I like what Wikipedia had to say about him:
"Anthony Michael Bourdain was an American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian who starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture, cuisine, and the human condition."
The human condition. Is that what you call this thing called life?
But he did delve into many aspects of humanity. Not just food. That is just one of the subjects. A subject that connected him to the people in the different countries he visited.
I am fascinated by his approach. It reminds me a bit of my teaching.
I had an incident in piano class last Friday. I had just heard the news about the football coach who had tackled the would be shooter at Parkrose. I was eager to find out the whole story, but had to rush to teach my class. It had been a roller coaster day. First, breakfast with my mother, who was concerned with my "manic state". I had just started feeling better after using my new inhaler - AirDuo which delivers an inhaled corticosteroid. So I was trying to monitor myself. Not smile too big, talk too fast, or too much.
My son called me when I was on the bus to Portland. He said, "Mom, Parkrose high school is on lockdown. There's a shooter!" He does not live far from Parkrose. I told him to stay put and I loved him. We hung up and I immediately got online to find out the scoop.
I was relieved that no one was hurt. And inspired by the football coach. But, as usual, I got a little angry. I am a teacher. And I would absolutely lay down my life to save my students. We have active shooter drills at the music center where I teach now.
They never seem to be enough. And truthfully, a bit lame. Is anyone ever prepared for that level of evil? I think we teachers need an intercom system. And a security guard. But I shan't get up on that soapbox now.
I had just greeted my first class of the day. A group of very enthusiastic 7 year-olds, when one of them screamed "Ouch!" and started to cry. I asked the grandma who always attends with her grand twins, to keep an eye on the class. I took the little man down the hall to rinse off his hurt finger in cold water. I found out through sniffles, that he had slammed his finger in the bench. I inspected it. No blood. Just red. He was already smiling. But I took him down to the office anyway. Had them call his dad. The director took over and got him a "Boo-boo buddy" from the freezer. (I didn't even know we had these. Good to know in case there is ever another injury!)
Then I went upstairs and took over class. I talked to the kids. They were concerned about their classmate. I told them he would be o.k. We had one of the staff members come up and look at the bench.
It needed to be repaired. I wrote a letter to the staff that evening. Congratulated everyone on quick action. Told them it was my first piano student injury ever! That I care deeply for every student and their safety is more important to me than even my teaching. That is just the subject. Like Anthony Bourdain! Food is just his subject.
I also suggested an intercom system. What if the grandma volunteer had not been there? What if it had been a serious injury? Many more what ifs!
We are having a conversation about safety issues. We may be getting walkie-talkies. The next day when I opened up my classroom, before I let in the students, I did a safety inspection. It made me feel empowered. Like a Marine "securing the perimeter"! I had a friend who was a retired Marine who used to secure the perimeter at a church I worked at. He was not comfortable leaving me alone. So before he left, he would always secure the perimeter and assure me that all was well!
Back to Anthony Bourdain. As I watch his programs, and learn so much about the different countries he visited, I kept watching his eyes and listening to his words. And wondering why he couldn't find a reason to live.
I did discover he did not believe in God. At least that is what Wickipedia says:
" Although Bourdain was not raised in a specified religion, his father was Catholic and his mother was Jewish. Bourdain stated that even though considered Jewish by the teachings of Judaism, "I've never been in a synagogue. I don't believe in a higher power. But that doesn't make me any less Jewish...". Bourdain also stated that his family was not religious."
I wonder if he's changed his mind?
I have so many reasons for living. First and foremost is God. How could I not respect this life he gave to me by ending it?
Equally important, my family, friends and students. Being responsible for the safety of my granddaughter and my students, makes me want to be strong for them. I have a bit of a Wonder Woman complex.
I will leave you on that note, since I need to catch a bus.
I am breathing better today. But the depression is lurking around the corner.
Perhaps I should secure my perimeter!
Talk to you soon.
Happy Tuesday!
Love,
Zita
P.S. I had a nice, albeit short Qi Gong/Hoop workout this morning. Here is the video. I am needing to up the exercise. That always helps my mood!
Day 69:
Day 69:
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