The Kanaks 2016: Might this be the end?

Well, it's been another year, and a lot has happened since last we updated. To track some of the highlights, Fidel Castro has died, the Cubs won the World Series, and Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Clearly, Hell has at least started to freeze over. Therein lies the reason for the somewhat cryptic title to this year's edition. In any event, here goes:

We'll start with Geno. This fun little man is now seven years old, and he's enjoying his transition to second grade. To be honest, Geno hasn't changed a great deal. He's still extremely kind and affectionate. It's hard for any of his family members or closest friends to go more than a few minutes without having Geno offer a hug and an affirmation of his love for them. Most of us find it quite endearing. Mary...well, let's just say that she's the exception. In any event, when he's not giving love, Geno can usually be found playing with his many toys or listening to music and dancing. Yes, he still loves to dance, and he gets better at it all of the time!

Moving on to Mary, she is another year older, brighter, and sassier. She truly is an amazing young girl. Her current list of interests include softball, dance, reading, and writing. I know that all parents brag on their children, but she truly is pretty good at all of those activities. In fact, she's pretty good at just about everything that she does. Her only Kryptonite is her brother. While she is fairly kind and accepting to most people, like many big sisters, she's pretty hard on her little brother. Still, when you get down to it, she truly does care about him even if she won't admit it. While Angie and I wish she would be a little kinder to Geno, maybe it's for the best. Both of these kids are highly intelligent; once they find out that they'd be twice as powerful if they team up, Angie and I could be in trouble!

As for Angie, she continues to teach at Kankakee High School. In addition to teaching, she has helped good friend Deena Cassady produce and direct some amazing dramatic performances at KHS, she's developed her skills and undertaken a successful side business as a professional photographer, and she completed another Susan G. Komen 60-mile walk to support breast cancer research. Simply put, there is nothing she can't do if she puts her mind to it. I've known a lot of amazing people, but Angie is truly one of a kind, and she's proven that over and over again in 2016.

Lastly, there's me. Other than my appearance - I trimmed the obnoxious goatee and grew my hair back out - not much has changed with me in the past year. I'm still teaching English and coaching softball at Central High School in Clifton. Both positions require a lot of patience, but they can be quite rewarding at the same time. When not working or hanging with the family, I can still be found working out, bowling, or playing softball. I think I said the exact same thing last year, but it's still true, so why try to make it sound fancier than it is? What can I say? I'm a simple man with simple pleasures.

As a family, we experienced a lot of highs this past year, including Mary's great softball season, the kids' outstanding performances in Seussical Jr, and our family vacation to Branson, which allowed us to watch great shows, do some ziplining, and see some amazing sights. Sadly, there were also so tough lows, including having to say goodbye to Pappy, who passed away suddenly and way too soon; nevertheless, we all know that those we love are never truly gone, so we'll continue doing amazing things and taking time to remember the good times we've had.

We don't know what 2017 has in store, but we know that we're going to do our best to continue making amazing memories. We hope that as you read this, all of you are in good health and good spirits. Know that whether you're near or far, you're special to us, and we wish you and your loved ones nothing but the very best. As always, thanks for reading, and best of luck until we meet again!

With love,

The Kanaks

2015 Update

Happy Holidays!  

Welcome to the annual Kanak family update.  You, along with my mother-in-law (Hello, JoEllen) are the only ones that will read this, so you're pretty much part of a fairly exclusive club. So, congrats. Hold on to your hats...unless you're not wearing one, then forget it because you're going to look really stupid holding on to a pretend hat.

Mary

We are very proud of the young lady Mary is becoming.  She has grown a love for ballet, tap, and jazz.  We had to sell our livers on the black market to pay the tuition, but she adores her dance classes at Paula Aubry.  Even though I had originally put a moratorium on organized sports and activities since the soccer tantrum of 2012, we allowed Mary to play summer softball.  We were surprised at how quickly she improved and how much fun she had.  She's also a strong student, leading her class in books read.

