer progressed, they and I shared many opportunities to build our acquaintance, quickly revealing where Eric got his wonderful personality traits from. As it would turn out, Dave was a passionate shutterbug and we were able to swap tidbits of advice about equipment and settings that best suited a fast-paced sport like rugby. 

The summer of 2007 was a busy one, from an ORU perspective, and culminated in a tour to Newfoundland that included a number of touristy memories like Cape Spear, Swillers Rugby Park, Chess's Fish and Chips, and Signal Hill. This was that tour that birthed the semaphore flag story I wrote about a while back (CLICK), and when the invitation to return to the ORU coaching staff for the summer of 2008 to move up with Eric and his team mates to U16, the moment of hesitation was just shy of a second before accepting. 

The summer of 2008 was indeed memorable.

It was during that time that Dave and Doris spread their arms of friendship wider as we shared a number of gratifying laughs and giggles on a variety of subjects, not just rugby. Eric was so much his parents, but especially his father. Dave had that same twinkle in his eye, that warm smile, that welcoming presence. He was very easy to be around and went to great lengths to ensure the coaching staff understood the depth of his gratitude for providing an invaluable opportunity for Eric. It was the first of their family's trips to the National Rugby Championships, this one held at Ottawa's Twin Elms Park, and despite the disappointing loss to BC in the final, reinforced our growing relationship.

I'm by no means attempting to diminish the tragedy of others who have succumbed to this horrible virus, but I am profoundly saddened that my friend Dave Selvaggi is gone. We did not share a deep friendship but his loss impacts me none the less because it has personalized the threat of Covid-19, and it will profoundly effect Doris and Eric's future. Dave was 67 at the time of his passing, and our being so close in age struck me like a slap in the face. 

I'm not an overly religious person, but that doesn't mean that I lack it in my life. The toll of this pandemic has manifested in St Peter keeping the gates of Heaven permanently ajar, and I pray that God blesses the Selvaggi family with the requisite strength to endure the loss of what I view is a great human being. 

Your loss will be felt Dave.
Note: Click for info from Vescio Funeral Home

25 years of Fantastic!

On this day 25 years ago, at 2:08 am, our "Millionaire's Family" became complete. Maddison became a big sister, SuperMom Joyce had the two kids of her dreams, and I welcomed a little Mini Me. Keaton Lorne Porter came into the world a cherubic, bald, pumpkin-headed, ball of energy with an insatiable appetite. Bucking the trend, he actually gained weight in the first week of his life and resembled a Gerber's logo, prompting old ladies to swoon over his rolls and chunks. Luckily for him, the Michelin Man look would disappear with learning to walk, as he quickly adopted an Energizer Bunny persona ... He was BUSY!

Keaton is a rare mix of confident yet humble, caring yet quiet, friendly yet independent, driven yet content, aspiring yet satisfied. He rarely talks, unless he has something to say, keeping a good sense of humour a secret ... until he feels comfortable around you. He works passionately, diligently and is goal-driven, traits that have propelled him to achievements few dream of. He is a champion of injustice, prompting rare outbursts of heated anger. Although you wouldn't recognize it with your first impression, he has very high standards, striving to do his best work with consistency. He's a dog lover, but being highly pragmatic, has chosen to wait until he reaches a point in life where the timing works, because when he chooses to love, it's usually intensely. He is fiercely loyal, almost to a fault.

Through all of this quarter century, KP has enjoyed his fair share of success. He is Uber competitive, something he inherited from his crazy old man, filling his "memory box" with gold medals, championships, accolades and banners. As a parent, and a former varsity athlete (Go Gaels!), I couldn't be any prouder for him. One of his greatest traits, IMHO, is that he doesn't feel the need to wave those accomplishments in people's faces, but as a proud parent, I will tell you that the box is pretty darn impressive. The culmination, of course, was earning a spot on the U20 National Rugby Team, and were it not for concussions, he may have challenged for a spot on the men's side. These days his new passions take precedent, retreating into more individual personal fitness pursuits like a new found passion for tennis. He even wishes to venture into the world of cycling once the bike shops have more stock, a consequence of Covid-19 production woes ... What can I say other than "A chip off the ol' block!"

