2012--Happy New Year

I have been reflecting on this past year and so much that has happened.  I haven't kept up with my blog and the enjoyment I get from writing.  It seems that so much of what has happened in my life has not been "blog material" so to speak.  

I truly believe that is has been a blessing for me and so many ways to be back here in Douglas.  Being with Teresa has been good for both of us and I have valued our time together. 

I do miss the times with the cousins up in the valley and know that they are going out tonight.  We had such wonderful times on New Year's Eve through the years.  Lots of laughter and fun!  I look forward to that in the future.

I also miss the dear friends that I have had for so many years.  It is wonderful to get together whenever I have an opportunity when I am in the valley.  However, it has been great to renew old friendships and make new ones down here!!

So as the New Year arrives, here is an Irish Blessing for those of you who read my blog:

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been

The foresight to know where you are going

And the insight to know when you have gone to far.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012

Thanksgiving Vacation (The Road Trip)

This is a work of fiction based 
on facts that truly happened. 

Names have been changed 
to protect the elderly.

Once upon a time, a long time educator decided to put her hat in as a candidate for the superintendency of a small town along the Arizona/Mexico Border, where she grew up.  This educator, also known as Cheela, applied for this position because her elderly Aunt T. Elizabeth was living in this small border town in the house where she was born in 1922.  Tia was the only one of the seven siblings who grew up in this town who was still alive.  She let all of the family know that she had absolutely NO intention of moving from this house where she was born and from this town that she dearly loves.  In consultation with several of the "cousins," Cheela decided to apply and low and behold, she was named the superintendent in July, 2010.

There have been many stories that have occurred over the course of the time between July, 2010 and November, 2011.  Many of those stories have been unbelievable and would have been thoroughly enjoyed by Cousin Felipe, who died prior to Cheela's term as superintendent.  Unfortunately, because of the nature of the job, Cheela hasn't been able to write about them on this blog.  However, Cheela feels that reality television would not even believe them.  The only consolation for Cheela is the fact that a certain retired CIA agent would have!!

And now to get to the "meat" (or turkey) of this story.  Thanksgiving weekend 2011 was fast approaching.  Cheela and Tia planned to spend the holiday in the valley with family.  Unbeknownst to Cheela, Tia invited two of her elderly friends to ride up to the valley with them.  So Wednesday morning, Cheela loaded her SUV with luggage, tamales, Tia, and the two pugs, Diego and Lucy.  The first stop was at Elena's house. Now Elena is 91 and is legally blind and a bit hard of hearing.  All she had with her was her suitcase and oxygen tank.  They then picked up Nani, who brought her "foo foo" dog along.  It took the pugs a bit of time to get use to the idea that there was actually a "foo foo" dog in the car.  They were not pleased.

The trip to the valley was uneventful.  Nani's daughter was going to pick her up at a shopping center where there was a wine store.  While waiting for the daughter, Cheela went in to the store to see if they had her favorite Irish Ale, which they did.  They also had a wine tasting going on and Cheela suggested to Tia, Elena, and Nani that they might like to go in and taste a bit of wine.  They didn't at that point, although Cheela really wanted to!

Thanksgiving went well and Sunday rolled around and the return trip was planned.  Cheela and the pugs picked up Tia at her daughter's house in the eastern part of the valley.  They then drove to another town and picked up Elena and her suitcase and oxygen.  They then went back to the shopping mall and picked up Nani, the "foo foo" dog, her suitcase and several other items.

On the way back, they listened to football games on XM as Nani was very interested in the outcome of games because she had bet on them.  They stopped for gas midway and Tia and Elena had to use the restroom.  This took quite some time.  Nani stayed in the car with "foo foo" listening to the football games and somehow the car doors were locked.  When Cheela tried to get the keys, the "foo foo" dog tried to bite her.  However, that worked out fine and they proceeded on their trip south.

