Are We THAT Much Different?

At inservice this past Monday, we were being inundated with the idea of a 21st century learner and what skill set they need to be successful in the future. The thought floating around in my head since then is "Why and/or how is the 21st century learner any different than the 20th century learner? Is it REALLY that different?" I don't think so. The tools might be different, but the desired skill set is no different today than it was for my great-grandfather at the turn of the 20th century.

We want students today to be problem solvers, information seekers and analyzers, to be literate and able to communicate clearly. My great-grandfather was born in 1873 and came to the US from Europe in 1898 or so. He had to be able to do all those things in order to 1) travel across the ocean and halfway across the continent 2) successfully buy property and set up his farm and 3) sell the farm and set another business when time came. The only difference I see is that he lived in the time of exponential growth of transportation. Today we are seeing exponential growth in information systems. But what do we need to do that is so very different than 100 years ago? I don't think it is anything.

That being said, do we need to change the way we teach kids today? Hell yes. the changes in the delivery of our information makes for a different type of learner than 100 years ago, but they still need the same skills. We do not need to invent another wheel! There - rant over. I feel better already!

Weird

Our neighbor behind us, a divorced mom of 2, moved out the other night and left every light in the house on, including the backyard lights. There has been one of those huge dumpsters parked in her driveway for several days now, as well. No clue why or what happened though, other than the dumpster seems to be filled with debris from tree pruning and yard work.

This always makes me sad, even though I don't know them well at all. Weird, I know!

Looking Back

I did not get to send out cards this year, time just flew by. So to all 5 of my followers and everyone I would have sent a card to - here is a recap of the year in the Houston O house.

What stayed the same? I am still at Watkins - and still loving the changes I see happening. Catherine is still at DePaul coaching, still playing with USA when they are in season. Craig is still at McMurry, swimming. Gary is still at XTO, enjoying his work. Michelle is still in Dallas, Neil & Jane in Wimberly, Sue & Dave and Sharon in Wisconsin, and mom still in Antioch.

What has changed? Gary's company was sold to Exxon/Mobil. That could mean changes in the future, we will wait and see. Rockford Thunder was sold and was moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and renamed the Diamonds. Chris started high school, he is a Cy Lakes Spartan now, swimming and playing baseball. My brother moved to Kentucky, officially closing the Chicago location of Chez Kellen. But it means we now get to learn and explore Lexington soon!

We said goodbye to my dad. He is missed daily, but thought of every time I hear or read a bad joke! I see Heineken, Tangueray, or smell cigars and think of him. It was amazing to see all the famiy and friends that turned out to help us say goodbye to him; especially Brian coming in from Afghanistan wearing his dress blues at the funeral. No man is a failure who has friends.

While visiting Chicago, I also got to reconnect with a couple old friends - always nice. Lisa and Monica are never far away in my thoughts even though we don't talk often.

We also said goodbye to Duke, the king of the house. But then we welcomed Rowdy, the prince of mischief.

Travels once more took us to sporting events - swim meets in San Antonio (visiting Mike and Diane) and Dallas (visiting Michelle), baseball tournaments around Houston, and softball once again in Oklahoma City (seems like our second home).

We spent the Christmas holiday with Gary's folks and brother Bret and his kids. We rented a house on the beach near Clearwater. Nothing can replace sitting in a raucous house on Christmas Eve, watching the cousins enjoy themselves playing pool and flying helicopters. It was beautiful weather, with a couple warm days and an awesome day spent at Universal. If you want a rec for a beach house, I have a great one!

And so now we look forward to what the next decade has to offer. If it is anything like the last decade, I am in for a great ride! I can't wait!

Where Did It Go?

I had a recap of Christmas all typed and everything and it disappeared. Ah well. I'll redo it later. Until then - here are a few pics!

OK - it was in the draft folder - so now it is showing below. Enjoy!

Well Here We Are...

Christmas Day sunset.












The view from the master bedroom.

Here we are in the last week of December. Where did the year go? Seems like I ask that more and more lately.

Returning to reality after a week in Florida for Christmas. We rented a house on the gulf side in Redington Shores, and visited family from there. That was probably the best idea ever! Everyone had their own space, and could sleep in if they wanted without being bothered. We had the beach right outside the front door, so walking the dogs every morning and late in the evening each day became one of my daily rituals.

Visits to mom and dad, watching one of Jennifer's soccer games, shopping, chilling, and spending one whole day at the Universal parks filled the week quickly. Christmas Eve was at Bret's with everyone. Always fun when there are kids around! We brought a small pre-lit tree and our star, tree skirt, and stockings so we could have some Christmas decor in our house. Mom and dad got to try out their new Tom Tom navigation system when they came to our house for a spaghetti dinner on christmas afternoon. Although it seems like they got lost, they really did not! Tom Tom led them to the correct destination, just not the one they intended! ;-) Gary and Chris drove about 5 minutes and brought them to the house for a few hours away from home, dinner, and a short walk to the beach.

And then - just like that - it was over, time to pack up and go home.

But Harry Potter Wizarding World opens this spring at Universal, so I do know we will be back at some point, just not sure when! Now back to reality and the process of unpacking and whatnot.

Where is the Time Going?

I can not believe it is almost December. I am so in the mood to do Christmas decorations and have about 250 other things to do. Ah well.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving - went to San Antonio for family dinner with Mike, Diane, Joe & Michelle. Made me remember all the years past that we went out there with the kids when they were so young, going to watch the lights on the Riverwalk, etc.

I forgot to bring the dessert cheesecakes, though. :-( At least they still had some awesomely great stuff - german chocolate pie, punkin pie (made by Michelle) and an apple pie we picked up at Buccee's. And we now have pumpkin cheesecake and a cranberry walnut cheescake to eat here. Oh darn! ;-)

So here's to the slide into the 2009 holiday season!

November Already???

The first weekend of the month and stores along Hwy 6 already have Christmas decorations out on the buildings. Sheesh! I just put our jack-o-lanterns away!

Biggest travesty in automotive history seen on Keith Harrow Rd, pulling out of Glencairn - a nice 4 door Jaguar - with big shiny rims. I mean, c'mon, really?

The Illini won today! Yeah!

Nothing is nicer than getting a nice mani/pedi on a Saturday morning! Although, Michelle's salon would be at the top of the list, since they serve wine and other adult beverages with their services. Mmmm!

Chik-fil-a has Peppermint chocolate chip shakes for the holidays. I could have one every day, but then I would look like the cows they use to advertise! But they are really good. I'm also glad to see Starbucks Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread lattes back for the holidays. Makes grocery shopping a bit more fun! I am easy to please, too! ;-)

Time to take care of house stuff. Sigh.