We Made It!

It is the end of 2013.  How did you do on your 2013 goals - here is a quick snapshot of my goals!

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

FINAL UPDATE:  We paid of over 40% of our outstanding debt and moved our debt free day up to October 1st, 2015!

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

FINAL UPDATE:  I have completed 103 books so far with a chance to finish one more before going to bed tonight. 

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

FINAL UPDATE:  I was did not make this goal - but will continue to strive for this during 2013 as part of my overall fitness goals. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  

FINAL UPDATE:  I was able to do these things! 

I have been working on creating 5 SMART goals for 2014 that will stretch me to be a better version of myself and continue to improve that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.  I will be writing them up today to be posted tomorrow along with a new format for my blog.

Last Month of 2013

Can you believe it is already December?  It is the last month of 2013 and the final days to accomplish a few of my goals and start working on creating my 2014 goals.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  We have already completed this goal and have decided at least for the time being to stay in our current house.   Anna is working on her Master's Degree right now which will help her salary increase over the next couple of years to help up eliminate debt quicker.  I also changed my cell phone carrier which will lower our monthly expenses.  We will be looking at other ways to make money and cut expenses in 2014! 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I am right on track with my intellectual goal having completed 91 of my books already.  I will need to finish 9 more (3 which I will complete based on my daily readings - devotionals/Bible) this year. 

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE:  I was a little short of my end of November goal, but still believe I can make it to my pre-broken foot weight of 175 pounds by the end of the year (only 8.2 pounds to lose over December). 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  

UPDATE:  I have done my personal time throughout the month of November and added "The Love Dare" to supplement this time.  In addition Anna and I are using a devotional together by Tony and Lois Evans that has lead to some good conversations.  William and I are working on establishing a habit of reading/discussing a devotion each day for boys which is going well. 

I will post one more update at the end of the year on each of these four goals and share my goals for 2014 in about 31 days.

2 to Go!

The year is quickly disappearing and so are our opportunities to reach the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year.  Here is my update on how I am doing with my goals.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  During the month of September we had a few unexpected expenses, which slowed down our debt payoff by a month.  We are back to being set to knock out our current mortgage no later than March 1, 2016 (Only 851 Days Away!) 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 81 books in 2013 and as always working on a few mores.  I have fallen even more behind and am now two books off pace.  I will have the opportunity to do more reading during Thanksgiving break this month to hopefully catch up going into the final month of the year. 

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I ended up staying on track toward my goal at the end of October.  My short term goal for November is to lose at least 7.2 pounds to keep me on track!  

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  

UPDATE:  I have stayed on top of my personal quiet time this month and plan to add more journaling to the time during the month of October and share some of my thoughts through twitter or other social media outlets. 

Win $100 or $50 to SoulMate Dresses!

Major life events impact trying to live a balanced life and balancing your budget.  Today I have partnered up with other bloggers to support a giveaway that can help save you some money on one of those life events that can really set you back if you don't budget appropriately.   

Our friends at MoMoneyMoHouses are hosting the giveaway for Solemates Dresses.  Enter the giveaway below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Redesign

I will be taking a little break from my blog for the next couple months as I work on deciding its future.  I will still update you on my goals since I have committed to that at the beginning of each month, but you may not seem much more action from me.

I am considering a few options with my blog:

• Close it down
• Focus on ones area to help others: Financial Wellness/Fatherhood/Setting Goals/Education 
• Use it as a tool in working toward my own goals in different areas of my life - Post long and short-term goals with action steps and use it to keep myself accountable toward those goals. 
• Talk about principles of books I am reading and applying into my life.

If I decide to keep the blog online I will likely be starting it up again in January with a new name and format.  Thanks for reading my blog and supporting me.  I would be open to any feedback as I look toward changes to make this blog more useful toward others and myself.

You can take my poll on the future of my blog here!

Healthiest State Walk

One of the goals of the state of Iowa is to become the healthiest state in the nation.  In 2010 Iowa ranked 19th, in 2011 Iowa was 16th and then moved up to 9th in 2012.  Check out this video to learn more about the initiative as Iowa strives to move into 1st place.



