4 a.m.

So. I woke up at about 4 a.m. after going to bed at 11:00 p.m. I do not know why I am awake, it's just one of those mind running nights I guess. It's 5:00 now and since I am up...there's been a few things I've wanted to comment on. These are completely random and isolated thoughts. Though there may be the slight chance they can be woven together.
Thought #1
I really love my wife!
Jenna wrote about our anniversary. I have to say that I married a wonderful woman. I don't know why I was able to be blessed with her. I dated a lot of really excellent girls before I met her. It seemed that either they didn't like me, or I would have massive panic "freak-outs" and that would be that. As time has moved I can see wisdom in the timing of my life. I really believe with Jenna that the timing was right. She compliments all my weakness and loves me anyway. Having increased faith in myself and God with her around is not a problem. We are not "perfect" all the time, but we work hard. Two morals (Sorry for those who hate morals, I know you are out there...) First, trust God's timing. Second, real love means you make it happen and keep it happening. Of course the initial stages of attraction apply (they definitely did in my case!). But after the euphoria wears, agency requires two people to work hard and more than anything spend time together. Teaching is a good career for this aspect of our relation ship. So...we aren't rich, but we are happy!
Thought #2
I really love my son!
Dallin is a crazy man. I have been able to really spend a lot of time with him since school has been out. I know he's only two, but he is a great friend. The other day I was downstairs (playing a video game...of course...) and he walks up and calls me "Jeff". Obviously that's my name, but the kid is two and it SEEMS to me that most two years olds call their dads "Dad" or "Dadda", or "Daddy". But for my son my name is Jeff. "Jeff eat!" "Hi Jeff".
What's my name? Apparently it's Jeff.
Of course he also calls himself "You".
What a guy!


Thought #3
People who leave rude comments.
This one was an interesting experience. Really there are two experiences I can draw from. Somehow, someone found my blog and read my comments about gay marriage (hardly anyone even looks at this blog...). I still stand by what I said. If it was too harsh I apologize for the harshness, but I still believe that true marriage is a man and woman. I suppose the term can be used loosely to refer to a union or merging of two entities (including companies), which is probably part of the argument of those in favor of gay marriage. Whatever. The point of this thought is that someone found my blog, and posted a completely rude and vicious response. I have since deleted this person's comment (Sorry I know, you all wanted to see it!). I know the topic is sensitive to some. My opinion is unpopular among the loud people. But it seems to me that a person who cannot express opposing opinions without extreme rudeness to my wife and myself, and exclaims that my mind is tiny and shrunken because I don't accept what the "loud people" want me to accept, is looking in a mirror and commenting on their own attributes. I have a lot of respect for most people, and I get along one on one with about everyone. But it seems that when people can be anonymous, many like to attack. Another example was an article on the Salt Lake Tribune site (first mistake of mine was to post something in support of a conservative nature on a liberal page...) Well, needless to say Jenna and I walked into a den of wild hyenas...
Well. I am sure this won't be the last time somebody is rude to me. It's not the first. But I don't think that just because someone is capable of being rude and can leave nasty comments means they are right. In fact it's usually a sign pointing to the opposite. I believe we still have an obligation to stand and say what we believe. I am fine if someone doesn't think like me, we can agree to disagree. Just don't be rude.
Thought #4
I miss my students. Don't get me wrong, summer vacation is awesome. But, the day to day interactions with great kids is irreplaceable. I will definitely be ready for August and the beginning of the school year, with that will come the opportunity to meet a new class and have students from past classes stop by for a visit. I realize with time, I will see less and less of these kids, but I sure enjoy them while I have them. Part of me hopes their summer's are completely boring so that they can't wait to be back to school. That's probably selfish, but I want my students to love learning and interacting with each other at school so much that summer vacation isn't quite as good as being in the classroom. Or racing their teacher around the building...
So much for sleeping!