We've reached the point in our lives where KP is busy being KP, working diligently toward his mechanic's license and being a responsible member of society. I'm pleased to share that he's completed all of his apprenticeship and is now playing he waiting game with the province so he can get fully certified. Apparently they are hugely back-logged due to Covid issues. Since he is so busy with work, he doesn't make it home for visits as much as we'd prefer, but we totally understand why. He has become a better communicator, reaching out to check in more regularly now than when he was living under the same roof! Maturity being a wonderful thing, his priorities are slowly shifting to include his folks, even if it's a 30 second call. That would be a big grin on my face, in case you're wondering.

Joyce and I really can't believe that our "little" ones are now both 25+ and playing full-on adult. Keaton even joked about looking forward to telling his insurance company about his birthday so he could get the "adult" rate! 

To coin a phrase from a childhood cherished book, "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Happiest birthday wishes KP! 

It's another curveball!

Well, it's official folks, the annual March Break for 2021 has to change its name to April Break following Minister Lecce's announcement that the Ford government will postpone the traditional pre-spring break at the behest of government health official's warning of a possible 3rd wave thanks to a variety of coronavirus variants. The announcement comes as the latest in a long list of changes that the education system has had to deal with since the beginning of the pandemic at the beginning of 2020, and the reaction to the postponement has been divided. 

On one hand, it's yet another disruption, exacerbating the already ridiculous stress levels.
On the other hand, there'll still be a break, albeit after a 4 week delay.

I can see both sides of the issue. There's plusses and minuses that are equally pertinent.

According to a press release from the OSSTF in response to the announcement, "Ontario’s public education system has fallen victim to the Ford government’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Education workers and teachers have been ignored and left out of meaningful, collaborative conversations about safely re-opening schools in Ontario. Establishing a clear, consistent, and transparent return to school plan was not a priority for this Conservative government." Then, later in the same release, "True to form, Premier Ford and Education Minister Lecce ignored the request to convene an advisory table of education stakeholders, continuing to leave communities in the dark."

http://osstfupdate.ca/2021/02/10/united-among-our-differences/

While the decision to push back the annual break is far better than the initial Lecce announcement about a possible cancellation, those on the front lines of education question why yet another change is required. Much of the Internet banter about the decision reeked of condescension in response to teacher's claims that the education system needs the traditionally scheduled break to combat the stress that builds from the stretch starting in January and continuing through the winter months. While 2021 has been everything but normal, it hasn't been all gumdrops and rainbows like many of the keyboard warriors insinuate. Quite the contrary, the stresses of disruption coupled with the flip-flop change in delivery mode by going on-line for 5 weeks has exacerbated the mental state of students thanks to a 200-300% increase in screen time, a dangerous habit continually addressed by conscientious mental health experts.

“It could have been worse — it could have been the end of June, so putting it off for one month is perhaps the best we could hope for,” said Cathy Abraham, president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, “But we do need a break — our students, our staff, our teachers, moms and dads, everybody just needs a break from being in front of a screen or in school under those circumstances.” 

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2021/02/11/march-break-moved-to-april-12-16-province-announces.html

What seems to be lost on the keyboard brigade is the notion that students and education workers have never pushed pause, with classroom teachers doing Yeoman's work flipping from in-person to on-line and back with little advance notice, enhancing an already dire sense of uncertainty thanks to the pandemic conditions. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath openly criticizes Ford's government, adding, “At school it’s constant vigilance and lots of anxiety. At home it’s hours upon hours of screen time. Parents are doing the superhuman juggling act of working while helping kids learn,"
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/don-t-cancel-march-break-for-ontario-students-official-opposition-says-1.5299731

Unfortunately, the complaints and opposition can be voiced, but that won't change the decision. 