Arriving in the border town about 4:00, Cheela took Nani home first.  After unloading her several items, she discovered that one box was a case of wine.  It was quite a struggle getting that up the steps to the house.  At one point the "foo foo" dog tried to get out of the house, and when Cheela tried to stop him, he growled and snapped at her.  However, everything was finally in the house and they could proceed to the next drop off.  Now Elena is legally blind and had some difficulty opening her door.  However, Cheela helped her get her one suitcase and oxygen into the house without too much of a problem.

Next stop, Tia's home where she was born...........  She had to be let out in front of the house so that she could disarm the alarm.   Cheela asked Tia to get out of the car quickly so that the pugs couldn't escape and run for a better life.  Tia doesn't hurry, but the pugs didn't escape either!  So around the block they went and opened the garage door.  After all of the luggage, etc. was unloaded and the pugs were safely in the back yard, Cheela put the garage door down.  As she went into the backyard, she noticed that Tia had a broom and a device that elderly people (and prisoners who are picking up trash) use to pick things up.  In addition, Tia was looking for the two garbage cans that weren't on the rack and weren't in the yard.  She has paid a child down the street $5 to put the garbage cans back in the yard after they were emptied by the city.   Unfortunately, both garbage cans were in the alley and completely full.  Cheela went to the alley to put the garbage cans back on the rack.  However, she was only able to pick up one, as the other was too heavy.  

So Cheela went back to the garage and into the backyard, only to find Tia bending over the swimming pool.  This pool is about two feet above ground and two feet below.  Tia had the "pick" trying to get the plug off of the drain as the pool had rain water in it.  Cheela was very concerned that Tia would fall head first into the pool and she wasn't sure how she would explain that to the police and to the family.  So Cheela immediately took the device and removed the drain cover.  Tia then took the broom and tried to sweep the leaves out of the way so that the rain water would go down the drain--not the leaves.  Cheela was not sure what the result of that endeavor was as she went into the house looking for her Irish Ale!

Although this could be considered a work of fiction, IT IS THE HONEST TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!  How could anyone make something like this up?  Cheela is hoping that there will be some award for this short story, maybe even having it made into a movie or a sitcom!!!

Who would have "thunk" there could be so much adventure like this here on the border??????????

Pug Tales--Volume 4

Recently I had to attend a conference in Rio Rico for three days.   This is usually never a problem as Teresa is here to take care of the pugs or the conferences are in the valley so they go with me and stay with one of the kids.  However, Teresa was still up in the valley and it had completely slipped my mind that I needed to find someplace or someone to take care of Lucy and Diego.

I did a web search and found a place in Hereford (near Sierra Vista) called"Goin' to Grandma's" (a bed and biscuit kennel) and all of the testimonials were great.  So I called and asked if they could stay there.  I had all of their shot records sent to them, but they needed the vaccine for kennel cough.  Our vet down here was out of town but I found a place in Sierra Vista where I could get the vaccine and give it to them myself.  Thank goodness it was not a shot, but a spray in their noses.

So off went Lucy and Diego to the pet resort.  When we got there, I signed them up for Camp BowWow so that they could play with the other dogs each day.  When I left them, they looked so pathetic and I felt bad.  It was a really nice facility so I knew that they would be well taken care of!

Were they ever glad to see me when I went to pick them up.  That morning, they had been to the groomers so they were all clipped, brushed, and washed!!  They even received a report card--they did very well!

Teresa got home a day or so later.  Diego started to have a cough and it was kind of bad.  I told her I would make an appointment with Dr. John (our vet down here and long time family friend).  The next morning when I was getting ready for work, he was coughing quite a bit.  Teresa wanted me to call Dr. John at 6:30 a.m., but I waited until they opened.  Dr. John works with all of the ranchers around here with their horses, etc., so he is on the road quite a bit.  He doesn't have an actual office because of this, and works out of the back of his truck.  He was out that day, but we could go in Saturday.  So as I am getting ready to take him in, Teresa decides she needs to go with me.  Now this is the same person who was not very thrilled about me bringing both of them down here when I moved down here!!!!

Diego is doing fine, but was on some medication.  Every day I was questioned to make sure that I had given him his meds.