Today hundreds of thousands of Iowans will join together for the Healthiest State Initiative Walk to promote wellness and movement.  I will be joining over 40 staff members and the hundreds of Goodrell students in walking tomorrow.  You can join our walk and walk from wherever you are by clicking this link.

It is important for each of us no matter where we live to be active and make a difference in our own health and encourage the those around us to do the same.

Stop-Out Bullying!

Tomorrow marks World Day to Prevent Bullying.  Everyone is encouraged to wear blue tomorrow to promote the day.

Checkout these resources for the rest of bullying prevention month.

http://www.stompoutbullying.org/
http://www.nea.org/home/neabullyfree.html
http://www.stopbullyingcampaign.net/

Falling into October

I cannot believe it is already October.  September seemed to fly by and now we are getting ready to conferences and for fall weather.  Along with a new month marks a time to check in with my goals for the year.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  During the month of September we were able to knock another month off of our mortgage through saving and cutting expenses.  One of the expenses I am looking forward to shrinking is my cell phone bill starting in November when I switch carriers to save on my monthly fee.  We now will be debt free no later than February 1, 2016 (in 29 months)!

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I barely made my short term goal for September, but still am on track.  In order to stay on track I will need to lose 7.6 more pounds during the month of October.  I know it will be tough, but I am committed to making it happen!  In addition, part of our district wellness program has me tracking the amount of water I consume each day for the month of October.  I hope it helps me focus on staying hydrated and healthy! 

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 74 books in 2013 and as always working on several other ones.  I have fallen behind pace by 1 books - but several of the books I am reading are ones that you read throughout the whole year (my devotional/the Bible) so those will help me finish strong at the end.  I still would like to use October's 31 days as an opportunity to get ahead of the ultimate pace again though. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

UPDATE:  I have done this consistently   I will still keep working on two post each week, but realize that if I end up with only one I am still successful. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  

UPDATE:  I am doing well for my own quiet time and even have started a new study as a couple through our church, but have not done a good job leading in family devotions.  While I am still committed to doing a better job at this, I am knocking it off of my goals to do 5 times a week for the rest of the year.  It has been a struggle to line up our family schedules 5 times a week.  I think in the end it is more important to live out and talk about Biblical principles throughout your life than the time - but still want to create that habit for William too so will start recommitting to one time of week of intentional family Bible time. 

Scout Popcorn for Sale

My son, William, is selling popcorn again this year for his cub scout pack.  I am writing to invite you to purchase some popcorn for yourself or to share with family/friends to support William and his cub scout pack. 

If you are not interested in popcorn but would still like to support William you can make a donation to send popcorn to our military members defending our country. 

You can order your popcorn online or in person if I will see you this year.  Here is the website for the majority of you who live all across the country. 

If you are in Central Iowa or are someone I would see in person between now and the end of the year and would like to order in person send me an email at brownsbalanedlife@gmail.com for detailed information of the choices. 

I hope you will consider supporting William this year!  Please let me know if you would be interested in making a purchase. 

Thank you,

Josh

Three Great Books by Andy Andrews

Three of the books I read this summer were written by the Andy Andrews who now is one of my favorite authors.  Andy has written several great books.  The three that I read this summer were The Traveler's Gift, The Noticer and The Butterfly Effect.  All three books are written to help the readers become better versions of themselves.  I have not been paid, given anything or asked to review the books and am only sharing because I truly believe that these books could have a positive impact on your life.  Though the links below are affiliate links if you choose to buy the books using Amazon.


The Traveler's Gift introduces seven decisions that determine personal success.  I normally do not enjoy reading fiction, but this book did a great job of incorporating a fun writing style to communicate the seven decisions that could help each of us.  The main character in the book travels through time to learn from historical characters about each of the seven principles.  While reading the book I could truly picture what was happening in each location.  This book will challenge you to be a better you.  Available now for 99 cents on Kindle at The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success.

The Noticer was another book that can transform your life.  Throughout the book the main character, Jones, pops in and out of Andy life and the lives of others to give them a little bit of perspective.  Jones is a noticer, which means he notices things that others don't see.  Jones' advice throughout the book helped give the characters of the book a difference perspective of the "problems" in their life.  In addition, his advice can be applied into each of our lives as well. This book is available now on Kindle for only $2.99 at The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.