For those of you who enjoy the Mary conversations I post on Facebook, here is one that showcases what it's like to live with Mary.
Me: Mary,  all of your pants are too short.  We need to go shopping for new ones.
Mary: Who says my pants are too short?  Society? Are you going to let society tell you how to dress me?  That's weak, mom. (Walks away shaking her head)

Mary hypothesizes that we only brought Geno into this world as a means of torturing her. She misses no opportunity to remind us "how great it was without him." She takes pride in correcting every little error he makes, insisting that she was "never that annoying."

As a whole, she's fairly unpleasant to live with: she's messy, ungrateful, sassy, rude, and neglects basic hygiene habits.  However, there's something about Mary that makes us love her, so I think we'll let her stay.

Geno

In great contrast to Mary, Geno is unfailingly kind. Geno insists on telling us he loves us 25 times a day, which is often accompanied with a hug no matter what we're doing: cooking, vacuuming, switching the laundry, sitting on the toilet, taking a shower, or sleeping.

Geno still loves Michael Jackson and hopes to become a professional dancer and song writer.  He also takes ballet and tap at Paula Aubry's where Gene and I sit every Wednesday evening among parents who feel obligated to say politically correct things to us, such as, "I think it's really cool that you put your little boy in ballet," to which I respond, "He wanted to be in ballet; he asked for it,"
to which they awkwardly offer what sounds like a condolence, "Really...that's so...cool."
 
Unlike Mary, who enjoys reading a variety of literature and burns through a book a week, Geno prefers predictability, checking the same 2-3 books out from the library every week.  I've read The Super Hero Bed Time Collection roughly 300 times.  I also know more about Michael Jackson than I ever thought I would.  We've read his biography so many times that Geno has memorized the picture captions.  I don't know if you're aware of this, but MJ's life wasn't all sequins and adoring fans. There's nothing stranger than your 6-year-old pointing to a picture of a 7-year-old Michael Jackson and saying, "Though young Jackson had all the riches he wanted, what he really needed was a father."

Geno enjoys school and seems to be doing well.  His take-home folder comes home with a plethora of papers with stars and seasonally-appropriate stickers on them, so I say we're good. He's recently gotten really into Pokemon, so yes, he's that kid.

Gene

I am now roughly halfway through my second year of teaching at Central High School, which just happens to be the school from which Angie and all of her siblings graduated. It's very similar to my previous school, but now I only have to drive 25 minutes each way instead of 50-55. Another development is my transfer from the world of baseball to fast-pitch softball. That's right; I'm the head softball coach for both Central High's varsity team and Nash Middle School's team. Teaching and coaching in a small town certainly has its ups and downs, but I like it more than I don't.

Outside of school, things have stayed pretty much the same. When I'm not spending time with the family, I can be found at the gym, on the softball field, or in a bowling center. In the grand scheme of life, none of those pursuits means a whole heck of a lot, but all three keep me happy. On the lanes, I've been pursuing a staff position with Brunswick, and I'm giving serious consideration to competing professionally at the regional level. On the softball field, I'm looking forward to a transition to a new tournament team this Spring/Summer. And, in the gym, I'm still all beast all the time! Long story short, at the end of the day, I haven't changed a whole lot since last year. Why mess with perfection, right?

                                               Angie

I'm in my 5th year of teaching English at Kankakee High School.  Though all teachers have bad days, I can truly say I adore KHS students.  They are worldly, sensitive, and, despite what many say about them, kind. It's hard to say what the future has in store for me, but I love my KHS students!

As many of you know, I assist Deena Cassady with the KHS drama program. Deena and I learned today that our fall one-act was selected to perform at Illinois Theatre Fest!  Working in a school that idolizes athletes drains on me at times, but earning the honor of being chosen for this festival eases the frustration.  With an attendance of over 4,000, our students will finally get to perform to a crowd size that matches their talent.

