Signature of the Accused

I'VE MOVED TO WORDPRESS.COM!

2007-04-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Come check out my new, much sweeter, more updated, hopefully more frequently posted blog.
www.gehrkesregards.wordpress.com

another quote from "tommy"

2007-04-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I randomly play little riffs on my guitar that I make up in the hallways, chapel, my classroom, during tests, well...whenever I'm holding onto my guitar that is...
Well, one day while the second graders were getting in a circle for a music game, I just pulled off a little riff and Tommy says in a sincere, matter-of-fact voice... "Huh, that's cool Mr.G, sounds kinda like Master of Puppets." He was right...which was interesting to say the least... but why was an 8-year-old making connections between my riffs and 80s hardrock?

Rock 'n Roll Teacher

2007-04-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

Have I told you my students are creative? Well, one of them proved this once again by a comment that had me rolling the other day...
I walked out of my office in the music room at school before second grade music time and the kids were already sitting on the risers for me to start class. I like to get started without any downtime, so that I don't lose them within the first minute! I just busted into "I'm in Love with the King" and the kids jumped up and started singing and doing the actions. Before I could move from our warm-up song into our activity, "Tommy" was wiggling and squirming all over in his spot with his arm about to pop straight up out of his socket. I said, "Yes Tommy? It looks as though you have a question," in a calm, wanting to move on with the lesson voice. Then he hit me with it.
"Yeah! You know, Mr.G, when you came walking out of the room with your guitar, I could see it now...THE LIGHTS!...THE FOG!...THE CROWD!!...YOU JAMMIN ON THE GUITAR!! (big crunching guitar sound and windmill strum move made famous by The Who)...YEAH!!!...it was awesome..." My jaw dropped and I couldn't believe all of that had randomly come out of an 8-year-old's mouth, but I just couldn't help but laugh and say thank you.

Transfiguration

2007-02-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went to church at my dad's church and saw him preach at their Saturday night service. I forgot what an incredible pastor and preacher he is. He is so passionate, well spoken, and engaging. He spoke about Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop before his death and resurrection. He brought with him Peter, James, and John. While there, his glory as God was shown while speaking with Moses and Elijah about his upcoming task on Earth. I've heard this story so many times before, but I never thought about the significance of it! Wow!! Moses and Elijah, who had heard about a coming "Emmanuel" to save Israel and they came back...FROM HEAVEN...to possibly comfort Jesus, encourage him, speak with him, or support him in this very treacherous time he was fast approaching. What an unbelievable experience it must have been for those lowly followers of Jesus of Nazareth. I wish I could've been there!

Fathers & Daughters

2006-11-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about how your parents have affected your life? I have, and I'm proud of the job my parents did. After thinking about your own parents, have you ever thought about how other people were raised? Could it explain anything about how they treat you or themselves?
I have to admit that I've had, and still have, many close friends that are women. I also dated quite a few women before I married my lovely wife. As I pursued love, I tried to care about women and listen to them the same way my father modeled for me in his relationship with my mother. I was shocked many times at the inability of these women to accept my compliments, kind words, understanding thoughts, and patience. They continued to play games, refuse honesty, and expect me to "just know." Some, after spending enough time with me, confessed that they had never been cared for by a guy or man as much as I cared for them. This made me think about what type of men they've been surrounded by in their lives. I started learning about the fathers of the women in my life and I found out something amazing. If the father was uncommunicative, less-involved, distant, or the daughter had a lacking relationship with him she was more likely to show an inability to express mature confidence and communication. If the father was open, honest, communicative, complimentary, and supportive then the woman was much more confident, understanding, and willing to communicate about her feelings. I am very blessed to have a father-in-law who did just that for his daughter. I know that some women overcome this lack in their lives, but I believe that if they do, they had another male figure in their life who promised to always love them and show them what a strong, faithful man should look like. I pray that all men would be confident, open, loving, and compassionate fathers who always tell their daughters they are beautiful.

Ever bought a car? (How dumb do you think I am?)

