The Oregon Encyclopedia

I just returned from a community meeting for the Oregon Encyclopedia. It's a project originating from Portland State University to create an online encyclopedia of things, people, places, and events of Oregon from ancient history to present day. It's an ambitious project, and one of partner projects of Oregon 150, the celebration in 2009 for Oregon's sesquicentennial.

The community meetings are designed to spread the word about the project and to solicit suggestions for entries and authors. It was interesting. Only a few people attended, and the amount of knowledge was astounding. While the input was decidedly around Marion County, I couldn't resist adding some things from Benton, Polk, Yamhill and Curry Counties. It elicited an interesting response a couple of times, "Okay, let's get back to Salem". One of the other interesting tidbits I discovered was that one of the other attendees had ancestors who lived very close to mine in north Benton County from the 1840's until the 1940's when Camp Adair was built. As soon as I unearth my genealogy books, I'll have to do some digging.

Reflection

Last week was tough. Starting a new job and being in a position where people are going to dislike you, and tell you they do just because you're there, is hard and frustrating. For those of you who know about my job, you're thinking that's par for the course. You're right, but that doesn't make it any easier.

I use my computer as an escape. I love the detachment of email, Facebook, Myspace and Blogger. I've never been a huge fan of the telephone, so email is a beautiful thing. I know that not everyone agrees with me. One friend recently posted on her Facebook page that there's too much information. I know, but I love it anyway. So rather than go on and on and on...I'll end with a bible verse I found on another friend's Facebook page:

And now,dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

Here's hoping the week to come is much more pleasant.

Invasive Species

Okay, I admit I watch public television. That may not sound strange to some, but as a kid I never thought I'd actually watch OPB. But that's neither here nor there. Last night I stumbled across a real gem. It was called "Silent Invasion", a documentary about invasive species and the damage they've done. I don't know that I'll ever be able to look at some familiar places the same again. One of the things I love most about living in Oregon is the beauty. Yet those familiar landscapes aren't all native. Humans have changed things both intentionally and accidentally. Anyway, if you want to see more, click on the link. OPB does great websites.

Perceptions...a lesson

Last week I made a comment to a student that was not taken in the manner I intended it. Most of the time teenagers react well to sarcasm, but his particular individual did not. I apologized immediately and I thought the matter over. Lesson learned. I don't have the relationship with this group that I had at my old school. Today, the situation reared it's ugly head again when I had to consequence this student for an rule infraction. The phone call to his mother was enlightening in several ways. So, the moral of this story. Curb my tongue, at least until the situation has become much more familiar.

Family Reunion

Yesterday we had a little family reunion at my cousin Sally's house. It was an opportunity to celebrate Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Charlotte's 65th wedding anniversary. Uncle Lawrence is my grandfather's last surviving sibling. It's sad to think that as the generations before us pass on, it takes more and more effort for the cousins to get together. I'm thankful to Sally for taking the time and effort to host this little party. It was fun.

September....

It's hard to believe September is here. The summer rushed by much too fast. Moving and traveling left me with much to do in such little time. I've been in my new home for a couple weeks now, and I'm slowing readjusting to apartment life. Lucky for me the neighbors have been quiet...so far. And there's something very reassuring about having my own things out and about me again.

School has started...sort of. This week has been full of parent meetings to cover school expectations. So far I've met a couple dozen "normal" teenagers who, unfortunately, have been labeled. I share the program with two new colleagues and one I've known for years. I think it's going to be a great year. I have high hopes, and I'm feeling reassured that I made the right choice coming back to the valley for this job.