What remains to be dealt with now that the ink is dry, is what families will do that have already booked vacation time from work and are unable to change to accommodate the new dates in April? Minister Lecce responds with the notion that everyone has had to be flexible (cue the eye rolling ... really Stephen?) in this pandemic and that his mandate is to “the health and safety of your children, our staff and the province” based on the medical advice he receives from government experts and warnings of the 3rd wave. Like so much associated with stay-at-home orders and shutdowns, Ontario's parents will have to roll with the punches once again, something I am sure, based on my personal observations, is wearing mightily thin. However, I will admit that students I talked to recently, when I was supplying for a friend, were nearly unanimous in their relief to be back in class ... well, maybe I should say back in school ... with their friends. Unprompted, many expressed negative feelings toward on-line learning and the high levels of frustrations surrounding both technical glitches and confusion generated by a more independent emphasis in expectations.

This latest change in likely not the last one for a system that has endured constant metamorphosis since starting a new school year in September. If the models hold true, health officials forecast a third wave of infections powered by the spread of the variant strains that are already here in Canadian communities. Lecce et al profess that this singular piece of caution is the impetus for the change, and while certainly worthy of note, Lecce's track record for releasing portions of the truth leaves me feeling wary that there's something else afoot. Regardless if we have all the facts, the decision won't change and education workers will scramble, once again, to make lemonade out of the lemons because that's what they do, even if they rarely get thanks for making it as seamless as possible. 

Here's one for all to ponder. With all of this uncertainty, its resulting stress, compounded responsibility, and elevated unrealistic expectations, it would not be surprising if those who have recently joined the education ranks, or those contemplating joining in the near future, decide that it's all too much. With calmer waters in other professions, the potential for our future Educators of the Year to never pick up the whiteboard marker is significant. From my rocking chair, my opinion is a simplistic "meh" since my own children have already traversed the storm of education successfully, and are in the throws of navigating adulthood, but what about my grandkids? When it comes time for them to enter the procession, will the person whose care they will be in be the best possible option? Or, will they be a survivor who was able to stomach the undulations? 

As an offshoot of that last thought, there's something else that the keyboard warriors likely haven't considered. When some semblance of normality returns, those that were previously the movers and shakers in extracurriculars could very possibly look at the time, energy and money that they so willingly donated prior to the pandemic as something they are no longer as eager to donate. Joe Public is quick to forget that the Arts, Sports, Clubs, and Activities are NOT part of the contract, but rather, an act of paying-forward as repayment for making the school years more exciting, enhancing, and intriguing. There's a strong possibility that extracurriculars will stay shelved for another school year, depending on our collective efforts with the 3 Ws (Wear, Watch, Wash) and the inoculation protocols. For every year that passes without the extras, a cadre of students is robbed of that experience, and subsequently, the urge to pay it forward diminishes. A very real and tangible dread is spreading through our schools right now about what the "new normal" will look like. Are we ready for a more European style model where extracurriculars are the domain of the community and not the school system? Is the community ready to shoulder that change, and how many years are we willing to tolerate in the transition?

The decision to change the timing of the break was seemingly innocent, somewhat acceptable, certainly doable, but the trend of uncertainty is wearing the bearings of the system at an alarming rate, and it will likely require some maintenance before we anticipated. Will we have the wherewithal to handle that when it comes? 

Only time will tell.

Birthdays ... Gotta LUV 'em V2.0

A little while back, I published a post about my brother Mike's 50th birthday, and the fact that all 4 brothers were now in their 50's, leaving my mother a little verklempt. Now that February is upon us, it signifies a busy month of celebrations ... or avoidances, depending on your view ... that include various persons who are pretty darn important to me. What better way to say it than to include them in my Blog ... Am I right?