Last weekend, we spent the three days up at the cabin.  The pugs love the mountains because they can run free.  I found out the day we were at the vet's office  that there is a vaccine out for rattlesnakes which I will be getting that for them soon.

Can't help but love those pugs!!!!!!!!!!

Saying Goodbye to My Dear Friend, Pat O.

I received a dreaded phone call as I was coming home tonight.   I knew that I would receive this phone call any day now.  Last week, Pat's wonderful daughter, Kerry, sent me an email telling me that her mom was in the final stages of her life.  I received her email while I was at a conference and it took me quite a bit of time to respond because of the tears.

Many years ago, when I went to teach at Patterson Elementary in Gilbert, I met Pat.  She was hired as an instructional assistant and she was assigned to my grade level.  There began a friendship that has lasted for many years.  

Pat became an integral part of my classroom community.  She was loved by the children and respected by the teachers.  Over the years, I feel that I grew as a teacher.  However, that growth would not have happened without Pat O. in my professional life.  But even more than that, was Pat in my personal life.  Pat was always opinionated and you could count on her telling you what she thought.  However, this was always done in a very respectful way.

Through my years of teaching at Patterson, Pat was always the one to help me get my classroom ready for the first day.  She kept me on track with my lesson plans.  She worked with individual students and groups.  She ran off all of the papers that were needed for the students. She took care of their problems on the playground.  And every year when I took my students on the Bisbee/Tombstone trip, Pat was right there with us.  The children and the parents loved her!!!  And so did I!  I know that I was a good teacher and will always carry those years with me with pride.   However, my being a good teacher was also because of Pat's dedication and friendship to me.  I will always value what she did for me and for the children I taught.  She truly loved them and I know she loved me.

After many years at Patterson, several of the teachers decided to move to Houston Elementary when it opened.   Pat moved with us.  After one year at Houston, I went to the District and then the next year to Gilbert El.  Pat then came to Gilbert El with me for a few years before she retired.  

Through the years we have remained friends.  As with many friendships, time goes by without seeing each other.  I was busy being a principal and Pat was busy being retired.  So we didn't see a lot of each  other.  

Last March, her daughter, Kerry, let me know that she had cancer.   The day her email came brought tears to my eyes.  It was so hard to hear this news.  So many of those wonderful friends from Patterson have passed and I didn't want to hear this about my dear friend, Pat.

I was able to visit with her over the course of the next few months when I went up to the valley.  She was the same Pat O.  I know that she was proud of me being a superintendent.  

Probably my favorite Pat O. story has to do with the cemetery plots that her husband, Chuck, bought many years ago.  He purchased two plots at the Catholic cemetery on Baseline in Mesa.  A few years after that purchase, the Gilbert District purchased land from the Diocese of Phoenix to build a new school for the District.  I will never forget Pat's comment, "I am going to be on playground duty for eternity."   When I was talking to Kerry tonight, she said that they were putting a whistle in her casket.

In August when I was in the valley, I was able to spend some time with her.  I was able to tell her how much she meant to me and to tell her that I loved her.  That doesn't always happen in life.  I will always feel at peace that I was able to have that conversation with her.

Kerry said that Pat died the way she lived. That was with her family surrounding her.  I know that she and her beloved, Chuck, are reunited tonight.  And I know how much her children and grandchildren meant to her.  She talked about them often and how proud she was of them.  When I visited with her over the last few months, her children and grandchildren were surrounding her.   What a legacy she and Chuck left!!!

Pat Ofenloch was a dear friend and I will always cherish that friendship.  Tonight when I got home from work I got the phone call from Kerry as I was getting out of the car.  After our conversation, I came into the house and reflected on the many years that Pat has been in my life.  There is a saying that making a difference in the life of a child is of the utmost importance in life.  I can truly say that Pat made a difference in the life of many children in her years as an IA.

"Those we love our never really gone as long as their stories are told."  Thank you, Pat, for all that you have done for me over the years.  I will always cherish the stories and your friendship.

I hope to get up to Gilbert for the funeral, but I may not make it.  If I don't, her stories will always be in my heart.  So my dear friend, Pat,

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Doesn't Seem Possible!

