Library Cards, Pep Band, and Captain America.
Posted: March 09, 2016
In the absence of a clear topic for this week’s article, I thought I’d cover a couple interesting things that have happened over the past few days. So in reverse order of occurrence, here goes:
After 3 years, I accomplished a huge goal today when my 5-year-old got his first library card. We’ve been going there since he was able to walk. At first, I took him there every week, so he could practice going up and down steps. Then we went so he could ride the elevator. Of course, I got books too, for him and myself.
We’ve also enjoyed the pre-school summer series, and got to sing songs, see special guests, make box cars, and even pet a “slimy snake!” But now that he has his own library card, he told me, “Daddy, I don’t need you anymore. I have my own library card now.”
When I asked him if he still needed me for anything else, he said, “Yes, when I need you to lift me up so I can get things off the shelf.” Whew. I’m still needed.
Did I mention he had his Captain America outfit on at the time? He didn’t understand why they coudn’t put the card in the Captain’s name.
Before picking him up from pre-school, I got news that the new Paris Police K-9 got his new name: Diezal. The winning name came from the 4th grade at Wenz school. What an awesome name. Well done kids!
Last night, Kathy and I got to attend the PHS Pep Band concert in the new Center for Performing Arts. I was fortunate to get a tour of the facility a few weeks ago, but this was my first time at an actual event.
What an awesome facility, and what a great design too. It was easy to park and get in the building, and the seats were quite comfortable. I don’t think there’s a bad seat anywhere, and the the audience is quite close to the stage everywhere!
This was made even more obvious in the last song of the night, when Director Kevin Pruiett had the kids come out in the audience for the PHS theme song. Featuring a performance that highlighted the percussion section, Mr. Pruiett had them all rocking, with the band stopping on a dime. This is no easy task for such a large group of diverse players, many of whom are just freshmen or sophomores. Awesome!
After the concert, I had a mother of a Senior stop me. She asked about putting together a self defense seminar for her daughter and some friends, before they graduate and go off to college. That’s a wise thing to do, as its statistically probable that they’ll have an inappropriate physical advance made on them, at some time.
The Sexual Assault and Rape Prevention (S.H.A.R.P.) program for women and teens would be a good tool for them to get empowered to resist such advances. Some kickboxing and Brazilian JiuJitsu wouldn’t hurt either. We need to do that.
Finally, speaking of self defense, I had a chance to work with a group of people in our monthly tactical pistol class last weekend. If you choose to carry a concealed weapon, you owe it to yourself and everyone around you to be safe and well-trained. These individuals have been through concealed carry, but wanted to sharpen their skill set with some tactics and scenario based training. Kudos to them!
Next week, I’ll likely get back to a fitness related topics, but I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse inside my head, and my world these last couple of days. Until then, back to work!