It Might Not Be So Bad Starting Off

I was recently directed to a blog entry that talked about teachers being underappreciated.  I have no disagreement that teachers are underappreciated.  They carry a major responsibility in the education of our children.  Unfortunately in some situations, they carry the sole responsibility of education (when parents do not do their parts).

Here is the site I was referring to - http://www.upworthy.com/the-real-number-of-hours-teachers-work-in-one-eye-opening-graphic-3

I take issue with this because of the accuracy.  I feel like I have as much authority as anyone who is not a teacher can have on this topic.  I have been a son, nephew, grandson, cousin, brother, friend, and husband to people of the teaching profession.  I have also worked as a substitute teacher and passed all exams and observation hours toward my teaching certification.  I have seen firsthand the number of hours that teachers work outside of the classroom.  This article/blog was an extreme exaggeration, though.  Yes, there may be days when a teacher works 12-16 hours, but it is not the average.  Of course some teachers probably work those hours every day, but this argument is dealing in averages.  The number of weeks "working" in the summer was completely off base as well.  I do not think any honest teacher would disagree with that.  I am sure I will have at least one teacher friend read this and claim that they do work every week during the summer getting ready for the next year.  That could be true, but I bet the majority of your co-workers do not.  Again, we are dealing in averages.  Exceptions can always exist.

Therefore, I decided to compose my own statistics based on the number of new teachers that I see complaining on my Facebook newsfeed about having to go back to work after having time off and about not making enough.  Again, you chose the profession, and I am completely grateful for people like you.  However, a new teacher should not complain about being underpaid, especially in the North Texas area.  These comments are usually made by people who have never worked in a corporate environment and think that everyone makes six figures and works exactly 40 stress-free hours every week. 

**I want to remind readers that this is talking about STARTING TEACHERS/RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES.  Unfortunately, though, the salaries do not increase very significantly with more years of experience.  I am in complete agreement that experienced teachers make less that than of those in other fields with equal years of experience.


Your first objection to the math might be that I used a nationwide calculation in one and a local in the other.  Yes, but I worked with the information I could find.  This is not the Wall Street Journal.  It is my blog.  I do not have millions of readers or a lot of time to do my research.  Therefore, it will have to suffice.

Basically my math shows that if you look at a per-week indicator of wages, a new teacher has no room to complain.  Wait a few years, then complain.  I will give you that.

Again, I appreciate teachers very much.  I am well-educated, and I have my teachers (who were mostly my mom's friends) to thank for it.  I just wanted to do the math for my own justification.  Even though the figures might be off slightly, it shows that given the experience level, teaching is not a horribly paid profession for someone coming right out of college (in some parts of the country). 

Noodling - Not Just the Preparation of a Lo Mein Dish

Because of my strong views on fishing with live bait, I have had people ask how I feel about noodling.  (Some people call it "grappling.")  For those unfamiliar, noodling is using only your hands to catch fish.  Most of the time, the prey is catfish of the blue or flathead variety.  It is only permitted in a handful of states.  Texas recently adopted it as a legal activity.  Noodling has been gaining popularity for several years in other states, like Oklahoma, due to numerous videos and reality shows on various networks.

If anyone does care about my opinion - I have no problem with it as a hobby.  I think people that want to stick their hand in a hole and HOPE that a 40-pound catfish bites it might not be playing with a full deck.  Their sanity, though, is not the question at hand.  I do not consider this "fishing" at all.  There is no bait (unless you count fingers that resemble worms).  I would definitely place noodling in the "hunting" category.  Most of the time, the participants do keep and eat their catches.  If they release them, that is fine too.  It was fun, and no real harm (to the fish) was done.

I first learned about this "sport" in a class while attending the University of Oklahoma.  The course was Geography of Oklahoma.  Toward the end of the semester, after we had used lectures and field trips to learn about the state, my professor introduced us to a documentary that, at that time, had been recently produced - Okie Noodling.  The documentary explored those who enjoyed noodling and even began an annual tradition of a tournament that I believe is still done today.  The documentary also talked about the dangers of noodling.  The obvious ones are getting bit by something other than a fish - turtle, snake, beaver (yes, beaver), etc...  The catfish itself can do quite a bit of damage to limbs as well.  It also talked about a man losing his life by getting caught in shifting concrete and drowning in only a few inches of water.  I realize that is a freak accident, but it just shows how unpredictable certain conditions can be.

All in all, I am intrigued by the mindset of individuals that enjoy this.  Who knows?  Maybe it is something I will try one day.  For the time, though, I prefer my fingers and toes just the way they are.  Although it should not be considered "fishing", I do respect that noodling has its place as a hobby. 

By the way, I purchased the documentary a few years ago and enjoy watching it with people who are not familiar with the activity.


Noodle On Boys & Girls!

Agree to Disagree

I told you it would not be long before I had another post.