2006-03-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Now I don't consider myself the most knowledgeable deal maker. I know what I want, I'll treat you with respect, I've done my research, and if it's not what I think I deserve...then there are plenty of other cars out there.
If you read my last post you'd know that last Monday I wrecked my car. Thursday they said it was totaled. Friday State Farm paid it off and gave me a hefty check over the top of paying off my previous loan. Thus...the buying begins.
I love Saturns because they tell it like it is. Here is our price...you like it? Buy it. If you don't...there are plenty of other people behind you that know this is a good price and we'll take care of you once you own it. Yet, I decided to go to another place next door. (they had a saturn L200 with a stickshift and moonroof)
The guy is known as a head hauncho and makes 6 figures because he's salesman of the month EVERY MONTH...and he has ALL the plaques behind his desk to show it (very gaudy I might add). Conversation was minimal and very awkward during the testdrive and got worse. Emily noticed a lot of wind noise while driving and he said it was because I wasn't used to the moonroof. Mine old Saturn never did that...but of course he knew how to fix it and would show us when we got back. Here was his solution (which all cars need once in a while)...BLACK ELECTRICAL TAPE ON TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING!!! Dear Lord in Heaven...praise God for black electrical tape. Hey-is that included in the price? or do you teach me how to do it after I trim my mullet and marry my sister?
The office was dirty, disorganized and trashy. He said, "If I cut that $1,000 off the price you'd be ready to drive this off the lot wouldn't you?" Caught up in the moment and not being allowed to think it through I said "probably." He took it as "yes" and went to washing the car, sending us to wait in the finance room, and took the tags off the car.
The finance guy was really nice and noticed our concern. He asked why we weren't sure and he realized it wasn't the money...but the way we had been treated...we think he empathized with us. HEAD HAUNCHO MAN NEEDS TO MAKE A SALE!! So..."you freakin' finance lacky had better not SCREW it up!!" When he came back and we said we were going to walk and think about it he wanted to know what was wrong. We said we didnt' want to rush into it. Yet, he said it's everything we asked for and "why don't you just drive it home." He said he washed it and took off the signs...as he was just about to the door to walk out I said, "better put them back on then." I was about to reprimand him like the middle-schooler he his, but I got myself under control.
So, we went back to the Saturn dealership next door and they found us the most tight car for an amazing deal. Saturn L200 2003, stickshift, black, black leather interior, 6 disc, moonroof, heated seats, and lots more! We pick it up on Tuesday. If you're looking for a good Saturn...go to Golden Valley Saturn and ask for Dan.

24 hours of H-E-Double hockey sticks

2006-03-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well...where do I begin?

Let's start yesterday, Monday, March 6, 2006...I don't feel like totally reliving one of the top 10 worst days of my life...so I will give you just the facts chronologically...
Monday:
7:00am Go to school with very red eyes and I am quite aware I must have "pink eye". I pick eye gunk/puss out of my eye all day while they continue to get redder and itchier.
2:00pm I move my private lessons to Tuesday and try to schedule a quick appointment. Yet, 3 different Park Nicollet Clinics can't get me in. They suggest an urgent care...so I haul my butt down to Burnsville as fast I can in order to beat the 4 o'clock/after work rush. Good thing I got there at 3:45, cuz they had 25 people check in between 4:00 and 4:20.
3:45-5:20 I wait to get into the doctor's office. When I finally get called, I yell "jackpot" in the waiting room and make a bunch of people laugh...plus I got the rest of my lesson planning done while waiting (the only 2 highlights of this day...pretty much)
5:20-5:35 Doctor says I have pink eye in both eyes and a possible sinus infection with redness in my throat and ears...YES!! So, he gave me eye drops and an antibiotic. Nice guy, but seemed overworked, so I just B.S.ed with him for a little while.
5:35 I leave the urgent care to head to Walgreens to pick up my stuff and have bible study that night.
5:45 I got about 500 yds out of the parking lot and hit a Cadillac Catera head-on. The Cadillac has its front end demolished, but my Saturn took a corner shot and doesn't look too bad. The lady is alright and so am I, but I'm still waiting to hear about the car. I should have an estimate tomorrow. I got the ticket, since it's my fault, because I didn't yield on a left turn green. I'm not making excuses, but I didn't see her, because the car turning in front of me blocked my view. I guess that's why they cause these "accidents."
7:00 pm Got back to my place to have some food with Em and Steve B.
Went to bed and got a little sleep.
Tuesday
7:00am Decided to go to work and spent the morning making insurance and auto body phone calls.
9:00am I got a call from Emily who was at the hospital having tests and feeling really sick.
11:00am I left school to meet her at her place and take care of her for the afternoon.
6:30pm Good news though...Steve B. has a car I can use as long as I need it, but when I got home from teaching lessons this evening the gear shift broke off...dang it...but I figured out how to still shift. Let's see how tomorrow goes...

