Organized Chaos

Sometimes I wonder what goes on inside Sam's head.

OK, many times.

I just drove his saxophone that he forgot up to school for him to have for band practice.  No problem.  Kids forget things.  I had the time and was glad to do it.

When I got there I ran in to one of his teachers who was going to e-mail me but since I was there she decided to ask me if I would help Sam by getting him a folder so that he could become more organized.  He is doing very well in her class but she explained to me that it is a "challenge" to find assignments once they are passed out.  Our assumption is they get "lost" in his backpack or worse yet the deep, dark cave he chooses to affectionately call a locker.

I talked with his mother on the phone - she is really the organization in this organization - and she explained to me that we originally bought him a folder with different slots for assignments and we're not sure where that is and just within the last couple of weeks big brother Jeff - who in his past has had challenges with organization skills but has greatly improved in this area - gave Sam a folder and let him in on his methods of how he keeps track of things.  And, frankly, Jeff does a pretty good job.

However, neither Anne or I have seen any of these items and we fear the worst... lost in the cave ( I mean locker).  The teacher admitted that Sam is very bright and there are many more good things going on than bad but we agreed that this is a life skill that will help him for all his life if he can master it.

Speaking of mastery, I find it interesting that inside the same brain from which this chaotic scenario I've just described flows also comes the ability to organize and assimilate incredible musical compositions.  If that doesn't take some sort of organization I don't know what does.  Most of his songs he'll organize in an hour or two and it amazing to me the level of complexity that he puts together in a rational (organized) manner.  He seems to go into some kind of "zone" when composing and it is fun to watch.

Hard to figure out and challenging to parent.  But at the same time beautiful to watch and see develop.  The joy of parenting.

Here's a couple links to his newest songs where he has organized the chaos into complex organization.  I hope you enjoy!

This first one is called Electron Collision.

This next song is called Finish Line

Have a great day and make it apparent you are a parent!