I just had to share my thoughts after a discussion with a co-worker this week.  He was sharing with me his political views from a Tea Party perspective.  We discussed the Eric Snowden saga and had differing opinions.  This co-worker is definitely more informed on worldly events than I am, and I am okay with that.

Basically what I took from the conversation is that I am pleased that I do not spend time trying to keep up with every move that our government and others around the globe are making.  Do I feel like it is important to be informed? Yes - to an extent.  My reasoning - LIFE IS TOO SHORT.  If we spend all of our waking moments and mental energy worrying about government interference and playing watchdog, what time are we using to spend with our families? 

I do agree that there can be a happy medium.  I could probably take more time to study events around the world.  I used to do it as part of a job.  Some of my closest friends might say, "You used to work in the media.  You should follow current events more closely."  Here is a news flash for you.  Almost every person I know who worked (past tense) in the media have gotten away from actually following the news.  Most of them were in the business a lot longer than me.  After getting out of the media industry, it helps to disconnect by doing something you no longer HAVE to do.  It would be like a longtime In & Out employee not wanting to eat a burger for a while.

Again, I am all for informing ourselves, doing everything you can to make a difference, and standing up for what you feel is right.  However, sometimes we have to step back and think about if it is worth the time and energy that we could be spending on something closer to home.

My co-worker has my utmost respect for taking individual actions to not only be informed, but for taking steps by contacting those at higher decision levels to make sure his voice is heard.  We did agree, though, that we see things differently in regards to what might be worth our time.  I jokingly said that he might be better off moving to a smaller town like me, where his voice is bigger and has a higher likelihood of making change.  He said he would stay where he is and keep doing what he can.  I respect the passion and persistence.

New Hobbies on the Horizon - Is There Enough Time?

Yes, it has been over six months since my last post.  I have had several ideas for topics about which to write, and I have even written most of them down.  You know how it goes, though.  "Life gets in the way."

Since January, I have completed construction on a new home, moved, been promoted at work, become a landlord, spent quite a bit of time in hotels for work, and been diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome following an accident in my garage.  Needless to explain further, I have had a few things on my plate.

One advantage of the move is that I now have a new testing ground for fishing techniques since my new place has two ponds full of bass.  I would expect fishing posts will definitely pop up here and there.

Apparently, I might be tackling a new hobby or three in the very near future.  I do look forward to exploring those options and possibly writing about the adventures. 

• I was recently introduced to golf.  Golf is a sport for which I have always had a curiosity.  I had worked at several jobs with access to free golf, but I was always afraid it would take away from fishing time and finances.
• When building the new place, I always wanted to have a room with a pool table.  Well, I now have that.  I am not very good, but I enjoy the pastime.  My billiard sessions were limited following the concussion because of the dizziness that came with leaning over to shoot.   Symptoms are improving, though, so it should not be too long before my game gets better.
• For the last few years, I have struggled with ups and downs in my weight and fitness.  I lost a lot, then I gained a lot (more than once).  Last spring, I began the P90X program.  It was hard, but I enjoyed the challenge.  The visual and capability results are definitely evident.  I made it about half way through, but I stopped because of job change and injury.  I intend to start back next week after I get back from a work trip.  Having done it before should help in being able to modify the program slightly to best fit my abilities and work around a nagging hip injury.

Thanks again for reading.  Maybe the next post will not have to wait six months.

Finally a gun control post

I have been contemplating a blog post regarding my thoughts on gun-control in the wake of all of the media and happenings with that topics in recent weeks.  I came across the post below from another blog.  Since I can't say it any better myself, I will just share the link.  It is long, but a good scan will get you to the information that concerns you the most.  Enjoy, and feel free to comment on my blog with your thoughts.

Summary of facts about gun control

An Answer to a Controversial Topic

I had a discussion recently with someone.  It is a topic about which I have conversed on more than one occasion, but I have come to realize that not everyone shares my view on the issue.  I find it hard to believe that so many people can be wrong, but I thought I would take a quick moment to voice the truth.


What is a better method to the sport? 

Fishing with live bait vs. Fishing with artificial lures


I answer this question by defining the word "fishing".  (This is probably not Webster's definition, but it works for me.)  By doing this, we will determine that one of the above options is not even sport.

Fishing is the act of using a bait and specific actions to cause a reaction by a fish to make it bite.  Sometimes this is just a reaction, and the fish bites out of curiosity.  Sometimes the bait imitates a food item that causes the fish to naturally want to eat it.  However, it is still artificial, so you are providing the fish a sporting chance to make the distinction.

When using live bait, this definition does allow the act to be defined as "fishing".  Let's examine what live bait is doing.  You throw a worm, minnow, or crawfish out into the water and wait for a fish to come.  First of all, you are using something that the fish would naturally eat that carries the natural scent, flavor, and action.  Where is the sport in that?  Also, the bait is doing all of the work.  You are not doing anything with the rod to create a certain appeal or action.  Where is the skill/sport in that?



If it is not "fishing", then what is it?