Let's hope God grants us peace and the ability to get through the next few weeks. I ask that you keep us in your prayers and hopefully the rest of the school year will finish off strong.

Blessings,
Seth

The Sweet Nectar of Life

2006-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

What a wondrous moment it must have been when the first brewery began in England. John Barras and Company set out on a most incredible adventure. The adventure of capitalism and free enterprise in the late 1700s. There were unaware that their efforts would have an immense, long-lasting effect on those they would touch with their sweet ale. A brown ale it would later be called...and with such success that soon after its release it would win the gold medal at the International Brewers' Exhibition. Now, that same, distinguished, award-winning, palate tingling beer is in my own home. Thanks be to the beer gods who have allowed Newcastle to dominate its trade for centuries and hopefully for more to come. http://www.newcastlebrown.com/home/

These women are desperate?

2006-02-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my parents today and after dinner, as my fiancee and I were picking out wedding stuff, Desperate Housewives came on tv. I guess my mom likes this show, so I figured I'd see what it's all about. Kinda funny actually...but 2 things...I guess I've become REsensitized since HS and college, because all I really watch is SportsCenter, FoxNews, History Channel, and DVDs of 24 seasons. Plus, as a middle-school teacher I thought it was a little overboard when a guy stripped his wife down to her underwear on primetime public TV. Call me old-fashioned...oh well...you're probably where I was...OVERLY DEsensitized. And number two- I don't think they're desperate at all...except for FOOD!! Maybe they should eat a little more and enjoy their posh, perfectly groomed cul-de-sac. Dang.

Reverse Psychology

2006-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have a fifth grader who I will call "Tommy." Tommy has had a hard homelife and struggles with self-esteem problems which are just magnified by his lack of abilities and desire. He's been tested for learning problems, but he CAN do it...he just decides he's "stupid" and doesn't try whenever he hits a wall. So...begins the story...
After one math lesson (like many) he is saying under his breath during the whole thing..."math is stupid...I hate math...this is dumb" After the lesson I ask him if he needs some help and of course he's in is defeatist attitude and everything is "stupid." So, all of a sudden he hears Mr.Gehrke say, "YEAH! THIS MATH IS STUPID! SOOOOO STUPID! IT'S EVEN DUMB! LET'S SHOW THIS MATH HOW DUMB IT IS BY BEATING IT AND FINISHING IT!!!...WHAT DUMB MATH!!" He had no idea what to do, nothing to say and I wanted to laugh so hard at myself, but I think all of a sudden he heard what he sounded like and it sparked something inside. I just couldn't believe it worked...I just thought...might as well...nothing else has worked. I'm pleased to say after a few other things he has had a good couple weeks. Tommy is hopefully on his way...finally.

Why fear death?

2006-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Today in church our pastor declared it to be "Sanctity of Life Sunday". I guess this is nationally celebrated, but I was unaware. I'm very prolife and regard life and protecting it second behind faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, his sermon was depressing and focused on death, the fear of it, and lamenting the sinful aspects of this life. Not inspiring or uplifting as life should be...so I had some thoughts...

Why fear death? Is it really an enemy? Or rather a catalyst for a refocus everyday? We know our time here is short...why defeat this and lament it?
Embrace it and see it as a coming hope--this eventual death allows us to see LIFE as a GIFT. Death is the beginning of our perfect life. So, in this life, everyday should be lived, praised, and rejoiced in, because He doesn't Give us long to enjoy it. So be thankful to Him for every second of it.

Rejoice!! today is the day the Lord has made and has GIVEN YOU LIFE!!

Uh...Hello McFly!?!?!

2006-01-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

There must be something in middle school where the hormones, body, and other things are going so crazy that their perception goes haywire as well...that is my theory...because I've experienced it firsthand.
Many times middle schoolers effectively utilize the backround noise of a classroom to get away with whispers while the teacher is explaining something. Yet, a new and fearless (and idiotic attempt was made yesterday)...as I was teaching my guitar class to 3 students and explaining a technique while playing it, the two boys started whispering and one was playing something totally different on his guitar. I stopped and said, "Excuse me- did you have something to share?" They stopped and looked like nothing had happened...HELLO MCFLY?!?! Turn your brain on and wake up...I'M ONLY 2 FEET AWAY FROM YOU!!! I think the combination of Mt.Dew, Doritos, PS2, hormones, and Ashlee Simpson have detached their brains from the rest of their bodies...and we pay for it.