Listing them chronologically:

My brother Rob turns 52 on February 11th. Now, you're likely thinking right now, "52's not that big a deal." and you'd be sort of correct, but what you're likely not thinking about the same things I am. My brother Rob is the kind that guys strive to emulate because he's prototypically "his own man", choosing his pathway through life to suit the way he likes things. He will never "put on airs" or be anything other than who he is. Love that or hate that, it's what you get, and I personally LOVE that! He has a filter, but it doesn't always work, meaning that quips that slip past his teeth that are of the world-according-to-Rob nature, but not always be accepted with graciousness, causes some occasional animosity. The best thing about his frankness is that he has one of the greatest senses of humour of anyone I know, so the wisdom of his words are likely wrapped up in something that makes you giggle or laugh right out loud. Another fantastic quality is his bottomless generosity, something that stems from his profound sense of loyalty. If all of that isn't enough to warrant a celebration, I'm not sure what is. 

Happy Birthday Rob!

February 16th, 2021, will be one that I'll mark in the calendar because it's my son's 25th! KP's not one to get excited about birthdays, but he is looking forward to the drop in insurance premiums! If that doesn't scream, "Look at me! I'm an adult!" then I've completely missed the boat. I have to tell you that I'm co-chairperson for the Barrie chapter of the Keaton Porter Fan Club ... with his Uber incredible mom, of course ... because I really couldn't be any prouder of the man he has grown to be. One of his greatest character traits, IMHO, is his steeled self-confidence, forged from a lifetime of paying little attention to the opinion of people who aren't on his priority list. Those who meet KP for the first time come away thinking, "Nice kid ... pretty quiet, though" but what they don't realize is that KP rarely speaks unless he has something to say, and if he does say it, he usually won't change his mind about it's message. He's also the proud possessor of a tremendous work ethic, and takes pride in doing a job well the first time, an incredibly valuable quality for a mechanic to have, in addition to being pretty sharp between the ears. Like my brother Rob, KP is loyal to a fault. If you've earned an entrance into the inner circle, you really need to mess up to be disbarred. While he doesn't come home often, he has been much improved at checking in more regularly. In nature, parents are completely invested in preparing their offspring to become independent and capable as quickly as possible, both so they have a high chance of survival to continue the genetic line and to get out of the nest, den or burrow. From where I stand, humans bundle that up with a plethora of emotions, leading to a sense of longing if and when their kids turn out to be so totally independent that they tend to focus less on checking in. For the record, my wife is less pleased than I am about what I see is great parenting. We LOVE him for all of his plusses and minuses!

Happy soon-to-be quarter-century birthday KP! 

My bestie completes her latest loop of the sun on February 21st. Like many of her gender, she'll appreciate me avoiding the tally of years accrued since we don't share similar opinions about growing older, but I say she's like a fine bottle of Scotch ... years smooth out the taste and make it incredibly satisfying! If you haven't yet had the pleasure, here's a short synopsis of what you're missing. Joyce is an incredibly loving, compassionate, caring, selfless, generous woman who is easily at the top of the heap when it comes to being SuperMom. She is quick to smile and laugh, constantly thinks of others, and works hard to ensure those around her feel appreciated and content. She has an intensely curious personality, often sending a barrage of questions your way about a wide range of topics, something that is quaintly positive and negative at the same time. Despite the fact that we have vastly different interests, we are perfectly matched on all the important stuff resulting in a pretty awesome love affair. Incredibly, she loves me despite all of my warts and flaws, tolerating my passions and quirks, supporting me whenever I feel the burn to do the stuff that charges my batteries. I really have won the lottery and I love her more than anyone else on this planet.

Hugs and Kisses sweetheart ... Not to worry, i'll make sure it's a good day!