Gene and I were able to take a trip to Europe this summer with a group of KHS staff, parents, and students. We had a wonderful time!  It truly was a trip of a life-time.

2014 Annual Update

Friends and Family,

Fasten your seat-belts; 2014 was a completely average year for the Kanaks, but fasten your seat-belts anyway--it's the law, and they save lives.

Geno Update

This was the year of Michael Jackson for Geno. He not only knows all of Jackson's songs, but he also has learned his dances and life story.  You see, Geno has moved past Brown Bear Brown Bear and skipped to adult biographies.  Though I was afraid he wouldn't understand the thick journalistic Jackson bios procured from local libraries, Geno appeared glued to each word and can comment on just about any stage of Jackson's life. While checking out several MJ books from the Bourbonnais Library, he calmly climbed the stool at the circulation desk, looked the reference librarian in the eye, and proudly proclaimed, "I love Michael Jackson so much...I'm not even gonna lie about it."  An unusually hip librarian with dreads matched Geno's gaze and responded, "You go, little dude; I love him too.  I was raised on his music.  Let's get you some books." Solidifying, yet again, why I love libraries!

Sometime this past summer, Geno also showed interest in dressing up like the King of Pop.  He and his sister found materials around the house for a make-shift costume, which was made complete when Grandma surprised him with a "Smooth Criminal" hat.   Though it was only his sister's black satin shirt, an old Micky Mouse glove, and some junk drawer sunglasses, Geno saw Michael Jackson. For Halloween, Gene and I surprised him with a wig and "Beat It" jacket to complete the ensemble.

An unexpected element of loving Jackson was that Geno also acquired a love of dance.  When studying his moves, Geno learned that he was a classically-trained dancer and asked to be signed up for tap.  This was a hard call for me to make, seeing as I had placed a moratorium on all organized sports/activities since the soccer melt-down of 2013. However, his interest seemed so sincere, I caved.  He has been taking tap at Paula Aubry's Studio since September, and for the first time in Geno's life, he actually likes an extracurricular activity! He's a tapping fool!

Oh, yeah, Geno also started kindergarten this year and is doing great...reading and all that stuff.

There's Something About Mary

I could spend a lot of time coming up with cute and creative ways to describe the various ways that Mary has grown and changed since last year, but sometimes it's best to just keep it simple. Simply put, Mary continues to grow, amaze, and impress.

She is still the cute and petite little Mary we've all known and loved for years, but she seems to be getting taller by the day. This may have gone unnoticed by the folks at the Guiness Book of Records and to casual observers, but as the beast of burden responsible for providing piggy-back rides and carrying sleepy Mary into the house from the car, I can tell you that this girl is now all legs and arms! She's like a 44 long with a 16 waist. Seriously, it's freakish!

In school, Mary continues to be one of the brightest in her grade. She is still as sharp as a tack. I do my best to discuss world events with her, and I'm continually amazed at her ability to
comprehend and connect to the complex topics we discuss. If Mary can align her intelligence and her work ethic, she is going to be a force to be reckoned with in this world!

Gene

In an effort to stay young and hip, I've decided to do this year's update using one of the staples of modern communication, the hashtag! Here is this year's top 10:

#another_year_older
#still_great_looking
#still_brilliant_still_hillarious
#big_muscles_bigger_belly
#a_few_gray_hairs
#new_school
#Comets_rule_Warriors_drool
#bowling_geek_Softball_freak
#career_path_principal_or_truck_driver?
#waiting_on_the_world_to_change!

I think that pretty much wraps it up. All in all, I'm doing fine. I am still living life, appreciating liberty, and pursuing happiness. Some days are better than others, but I have far more good than bad in my life, so I can't complain. I hope all of you feel the same about your lives at this point!

Angie

For my update, I will be speaking the language of my students. Please grab any nearby adolescent for  a translation.