It was nine years ago today that my mom died.  There has not been a day that has gone by that I haven't missed her.  My being back here in Douglas with Teresa would have made her so proud.  It has done my heart good to hear so often from people who loved her.  She was a remarkable person and I am proud to have been her daughter.  

She would have been 94 years old on Saturday.  Wow!!  

Last year we didn't have our family dinner together to remember the good times and the fun times.  We will all be together next week, so I am hoping we can get together to tell stories, especially for Cameron.  It is so important for him to remember her.  In the words of my favorite author, Carmen Agra Deedy, "Those we love are never really gone, as long as their stories are told."  And there are so many stories to tell about Margaret Shannon!

September Summaries

It has been awhile since I have written anything on my blog--almost a month.  A lot has happened in this past month, but not necessarily things I can write about here!

We usually spend Labor Day weekend at the cabin.  It has become something of a tradition with Kerri, Cam and various friends.  However, this year Cave Creek is still closed because of the fire.  Teresa and I did go up a few weeks ago and it is amazing what rain can do.   It was very green and things are really starting to come back.  However, the massive amounts of rain have caused the creek to change course in many areas.  You can tell where the water has made a new route.  It was just good to see that there  was not damage from flooding at the cabin.

Because Teresa was gone, I had to figure out someplace that was "pug friendly" if I wanted to go anywhere over the weekend.  I did find several places that would accept pets.  The only problem was that the pets have to be very good--no barking, don't get up on furniture.....all of the things that my pugs do!!  I finally decided upon the Triangle T Guest Ranch in Dragoon.  So the pugs and I loaded up and headed to Dragoon which is about an hour from Douglas.  It is in a beautiful spot called Texas Canyon right off of I10 between Willcox and Benson.  The rock formations are amazing!!  The ranch is great with horses and ranch dogs and a saloon right in the middle.  However, the pugs aren't exactly ranch pugs and they didn't take too kindly to being on a leash when the other dogs (and horses) weren't.  We ended up staying just one night because of this.  I would like to go back with Cam as I think he would love the ranch---minus the pugs!!!

September brings the Arizona School Board Association's yearly law conference.  School law is a huge field and I find myself talking to our school's attorney on a regular basis.  The law conference is excellent with much pertinent information.  Bonnie, our assistant superintendent, two of our Board Members, and I went to it this year.  It was at the Camelback Inn which is a beautiful resort.  The highlight of this year's conference was being able to hear Sandra Day O'Connor speak.  What an incredible lady she is!! She is feisty and a hoot to listen to.  She told a story of getting to see Eleanor Roosevelt when she was a young girl.  Justice O'Connor grew up in southeastern Arizona on a cattle ranch.  She went to school in El Paso and the first lady came for a visit.  She talked about how much charisma Mrs. Roosevelt had.  Then she shared how she never told her father that she had met and admired Mrs. Roosevelt because her father was a rancher who never liked President Roosevelt.   

She also shared about her time in the Arizona Legislature.  She told us that she often would have a barbecue at her home with legislators from both parties.  She said that eating and having a beer together enabled them to work together to solve problems in Arizona.  Too bad it isn't that way still!  

She talked about the fact that we aren't teaching our students about government.  She has a website that she has created that allows kids to go on the site and play games to learn about civics.  The website is http://www.icivics.org

We were all excited to see Justice O'Connor.   Bonnie was the most excited because both of her sons are lawyers in California.  She wanted to get a picture of the Judge to send to her sons.  Well, it got even better than that!! I had gone out to get some water at a break and when I came back in, Justice  O'Connor was sitting in the back of the room.  I quickly went to where we were sitting and got Bonnie and my camera.  Justice O'Connor was gracious enough to let us take a picture with Bonnie.