The Butterfly Effect talks about how the things we do on a daily basis have an impact on our environment and the world.  We may not be able to see how the things we are doing matter or make an impact on others, but they are.  Each of us will make a difference in the world.  What kind of a difference depends on the things we are doing today.  Available on Amazon at The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters.

All three of these books can have a profound impact on the way you live your life.  I have bought a copy of each to keep on my book shelf and read over and over to continue to apply the principles of the books and to share with my son.  I am really excited that Andy Andrews is coming out with a sequel to The Noticer titled The Noticer Returns on October 1st.  The Noticer Returns can be preordered on Amazon at The Noticer Returns: Sometimes You Find Perspective, and Sometimes Perspective Finds You.

Fore more about Andy Andrews and his books:

• Check out Andy's facebook page
• Follow Andy on Twitter
• Subscribe to his podcast on iTunes or Stitcher
• Visit his website

Reflecting on My Juice Fast

I survived my three day juice fast.  I honestly was hungry only at two points during the three days.  The first was when I didn't do a great job drinking my water during the first part of day one.  The second was late at night on day 2 when I stayed up two hours later than I was planning and didn't adjust my juice or water intake.

I felt great and had plenty of energy all three days.  It was a great test of my self-control as I still cooked the meals for my family that I had to resist tasting or eating any of it.  From a health perspective I hope that it helped cleanse out some of the toxins that were in my body and give me a rejuvenating shot toward healthy living the next several months.

The short term impact included losing just over 2 pounds in four days (3 including the fast and one day after).  I assumed this would somewhat be negated as I start eating foods again.  I feel great and believe that if I could resist eating solid foods for three days I should be able to make mostly healthy choices moving forward.

While I was able to complete this juice fast without any negative side effects you are recommended to check with a medical professional before radically changing your diet to make sure it would be healthy for you.  My post is just a reflection of my experience and not meant to be used as an endorsement or recommendation of others completing a three day juice fast. 

3 Day Juice Fast

After spending the last several weeks trying eat better and be more active as I strive to live a healthier life I heard about a 3 day juice fast cleanse on a podcast I was listening to.  Here is a website that has lots of different options on "rebooting with juice".  I found lots of websites talking about different juice fasts/diets, but most of them are very similar.

I have decided for the next three days to try a juice fast/detox and report back the results both physically, emotionally, etc.   I have decided to commit to the following principles during my juice fast based on the different sites I read:

• I will not eat any solid foods for three days.  I will only drink vegetable/fruit juices, water or herbal teas. 
• I will drink at least 16 ounces of water between every juice. 
• I will drink 4-6 juice servings each day.
• My exercise will loose intensity but still exist during the fast.  Will focus on yoga, walking, or other light exercise. 
• Try to get extra sleep. 
• After I finish my 3 day fast will continue to add more fruits and vegetables into my diet. 

I hope to feel better after going through this cleanse and be able to reboot my health and fitness routine by creating a greater focus on the food I put into my body after I complete my fast.  

Book Review: 20,000 Days and Counting

One of the books that I read this summer while on vacation was Robert D. Smith's 20,000 Days and Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering Your Life Right Now.  I really enjoyed Robert D.'s writing style.  While most people talk about how many years old they are, Robert D. Smith started focusing on the number of days.

This book is very easy to read due to the great short stories that are throughout the book mixed with practical instructions that you can apply to your life.  If we follow the steps that Robert D. outlines throughout this book we will begin to take advantage of each day and live a more full life.

In about 100 pages you will get to understand what made the year to day shift occur in Robert D. Smith's mind and how it changed his life and could change yours too.  This is a book that I am going to want to read again and again and apply the principles into my life to make me a better person.  I am on day 11,397.  Check out what day you are on by visiting his website.

Get yours today using my affiliate link on hardcopy or kindle.

20,000 Days and Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering Your Life Right Now

Life Insurance Awareness Month

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month.  Over a year ago I posted an post about how we changed our life insurance due to going through Dave Ramsey's financial peace class.  We canceled our old policies and signed up for new 15-year term policies with a child rider and canceled our old insurance including William's Gerber Life policy.  We were sold on Gerber Life as good insurance with a college savings account but learned that it was a rip off for our family.