Also, in more recent news, according to Geno, I'm "the worst mommy in the world" and he "doesn't even care if that hurts" my "feelings!" The AP wire has not picked up this story yet, so folks, you heard it here first. WORLD BREAKING NEWS! WORST MOMMY EVER FOUND IN BONFIELD, IL.

Happy Holidays!

Love,
The Kanaks
(Notice the lack of apostrophe, which is never needed when making a last name plural--really...trust me.)

2013 Family Update

Hello Friends and Family,

Thanks for visiting our blog, your viewing brings our total number of views to 3, so thank you.  So without further hesitation, here are all things Kanak.

Geno

Geno is a larger than life 4-year-old.  He has incredibly unique interests, such as Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Transformers.  He also loves being read to.  So far he has stuck to the canonical literature, such as If You Give a Cat a Cupcake and The Cat in the Hat, but we’re hoping he spreads his interest to post modernist authors, such as Kurt Vonnegut, by the time he enters school.  We don’t want him to be the only kindergartner who hasn't read Slaughterhouse Five.  Currently Geno’s favorite activities include gymnastics class, pissing off his sister, making messes he refuses to clean-up, and eating small amounts of his meals so he can request various food items all day long.

Mary

Mary is a smart, sassy, and insufferably shy young lady.  Her love of the macabre makes her especially interesting.  I am confident that her obsession with skulls, mustaches, and wearing Halloween themed shirts all year round will create the perfect fodder with which to solidify a healthy bond with her future therapist.  Mary is a reserved young lady with a firm grasp on her priorities often saving her strongest emotional reactions for truly traumatic events, such as the mixing of Play-doh colors, her brother’s mildly threatening glances, and an empty chocolate chip waffle box.  Gene and I are proud to report that Mary is a great reader.  We discovered the depths of her reading ability when she started correcting us while reading Harry Potter to her.  There is nothing more rewarding as a parent than being corrected by your 7-year-old while reading a 900 page book to her. Mary recently moved up to level 4 in her gymnastics class, but that’s not her only activity—she’s also very busy growing out her bangs.

Gene

Gene is still working at Watseka High School; however, he is always on the lookout for new career opportunities. Right now, he’s researching the merits of over-the-road trucking or establishing his own meth lab in his father-in-law’s new shed out back. In the meantime, he still enjoys spending his free time honing his skills as an aging recreational softball player and an insufferably average league bowler.

Angie

I am in my third year teaching at Kankakee High School.  Thank you for your concern, but I have not been shot, hit, initiated into a gang, or offered drugs. In all seriousness though, despite its reputation, KHS has become a home to me. There are a lot of good teachers and students in that building, and I feel happy to be a part of it. I can see myself staying here for many years…which is great because due to recent pension cutbacks, I apparently have to teach until I’m 85! As such, if you see any good Craigslist deals on walkers, shower safety bars, or Rascals, please feel free to forward me the link. It’s never too early to grab a bargain!

So, with that, we’ll bring another Kanak Christmas blog to a close. We hope all of you are doing as well as we are. Actually, we hope you’re doing much, much better than we are; we’re a whole lot of hot mess up in here! Whatever. At least we still have our delusions. Until we meet again, remember the inspirational words of Conan O’Brien. I don’t remember any off the top of my head, but he’s been on TV for a long time and given many speeches, so he’s bound to have said something worth remembering. Look it up, and go with it! Merry Christmas!

Take Care,

The Kanaks (notice the lack of an apostrophe as nothing belongs to us)

As hard as it is to believe, we are just a few short days away from Thanksgiving 2012. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating our first holiday season back in Illinois; nevertheless, now that the holidays are upon us once again it seems appropriate to reach out and let the world know how things are progressing in the Realm of Kanak.

Since we believe the children are our future, we continue to teach them well and let them lead the way. Do you see what I did there? In any event, Mary and Geno continue to grow, develop, and amaze.

