I grew up and graduated from the school of hard knocks.

I graduated from Crown Point High School.

I attended Ball State University.

I graduated from Purdue.

I taught, at the very least, “effectively” during my time within Noblesville Schools. Since, at least in that District, the difference between being “Highly Effective” and “Effective” was a mere dollar in pay. Some fights are just not worth it. More importantly I never showed up to any school because of the salary.

$1

The difference in pay annually between effective and highly effective teachers

I’ve been able to avoid many of the pitfalls that could sidetrack someone from the school of hard knocks. I’ve never been officially arrested. I’ve never been in jail. One minor consumption my Sophomore year at an apartment party in West Lafayette. Not coincidentally that was the only time I’ve ever appeared in court for something I did.

I spent a lot of time at different government buildings when I was a child. Enough that I understood at a young age I didn’t want to be there for any reason.

Ever.

Some of the best advice I ever received when I was a kid from my parents centered around what to do if you are ever around a police officer. Simply:

“Yes (officer).”

“No (officer).”

“I’m sorry (officer)..?”

When speaking to a law enforcement officer

I did however almost got kicked out of the Lake County Courthouse once. You see I politely asked the bailiff and another guard to keep their voices down as I was trying to listen to listen to my moms child support case. My mom was sitting in front of the judge, at my urging, concerning back child support for my brother and I. It wasn’t a huge number.

$50 bucks a week for two kids.

Even in the 80’s and 90’s that was cheap.

The weeks however added up, they exceeded 600.

At least 12 years. But to the four parties involved we all knew it was way more than that. But, back to my encounter with the bailiff:

I’m sorry officer, could you please keep your voice down?

This is my courtroom, said the baliff.

I told him it was the judges, and I’d be happy to go in and ask the judge how he felt about (you and your friend) chit chatting in the back of his courtroom during this hearing.

Luckily they walked into the hallway to finish their conversation.

But the meaning of the front of the card

The Fool represents new beginnings, having faith in the future, being inexperienced, not knowing what to expect, having beginner’s luck, improvisation and believing in the universe.

Maybe I am a fool

Thanks for reading.

Ken