Dave Ramsey and many others recommend to get level term polices for at least 10 times your income.  If we invest 10 times our income in a good growth stock mutual fund that interest would at least come close to replacing the lost of my income if something would happen to me.


Why term life insurance?
We chose to do term life insurance because it is cheaper and we will be disciplined enough to invest the difference in a Roth IRA.  Money investing in a IRA invested in a good growth stock fund will get much better returns than that of a cash value life insurance policy.  Life insurance should not be where you make your investments because returns are historically low.  Additionally, when you die with cash value, the insurance company keeps the cash value.  Also, the fees deducted from your returns are extremely high.

Fourteen years from today our family will be debt-free including our mortgage and investing a good portion of our income for retirement.  This should allow us to become self-insured and not have a need for life insurance.

For more information check out Dave Ramsey's Website or feel free to ask questions in the comment section below.

National Remembrance Day

I hope everyone has the opportunity to take time to remember and reflect on the events of September 11th, 2001 today.  I have decided to delay the posting of my regular post until tomorrow to honor those who lost their life 12 years ago and those who have sacrificed their lives for our country since.  I am privilege to teach in a school that helps students think about the events and how they will use their power for good in our world.  Students do a remembrance walk during healthy choices, in social studies we learn more about the events, we hosted a community walk last night and this morning we will be meeting around the flag pole for a time of prayer and reflection.



As you take time to remember the events check out events going on in your area and ways you can honor those who died through your service using the United We Serve website.

Step It Up

Tomorrow I begin another physical wellness accountability group.  I am joining together with about 20 other staff members from my school to participate in Live Healthy Iowa's: The Next Step Challenge.  During this challenge teams of 2-10 Iowans track the numbers of steps they walk each week with a pedometer.  The numbers are reported and we can track how we are are doing compared to others and set personal step goals.

My personal goal is walk on average over 10,000 steps per day from September 9th to the end of the challenge on October 18th.

Along with tracking our steps we have a "team" that will be able to help keep each other accountable and encourage one another.  Live Healthy Iowa also gives us lots of online recipes, workouts and other health information to help us live healthier in additional to supporting our goals of moving more.

You can join today on their website or can join informally and commit to walk more over the next 40 days.  You can track your steps using a pedometer or a smart phone app.  If you need an accountability partner let me know and I will support you!

Bucket List to Life List

I recently was directed toward the Beyond the To Do List podcast and have spent some time listening to the past episodes.  One of the episodes that made an impact on me was when Erik Fisher interviewed Alli Worthington.  During the interview she talked about how she has a life list.  I found the the conversation very interesting and made me think about my bucket list.  Sometime bucket lists are seen are finite (for example 100 things before I die) and when you put an item on the list it stays on it until you complete it.  While a life list maybe is seen as more fluid - as your passions and interests change so can the items on your list.

Even though I said I would share some of the things that still remained on my bucket list on an earlier blogpost, I have decided to update my list and turn it into a life list.  Here are a few of the things that are on my list:

• Go on a mission trip with William
• Take William to lots of different events
• a Cubs game in Wrigley Field
• to a NFL game
• to Washington, D.C.
• to a Broadway Play
• to a major concert
• to a NBA game
• To watch William graduate from high school and college
• To meet my grandchild(ren)
• Be silent for an entire day
• Do a lot of traveling
• Visit the Holy Land
• Go on a Cruise
• Go to Hawaii
• Go to Africa
• Go to Asia
• Go to South America
  
• Go to Australia 
• Go to England
• Go to Niagara Falls
• Go to the Grand Canyon 
• Go to Ireland
• Attend/Do Specific things

• Watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve in New York City
• Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
• Be in DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival
• Go ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza
• Sleep overnight on a train
• Attend a Supreme Court hearing
• Go to a professional championship game
• Go to an Iowa bowl game
• Go to the Olympics
• Sky-Dive
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Complete a marathon
• Complete a triathlon
• Complete the entire week of RAGBRAI
• Be debt free (including mortgage) and go to Dave Ramsey's studio in Nashville
• Have a commitment free summer

Sorry the list ended up so long, I kept adding things as I was typing.  I think by posting your life list in a public place you may connect with people who want to do similar things you do and have an accountability partner to make sure you take action when an opportunity arises. What are some things on your life list?  