My greatest achievement (...and the title of this blog)

2006-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

It all started the fall of my fifth year at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. I had always played by the rules (mostly) and I brought the idea of a prank one night to my friend Nate Saving. Nate (being an upperclassman as well) felt that the need to pull something off of supreme grandeur was necessary...so we began our brainstorming. We had a few groundrules: 1-Nothing would be damaged/destroyed 2-No one's responsibilities on campus would be compromised 3-None of our friends on staff (i.e. security/janitors) with keys would be involved or know about it so that they could plead innocence later on 4-We would use as small a number of trustworthy people possible so that we can keep it completely secret.
We had many ideas, but one seemed to rise above the rest. We would completely switch all the wooden chairs in the chapel for the old metal/plastic ones in the dining hall (I believe at this writing the chairs there have changed). So, we began our prep work. 1-the day...none other than the night before Homecoming Chapel when all of the Alumni and Board of Regents would be there 2-Who would be involved? 10 guys and 3 girls (we had RAs, pre-sem, senate members, executive board members, athletes, musicians (a quite varied group). 3- How many chairs are there? Around 500 altogether. 4- How long will it take to walk from the dining hall to chapel and how many chairs can you lift? About 38sec and 2 chapel chairs and 4-5 dining hall chairs. 5- How will we get in and where to meet that night...this brings us to our story...

Our first task was to get into these two places. One of our members was an organist and had keys to the chapel, which made that quite easy. (no key cards there yet) The dining hall would be hard...security doesn't even have keys to it, because Sodexho is in charge there. So, we decided that Ryan Hatch would hide behind the piano one evening as supper was nearing its end. We covered him and he slipped back there unnoticed with his cell phone. He decided to take a nap and Marcus called to wake him up a couple hours later when the workers had gone. He taped the door lock open and came back to Centennial Hall. Our rendezvous point was my room in Centennial at 2 AM. All the members showed up in black and we made our plans. The 3 girls would have cells phones and be placed along the tunnel, outside old switchboard, and in the daycare playground. They would alert us of any activity. We got started and were moving quickly when we realized we needed some of the ladies' assistance and Alicia helped put the "new" chapel chairs in perfect order with hymnals underneath. The others were in the dining hall doing the same. It seemed we were a little loud and a janitor caught us. We all ran and left everything all over the grounds. I decided to run back and have a chat with him. Ryan came and I talked to him and explained it was a Homecoming prank to liven the spirits of the school body. He ran with it and we were underway again. (he said he would plead innocence later...what a great guy!) We finished the whole job without anything being damaged chairs (of a different make in perfect position)...in 55 minutes!! It was truly amazing.

The next morning brought another story. Christus Chorus was planned to sing for chapel and Andy I planned to witness our success firsthand. Yet, when we walked in...it had been switched back!! We were dumbfounded and a little upset, but we had to act like nothing was wrong, so that we didn't give it away. Everyone from the classes before chapel had been recruited to put it back by Prof. Steve who ran around yelling "The chapel's been vandalized!!" Needless to say, we played dumb and listened to all the theories about it for the next couple weeks and months.

About 2 weeks later I received an email requesting a meeting with me by the head of security. I wrote an email to all the players involved, notified them of this and reminded them i would take the fall and they were to say nothing. He threatened harsh punishment if I didn't give up names, I refused, and finally told him what he wanted to know. (I didn't know at this time how the rest of the professors/president were taking it) We were all questioned and sentenced to 6 hours of community service walking around with a security guard and checking on things that they could do better. We had become a security risk and we entered places without consent.

Therefore...I have a confidential file with Concordia University and at the bottom of the sheet which explained my disobedient behavior I signed on the line next to the words...
SIGNATURE OF THE ACCUSED.

Ahh...first graders

2006-01-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Kids bring such delight to my day...and stress...but this one really made me laugh...
I use stuffed animals and beanie babies to entice my young music classes to listen and participate. Sometimes I even talk to them..."Oh yeah Teddy, you don't say! You've been listening to the first graders?? You want to go sit with Lucas?? Okay, well, I guess that's okay with me." At this point, they are so overcome with excitement to have Teddy sit with them, they are putty in my hands (for a few minutes at least). The day Lucas had Teddy sitting with him the unexplainable happened. Now, Teddy is an old Beanie Babie and has seen his share of trials, but he still gets the job done. Once the song was over, Lucas' hand shot up in the air and a "it's the end of the world" look on his face accompanied the waving hand. I called on him and he exclaimed..."MR. GEHRKE!! TEDDY'S BALLS ARE FALLIN' OUT!!!!" The kids were shocked that Teddy could be falling apart, but I reacted somewhat differently...I died laughing and said "What??!?!" Not because I didn't hear him, but I wanted to hear it again. It was outstanding to say the least and still brings a smile to my face.