Mary is a straight-A first grader who continues to exceed expectations on every benchmark assessment her school can throw at her. She has become a proficient reader at this point. As such, it's not uncommon to see her walking around the house at any given time toting a dozen books or more. She either reads them aloud to herself, or she reads them to Geno, which is a particularly cute scene to witness. Despite her sweet, girly nature, she has an interest in the macabre; dressing up in scary costumes in order to creep out family members is among her favorite activities. She loves snakes, spiders, zombies, mummies, skeletons, and grim reapers--yup, that's our girl! All in all, she's still the same sweet, smart, caring little girl we've all grown to know and love.

Geno, on the other hand, has a bit more spit and vinegar in him! This isn't to say that he isn't a sweet and polite little man. Much of the time he is; however, the pendulum swings just as far to the other side for him, so it's also not uncommon to hear him voicing - or bellowing - his displeasure with various goings on in his surroundings. One of Angie's and my favorite stories was earlier this year at preschool when he told his teacher, "You didn't give me a warning before you gave me a time-out; that's unacceptable!" Now, as teachers, Angie and I don't condone our little boy back-talking, but it's hard not to chuckle at that one. I mean, honestly, what 3-year-old says "unacceptable"? Thankfully, such outbursts are few and far between at school. In fact, his teachers report that he is well-behaved, and they genuinely seem to love having him around due to his pleasant nature and inquisitive mind. Toward that end, they even moved him out of the 3-year-old room and up with the older group. We're not exactly sure how a 3-year-old can be "gifted", but apparently Geno is. Here's hoping!

Moving along, Angie is doing just fine as well. She is still happy at Kankakaee High School. She had a bit of a scare at the end of last year when the seniority-based system put her on the budget-fueled RIF - Reduction In Force - list. Thankfully, the brass at KHS knew that they would be losing an amazing teacher if they let her go, so once some budget corrections were made, she was reinstated. Since then, she has continued to work tirelessly to help her students along the road to success both inside and outside of the classroom. She's even increased her contributions to the school, helping serve as Assistant Director during this year's fall play and musical revue. Thanks to Deena Cassady's (the new drama director at KHS--who is REALLY good at her job) and Angie's hard work, the show was one of the most profitable fall KHS productions in quite some time. She will be helping with the spring musical as well, and that is sure to be awesome as well.

Lastly, there is me. I am nearly half way through my second hear as an English Teacher at Watseka High School. I'm nowhere near the amazing teacher that Angie is, but very few teachers are! Nevertheless, I feel I'm doing a good job preparing my students for what they'll face in college and/or the working world. One of my seniors from last year made a point of coming back to tell me that she got the highest grade of anyone in her freshman composition course. One of this year's seniors told me that he thinks I'm by far the best teacher he's had at WCHS. Now, the first student was a solid writer before coming to me, and the second may just have been trying to suck up; nevertheless, I'll take their compliments and run with them. Teaching is a very tough profession, not one for the faint of heart. As such, it feels good any time a student has something nice to say about you. That's especially important since this is my first year of teaching sans power goatee. That's right; in case you hadn't seen or heard, I shaved off my mega-goatee this past summer. There are times when I miss the coolness-cred. it gave me with my students, but it's nice to not have to turn my head to the side to avoid stabbing the wife and kids in the eye with beard hair every time I give a kiss! Suffice it to say that I am happy.

Well, that's the long and long of it from the World of Kanak. To our friends and relatives from Illinois who will read this, we love you all very much, and we're sure to see you soon now that the holiday train is beginning to pick up steam. To all of the wonderful people we had the privilege to get to know in Texas, we miss you more than words can express. We'd say that absence has made our hearts grow fonder of you all, but we were already damned fond of all of you before we left! Please accept our sincerest best wishes to you and your families. We wish you nothing but the very best, and we hope to have the opportunity to see you again soon!

Warmest regards,

The Kanaks