I have had many wonderful mentors in my professional life over the years, especially Leona Shreve and Wally Delecki.  I have learned so much from them in so many ways.  When I moved to Douglas a little over a year ago, I knew I could always call or email them with a question.  However, I have been fortunate to have a great mentor down here in Ray Borane.  Ray has been a long time family friend and was my high school Spanish teacher.  He was the superintendent in Douglas for many years and has a middle school named after him.  He was also the mayor of Douglas for about 12 years and has held positions at the state level in education, as well as advisory boards.  He was the interim superintendent prior to me getting the job.  This past year he has helped me immensely.   A few weeks ago, we were talking about how much different being a superintendent is today.  I have to be involved in every aspect of the district.  Because we are in school improvement, there are a lot of tasks that I have to be involved in that are required by the state and feds.  He offered to continue to help me, but we needed to do it in an official capacity.  So at the last Board Meeting, Ray was hired as a "special assistant to the superintendent" for the whopping sum of $1.00 per year!!  One of his many duties and one that keeps him quite busy is his being a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Southwest Border Task Force.  And as I told him last week, this makes me feel important--his two BOSSES are Janet Napolitano and me!!!!

There has been a world of difference between this September and last for me.  With a year behind me, I feel much more confident in my ability to be able to do some great things for Douglas Unified.  We are back into the swing of the school year and I am looking forward to some wonderful accomplishments this year!!!

An Incredible First Day

Douglas Unified School District welcomed all of our staff back on August 3.  All faculty and staff came together at the newly named James A. Brenden Auditorium.  We started a new tradition by having a slide show of all 25 year employees.  Because this was a first, we had to catch up and honor all of those 25 years and more.  We will be honoring all of these long time, loyal employees at a Board Meeting in the near future.

Last year when everyone was back, I had only been on the job for  a very short time.  What a difference a  year makes!!!  

This year I gave a short speech because we had a wonderful speaker following my address.  Last December, I attended the Arizona School Board Association conference on servant leadership.   We had two excellent speakers.  I have written about one in an earlier entry, the author of the Paradoxical Commandments.  He was excellent!

However, the second day's speaker was probably the most incredible motivational speaker that I have ever heard, and I have heard many over the years.  Her name is Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch.  In all of the years that I have ever attended conferences and have heard great speakers, I have never been so moved by someone that I actually stayed to try to talk to her.  And I was able to talk to her and she was amazing!!


Consuelo grew up on the border in Texas.  So much of what she said had true meaning for me even though I am not Hispanic.  What she said truly touched my heart.  When I talked to her, I told her I was from Douglas.  I told her that I would love to have her come to Douglas and talk to our staff.  She promised me that she would.


When I got back to Douglas, I contacted her company.  Consuelo is one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S.  She is a retired officer in the U.S. Army and was on track to becoming a general.  She promised her mother that she would give back to the Hispanic community and so she retired from the Army to start her company.  Needless to say, she is able to command "big bucks" for her services.  DUSD doesn't have big bucks so I didn't pursue her coming after I found out the cost.  In about March, her assistant called me and asked if we still wanted her to come to Douglas.  I told her of course but that we couldn't afford her.  Well, Consuelo was true to her word about wanting to come to Douglas.  We negotiated  the price and I can tell you that she truly gave us a deal!!


I was so excited about this that I immediately sent a message to our Governing Board.  One of our Board Members is the County Manager.  He made arrangements for Consuelo to talk to his supervisors and the City of Douglas and the Chamber of Commerce asked her to speak to parents and members of the community.  


She was AMAZING!!  We had an excellent turn out for the community night.  The next morning, Consuelo spoke to our staff.  It was UNBELIEVABLE.  Her message is so powerful.  What touched me the most was that she dedicated her talk to me!!!


I feel honored and privileged that this incredible woman came to Douglas with her message of hope.  She said that public education is the purest form of democracy.  She also said we have to save our children because they are the future.  


I had so many staff members tell me how much her talk meant to them.  They could truly relate to her and where she came from.  I am hoping she will come back to talk to our high school kiddos. 

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is my hero!!  I cannot begin to express my gratitude that she chose to come to Douglas!!  WOW!!!

I am putting a video of her on this post.  Please take a few minutes to listen to what she has to say.  Her message is one of hope and inspiration. (You can turn off the music on the playlist by hitting =)