September Goal Update

September 1st marks another month ending and therefore an update on my 2013 goals.

Financial Wellness 

By the end of 2013, we would like to pay off over 20% of the current outstanding debt on our house.  To do this Anna and I will continue to work together with our finances find more opportunities to earn and save more money.  We have also considered looking at selling our house, since we probably have a larger house then we really need. 

UPDATE:  Anna and I won a debt scholarship by participating in forums, completing survey's and writing a "debt essay".   This scholarship coupled with our budgeting helped us get 2 months closer to debt freedom.  We are set to become debt free no later than March 1, 2016, which is only 911 days away!  We have already met our goal of paying off over 20% of our outstanding debt so we will continue on paying as much off as much as possible this year.

Physical Wellness 

By the end of 2013 I would like to be back at my pre-broken foot weight. 

UPDATE: I was able to meet my short term goal that I set for August in order to stay on track to meet my ultimate goal.   In order to meet this goal, I will need to lose at least 8 pounds by the end of September.  

Intellectual Wellness 

My goal for 2013 is to read at least 100.  As Charlie Jones said, "Five years from today, you will be the same person that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet."  I want to read some good books, so that I can be a better person five years from now. 

UPDATE:  I have currently read 69 books in 2013 and as always working on several other ones.  I read a lots of books in August and have finally got ahead of pace again.  In September, my goal is to continue to stay ahead of pace. 

Emotional Wellness 

I will continue to blog about my throughs and feelings at least once a week throughout 2013. I will also post additional content on my blog's facebook page.  

A friend shared a great idea on facebook that our family has decided to put into action in 2013.  We will be keeping a "Good News Jar" to write notes of all the good things happening this year to open up and read on December 31st, 2013.   

UPDATE:  I have written at least 2 post every week in the month of August.  I also have been able to get more predictable by posting on Wednesdays and Sundays. Our family has not done a good job and being consistent with the good news jar.  I will see if I can help lead us to do better this month.  If our family chooses to drop the goal, then I will report that at the end of the month. 

Spiritual Wellness 

After finishing reading the Bible again in 2012, I plan on starting over in 2013.  In addition to reading the Bible, I will be using Tony Dungy's The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge for my personal quiet time in 2013.  Another spiritual wellness goal of mine for 2013 is to begin weekly devotionals as a family at least 5 days a week.

UPDATE:  I have got back on track with my personal devotional time, but need to do a better job of being a spiritual leader at home with family devotional time. 

Bucket Accomplished

One movie that had an impact on my life is the movie Bucket List.  That movie made me start thinking about all of the things I wanted to accomplish before I "kicked the bucket".  Shortly after watching the movie I started working on creating a list of 100 things I wanted to do.  I still have not completed that list, but I did start working on accomplishing some of the things that I wrote down.

Here are a few of those items:

• Coach William - I was able to accomplish this in April/May of 2010 when I had the privilege of helping coach his Bam-Bam team.  I enjoyed showing William one of my passions and being able to help him and other kids have fun. 
• Throw out a first pitch - I accomplished this in June 2010 at an Iowa Cubs game.  It was DMEA night and I enjoyed bringing William out on the field and throwing out a pitch along with some other DMEA leaders. 
• Go to Disney World - We were not able to take this vacation when I was a kid, but was thrilled to be able to go as a parent.  We took my mom with us and had a blast.  It was fun seeing William's facial expressions throughout our trip. 
• Go to Europe - I was able to take this trip with Anna to visit friends who lived in Italy.  I would love to go back and explore other areas too. Two other things that were on my list that I accomplished while there in March of 2012 were climbing the leaning tower of Pisa and touring the Roman Colosseum. 
• Attend a Presidential Inauguration - I had the privilege of doing this in January of 2009 when Barack Obama was sworn into office.  It was excited to see history happen and witness the first non-white male sworn in as President of the United States in person.
• Pay off my Student Loans - I was able to be debt free other than my mortgage on August 27th, 2012 when we paid off my final student loan.  It was a great feeling.  While going to Dave Ramsey's office to scream "WE"RE DEBT FREE" is on my bucket list, we have chosen to check that one off after we eliminate our mortgage too.
• Run a 1/2 Marathon - On October 21st, 2012 I accomplished this goal in 1 hour, 48 minutes and 33 seconds which was under my 2 hour goal.  I am glad I was able to do this and hope to complete a full marathon some day. 