Shameless self-promotion...

2006-01-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

I just want you all to know that Jerry Babcock and I have professionally recorded and had printed an album of original music. Here's some short, catchy snippets to whet your appetite...

http://www.thouexcerpts.com (more info and online CD ordering)

Enjoy!

Track # and some succinct thoughts about each song
1- "On My Knees"...Confession and Absolution...God's Grace
2- "To Write a Love Song"...Wise words for a young man with love questions
3- "Round and Again"...We wrestle with God like Jacob and end up trusting Him
4- "Sweet 75"...A song of hope when everything seems to be changing.
5- "Why"...Some questions we all have.
6- "Found My Love Again"...Not about a girl...just finding the love inside and for yourself.
7- "Wish I Could"...An honest admission with a promise.
8- "Lullaby"...What it says...a lullaby.
9- "Ice Cold Sarsaparilla on a July Evening"...A spontaneous, rockin' jam to send you away smiling.

Google: My love and my bane

2006-01-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

What is it about this monstrous power called Google that has us all so enraptured? Is it the fact that as I write this editorial, the search engine we all know as Google is searching approximately eight billion websites with the click of a button? Consequently, it then leads me to answers that, only a decade ago, I had to locate with a phone book, a library, or concede that I’d never know. Along with the image, group, advanced and possible future library searches—will this machine be able to handle all that may be demanded of it? It seems very likely. At this moment most people trust Google to lead them to the correct facts, and eventually aid them in making the most accurate decisions possible. I feel as though the enormous burden of ignorance and inadequacy has been lifted from my shoulders as I begin to peruse the seemingly unending list of answers to my search. What could be more satisfying to an inquisitive mind? I have to admit: I am a Google user and have benefited from its ability on numerous occasions. I would have to say my life has changed since the conception of Google. Although, on the other hand, it seems our culture is being lulled slowly into the delusion that Google can answer all of our questions. Yet, Google doesn’t have the answers, it only supplies us the possibilities it has gathered to prepare us in our effort to battle a lack of knowledge. I hesitate to propose a mind-altering question…suppose Google supplied me with inaccurate information or—forgive me—no information on my subject at all! As someone who enjoyed 14 years of life without the internet I am happy to say that I learned how to use the Dewey Decimal System and card catalog at the library. I was taught to use an index, table of contents, bold words, headings, and thesis sentences in order to facilitate my research. Since then I have added to my credentials a very extensive working relationship with the internet and its search engines. I have middle school students now under my tutelage, and I have found that even the brightest students, when assigned a project or simple paper, instantly turn to Google for their information. I am pleased to see my students using the same giant of technology to which I turn, but I am deeply troubled when they come to me later and say they can’t find anything about the subject. How can they not find anything when half the information is in their textbooks, and I have three entire sections dedicated to it in another book behind my desk? This was puzzling to me until I found out that their only form of information was Google. They didn’t even consider another source! Even movies and television are spurring on the Google reliance. In the recent movie Hitch, actress Eva Mendes’ character says that she wants to “Google” her friend’s possible date in order to find out more about him. Not only students, but society as a whole, need to be knowledgeable about how to find information. You shouldn’t automatically trust a website found by Google to be accurate, especially when it contains the musings of a teenager who happens to have opinions about your topic of interest. Again, I must come clean that I am and always will be a Google user…but please, for the sake of our children, there is nothing more rewarding than working diligently to find an answer that is undeniably accurate.

I guess it's about time...

2006-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have seen the invention and shameless taste of Zubaz and had to slide myself into the wondrous world of Zebra-striped sweatpants. I had a tape player and never thought this crazy CD thing would take off...and yet I bought one. I was amazed and enchanted the first time I saw a colored computer monitor...and one day the "INSTA-NET" (thanks to Al Gore...God bless him) came to life in front of me. I embraced it fully and have been swept away in its miraculous wonders. Yet, I have kept my distance from this rage of blogging nonsense...and here I sit...writing my first post wondering where I went wrong. Well, here goes nothin...