When Joyce said YES, oh so many years ago, I was accepted into the Foster clan with loving arms. Joyce's brother Gary and his wife Ruth have the distinction of sharing a narrow window of the calendar for their birthdays with Ruth celebrating on February 26th and Gary on the 29th. Yep, Gary's a Leap Year baby! Like Joyce, Ruth's actual number will be something you have to chance asking her yourself, but I can tell you that Gary will turn the magic age of 65 this year, although according to the traditional calendar, he's officially 16.25. Although I beat him by a calendar year, Gary is tickled pink to be retiring the day after his birthday, and is giggling like a school girl to qualify for his OAS and CPP payments. Joyce and I couldn't be happier for them both! Ontario being a pretty big place has meant that we don't get together as often as any of us would like with them living near Ottawa and us being in Barrie. The distance that doesn't impact our feelings toward them in any way, shape or form, since we get along, as Forest Gump says, "Like peas and carrots." 

Happiest upcoming Birthday thoughts and wishes Gary and Ruth! And happy retirement Gary!

Last, but not least, is my dear mother. Although she is technically a March baby, she only missed sharing the Leap Year honour with Gary by a few short hours, coming into the world on March 1st. Continuing with etiquette, I'll simply share that she is a proud Octogenarian. My mom is a pretty neat person ... she's fiercely independent, sharp as a tack, and generous to a fault, on top of being confident, loving, compassionate, loyal, and kind. Coming from a great lineage of Scottish nonagenarians, she stills lives on her own, anticipating quite a few more years of self-sufficiency. As I've stumbled my way through life, what with my own adventures in marriage and parenthood, I've felt a swelling admiration for her strength in raising 4 "warts" more or less on her own as my father was "relieving suffering and stamping out disease" in 100 hour work weeks for much of their marriage. Regardless of opinion, all sons are "Mama's boys" and I love her beyond measure. I can never repay her for all that she's done, other than being the best version of me possible, since that's all she's ever asked for.

Have a glorious birthday mom. I love you to the moon and back.
Your hug and kiss will need a rain check.

You know something?
I'm pretty biased, but my life is pretty gosh darned good. 

WARNING: Strong opinion ahead

February 8th, 2021, is worthy of note for a lot of reasons, but locally it signifies the return to class for much of Simcoe County's school-aged children after a lengthy bout of on-line learning during the Ford government's Stay-At-Home order. That's not news to anyone that has paid attention to the comings and goings of this area during this continuing pandemic-charged, monkey-wrench-in-the-gears time we are all grappling with. What is it news that #fordnation has decided to add to the already lengthy list of teacher expectations by imposing a Hybrid Learning model.

Here's the thing ... Ford and Lecce have decreed that the educators of Ontario be sent back into classrooms that still have the same health and safety issues they had in the fall, while at the same time preaching a stay-at-home order for all other facets of life. If the "experts" feel that it is necessary to impose restrictions on the general population in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19, why are those same "experts" putting students and educators at risk by herding them into overcrowded buses and classrooms?

If that was not enough to deal with, educators continue to be slagged in social media, chat rooms and mainstream media despite shouldering the gargantuan task of adapting to the roller coaster ride of expectations thanks to a myopic effort on the part of the present PC government at handling the fallout from the continued spread of Covid-19 and its variants. In this day and age of increased awareness surrounding bullying and mental health, why is it considered acceptable by a significant proportion of society to insult, ridicule, and defame educators? When did those people lose all respect for the profession?

So many of the keyboard warrior's comments reveal their ignorance surrounding what educating is really about, begging the question, "What is it that you expect from your child's educator?" At the risk of repeating comments I've made before in posts, I don't openly criticize doctors, dentists, tradespeople or the like for their performance because I have never "walked a mile in their shoes" and have no discernible benchmark from which to comment. Sitting in the doctor's office does not mean I understand the ramifications of procedures and medications. Lying in the dentist's chair does not mean I understand the scope of the task. Watching the tradesperson build, install, or repair my whatever does not mean I am capable of stepping in and doing the job myself. I continue to be astounded that a significant portion of society feels they know all that is needed to attack educators simply because they were students once.