Later this month I will share some of the things that are still waiting to be done on my list.  What are some things that are on your bucket list?  What have you already accomplished?

March on Washington

I had the privilege of joining thousands of other citizens in Washington, D.C. for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.  During our time we listened to many speakers that spoke about equality and justice.  

As a teacher, I know that equity is one of the cornerstones of America’s public education system.  At this time of rapid change in our nation and the world, the need to ensure equity in education has never been greater. All students, including students who come from high poverty communities, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students of color need meaningful educational opportunity. 

I am committed to participate in discussions and action that help treat all of our students as equals. Students learn when they are treated with respect and know they are cared for.  Here are a few pictures from the event. 

Back to School Disappointment

The beginning of the school year can lead to many mixed emotions from sadness of the end of summer to excitement about what another year can bring.  One of the things that is making going back to school this year less exciting for educators across our country is that elected officials and other leaders are aggressively working to pass laws that help corporate America and hurt our nation's students and schools.

Students shouldn't have to worry about whether or not their teachers will have enough time to help to help them with their individual needs because there are too many students in a class.  Class size, adequate tools and resources, and safe and modern school environments are grown-up worries.

As teachers and parents we must work together to insist that our elected leaders work for our students and not against them.  In several states around the country, politicians only stop by for a photo op while making decisions about public education.  Although many of them talk a good game about making children a priority their actions tell an entirely different story.  Instead of investing in America's future they are cashing in on our children.  The make shortsighted trade-offs that jeopardize the promise of an excellent public education for all of our children to create high profits for corporations.

It is time for parents and educators to stand up to bullies like ALEC and do what is right for our children.  The main purpose of public education is to level the playing field and provide opportunities for all children.  Schools are assets, and they can and should be the heart of a community.

A Scout Is...

This year scouting will be different for our family.  William moves from being a Tiger scout up to the Wolf den.  In addition, Anna and I have agreed to help lead William's den.  This is one way to for us to spend time with William while having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other children in our community too.  I am an Eagle Scout and am looking forward to sharing some of the values of scouting with my son and other boys.  Here are those values:

As teachers, we will work on creatively interweaving these values into each meeting in a way that will be fun for the members of our den.  One of the goals of Cub Scouts is for the boys to know, commit and practice these 12 core values.  I believe if every kid in America would know, commit and practice these 12 core values the future of our country would be bright.  Anna and I will do our part to help teach, model and help the boys under our care to grow in these areas.

Recommitting to Fitness

I have recommitted to myself and my family to refocus on my personal health and fitness again.  My new physical wellness goal is to get back to my pre-broken foot weight by the end of the year, which at this point would mean losing another 41 pounds.  In order to do this I have broken my goal into more manageable monthly goals.  This month I need to lose at least 6 more pounds to stay on track.  How am I going to do this?  As I mentioned on Sunday, I am participating in the START Experiment and have committed to working out 6 times a week and watching what I am eating each day. 

One of our assignments for the experiment was not only to create a "risk" but to create actionable steps on how we are going to START! Here are a few of mine:

• I have created a weekly schedule for my workouts each day and posted it on my refrigerator.  This guarantees I will see it to be reminded. It is also intentionally in a public place so my wife can ask me about it and help keep me accountable.  I mixed up the workouts in order to focuses on my whole body and keep working out fun for me.  I have included kickboxing, running, cycling, some core workouts, etc.
• I am tracking everything I put in my body again using My Fitness Pal so that I can make sure that I am eating enough calories but not also staying on track to be able to lose some weight. 
• I am sharing my progress on social media through the START Experiment group and my personal facebook and twitter accounts.

It is important that if you are going to set goals that you also create action steps so that they can become a reality.  What actions do you need to take today to accomplish your goals?