By examining these aspects of live bait, I have determined that using live bait to gather fish is not "fishing".  It is "trapping".   For this, we will refer to Mr. Webster.  He allows two definitions.  Using live bait works for both.

Trapping
1.)  to catch or hold as if in a net
(The "net" is the tractor beam coming off of an irresistable piece of food.  The fish with no will-power does not stand a chance.)

2.) to take physical control or possession of something suddenly or forcibly
(By using something that does not allow the prey to have a choice to determine if something is real or not, the so-called fisherman is using force.)

Do not criticize me for using Webster's with one and not the other. It is my blog, and I can do that. If you are criticizing that effort, then you should probably keep reading. You are probably the one that has something to learn.


When is live bait okay?

I know what you are saying - "Stephen, you are being ridiculous in your interpretations.  It is just fishing.  What is the big deal?"

Don't get me wrong.  I am not saying that live bait does not have its place.  If you are fishing for food, you should absolutely use whatever you want to get the fish to bite.  If you are fishing for sport, fun, or for the satisfaction of knowing that you outsmarted the fish, then live bait is out of the question.

I will never criticize someone for using live bait to catch food unless they are bragging about their catch, or unless they are trying for largemouth bass.  Largemouth bass (in my opinion) should not be kept except in managed ponds and lakes due to their low reproduction rates.  If they are not being kept for food, then live bait should not be used.  Also, these bass are agressive eaters.  They often swallow live bait before the hook can be set because of the human delay with a bobber.  The hook then causes major damage to the fish.  This often causes them not to survive.  This can happen on occasion with artificial baits, but it is less likely to happen because of the timing in the hookset.



If you prefer to still go to the lake, river, or pond and not challenge your skillset and trick innocent fish into eating prey while you hide a hook in it, then go right ahead and keep on doing it.  Just don't brag about it to me.

The End Of A Rough Patch

The stress level has been down quite a bit in my house lately.  It's funny how one little phone call can change things.  A couple of weeks ago, I got the call offering me a job. 

For those who are not aware, I was let me go from my previous employer in April based on budget issues and the need to eliminate my position.  Although it was no fault of my own, the method in which it was handled was far from professional or respectful.  Needless to say the last four months have not been easy.

I have tried hard to keep a positive and optimistic attitude during the whole situation.  I feel like I did the best I possibly could.  It was difficult even making myself get out of bed each day, especially after I was awake all hours of the night worrying about the future. 

It is hard to count the number of times that someone asked me, "What do you do all day?".  I spent the majority of the days and late nights doing job searches and submitting applications/resumes (literally hundreds).  Sure, I had a lot of interviews.  The ones where I thought a good fit was evident had the employer thinking differently.  Then there were the ones where I realized quickly that it was not the job for me.  Those were usually the ones that actually wanted my services.  It was tough to explain to others that I would even consider turning down a position in my given circumstance.  However, those close to me knew that I needed to find the best long-term opportunity.  Constant prayer and support from close friends and family helped.  I knew that God had a plan.  My impatience with Him lacking to reveal it, though, was growing.

It did take a toll on me mentally, but I tried to find inexpensive (aka FREE) ways to occupy my mind when I just needed a break.  I spent many afternoons at the community swimming pool taking advantage of my HOA dues.  I read a few books between swims, and my tan became quite impressive (yet very uneven).  I also fished a little to try to get away from the reality.  The summer heat did not make that the best solution on most days.  I mowed the yard (even sometimes when it did not need it).  I rode my bicycle on area trails.  I built charts and graphs on spreadsheets to track different statistics (mostly regarding my workouts).  I have to admit that I did watch a lot of television.  I saw every episode of a five-season show that was cancelled seven years ago.  I became quite the enthusiast of valuable antiques by watching countless auction shows and even visiting local antique stores just to look. 

With me being home a lot, it was only a matter of time before the house started reflecting it.  I did my best to pull my weight while the wife was out earning the money.  I cleaned pretty well (although there are still some areas that she insists on doing herself).  I also did my fair share of the cooking.  I can safely say that on most days dinner was ready by the time she arrived home from work.

If you know me well, you are aware that I always try to find a positive or a lesson learned in any situation.  If I have to pick an obvious one during all of this, it would have to be that my wife and I learned about priority when it comes to spending.  We have always been smart with our money, but during these months we became even smarter.  We learned to get by on a lot less, and it is easy to see how that will be useful in the future (especially as we try to save for the possibility of moving).  I am not saying that we will continue to live exactly as we have and put all of the extra in savings.  I am saying, though, that we know what we are capable of.  That will be reflected by some of our newly-formed spending habits.  Another lesson was that of patience and the understanding of purpose in God's plan and timing.

The hard part now is getting back into a routine of working.  The new position does consist of a long commute, so I am already trying to train my body to get up earlier.  (I don't start until Monday.)  I have never been a morning person, and most of my career has involved jobs with flexible or later hours.  I will do it, though, and every single time I start to complain I will reflect on this particular blog entry as a reminder of the alternative.