Why, then, do so many openly criticize educator's concerns about their student's performances, the desire to have a safe workplace, the confusion about ever-changing modalities, the ever-expanding expectations for students in their care? 

I've tried hard to stay in the background ...
To support without rocking the boat ...
To be there for my friends who are neck-deep in the dung of mismanaged, misguided, and misinformation-charged efforts by the people we elected to run things at Queen's Park.

This diatribe is the result of not being able to keep my "mouth" shut anymore and I'm taking to my own keyboard in an effort to (a) make sense of what's happening and (b) try to turn on a light for those that still seem to be happy to feed at the trough of ignorance regarding all things education. 

My recently retired colleague and good friend Kelly Faye recently posted the quote at the top left of this post. It immediately struck deep like a great truth had finally dawned after much meditative introspection about the metamorphosis the role of the educator has undergone over the time that I have chosen to be involved. Gone are the days when the primary expectation of educators was to educate, being replaced with completely unrealistic expectations alluded to in the quote, an abdication of responsibility by a noticeable portion of today's parents. The wisdom of the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child!" is built upon the foundation of collegiality, cooperation, and compassion practiced by all involved in that child's life as a group effort, where mutual respect and appreciation are the keystones of all interaction.

If all of this was not enough to prompt a pause, a contemplative revisiting of inclination, a re-examination of faulty logic, add into the mix that local educators are being asked to adapt to the imposition of Hybrid Learning when they return to in-person learning. In the event that you don't truly understand what the terminology means, Hybrid Learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software. (Reference) Some of the lessons taught are synchronous (teacher led lessons for in-person learning in the classroom streamed live for students in on-line learning), while some are asynchronous (an on-line collection of assignments, videos and cyber resources for independent student-centered inquiry). 

Like my arguments above, those not actively involved in educating truly have little understanding of the ramifications a Hybrid Learning model on the day to day management of a classroom. Just like dentistry is more than drilling and cementing, hybrid teaching is more than simply turning on the webcam for students to follow along at home. The elephant in the room is lack of stability in the school's present network infrastructure, creating significant issues in live-streaming lessons. Additionally, the lack of inservice on installing, managing and troubleshooting equipment and software that make live-streaming possible leads to elevated stress and anxiety for educators and students alike. Lastly, opening our children's classrooms to the entire world for all manner of prying eyes increases the potential for inappropriate ramifications.

I've talked to some of my former colleagues. While they are thrilled to be back in the classroom, exercising their calling for education, they are justifiably concerned about the potential pitfalls of the Hybrid Learning model. While not readily apparent to those inexperienced in the classroom, teaching in-person students requires a profoundly different technique than on-line students. Engagement in the process is key, and experienced, passionate teachers excel at engaging learners, even when they initially resist. Engaging on-line students is much more challenging, requiring more sustained focus on the individual. The streamed lesson, thanks largely to the limited resources available, will be via a single static camera positioned to see the teaching tools being utilized. An experienced educator doesn't employ the "Sage on the Stage" technique that so many may remember, opting to circulate amongst the students, figuratively prodding the less involved into higher degrees of attentiveness. This movement in and out of the webcam's view will cause major issues for the on-line students, and IMHO, lead to decreased engagement.

Educators are not asking detractors to love everything they do. They are not asking that banners be raised in their honour. They are not asking to work less days or hours. 

They are simply asking for two vital concessions:

(1) that they be offered a chance for meaningful input when major changes are deemed necessary ... they are on the "front lines" after all, and (2) that their efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of education be appreciated. 

Educators are far from perfect ... They'll readily admit to that. What they have in abundance is passion, dedication, and a love of learning. After having spent more than 30 years in classrooms, I can confidently state that the overwhelming majority of educators felt a calling to the classroom, and are doing the best they are capable to help your children learn. 

A simple thank you very much is the least we can give them.