Update for Families, November 25, 2025
This webpage is not on my menu. It is available only from a link for current tutoring students and their families.
Background
Some of you may know the following. In case you don't, here is my family situation. My daughter, Ruby, gave birth on February 18, 2025. Her son Colten is healthy and happy. In fact he is thriving. However, Ruby's husband, Shawn, took his own life in May. The last six months have been quite a journey for Ruby. And for my wife, Amy, and me. We have been blessed with love and support from family, and so many others. Still, work-life balance is a bit challenging right now.
Ruby and Colten live in a house Amy and I have owned for a long time and were planning to retire to in the little town of Joseph, Oregon in the Wallowa Mountains. Amy has been mostly living with them while I have been mostly living in Portland. Ruby is doing much better and is getting closer to living and raising Colten on her own.
The following is my working plan. I am sure it will change. I will keep you posted.
Joe's Schedule Now - End of the School Year
I will be spending more time in Joseph from now until Spring Break.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - Saturday, December 6, 2025
In Joseph. Available for all regular appointments by Zoom. Available most days for extra appointments.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 - Friday, December 19
In Portland. On my regular schedule for in-person tutoring.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026, Winter Break
Mostly in Portland and available for in-person or Zoom Winter Break tutoring.
I will probably take a short trip or two, but I will make time for you.
Monday, January 5, 2026 - Friday, January 23, 2026 (The End of PPS Semester 1)
In Portland. On my regular schedule for in-person tutoring.
I will be available in January for extra appointments as we approach the end of Semester 1.
Semester 2, Saturday, January 24, 2026 until End of the School Year
In Portland for in-person tutoring most of the time.
In Joseph about one week per month. Available for Zoom tutoring on my regular schedule when I am in Joseph.
Saturday, March 21 - Sunday, March 29, 2026, Spring Break
I hope to be with Amy on an adventure and totally off-line from everyone and everything. We'll see!
For Those Who Don't Like Online Tutoring
I know that some of you don't like online tutoring. Neither do I, really. However, I have found some ways to make it better. A few of you refuse to do online tutoring. Here are some brainstorm troubleshooting ideas:
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I am continuing to investigate ways to make online tutoring better. Stay tuned for details. Share your own ideas if you have them.
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I encourage those of you who have not ever done online tutoring with me to give it a try. It is better than online teaching as it was during the pandemic. You may end up with a job that has an online component. You could look at this as training for employment as well as academic tutoring.
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I have contacted several of my favorite tutors, letting them know of the situation. Even those who are full have agreed to take on a student or two of mine, under the circumstance, for in-person tutoring. If this is what you want, let me know and I will try to match you to the best tutor.
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Your ideas here!
Just Because I Need to Say This
Suicide is not the answer. It is never the answer. Your family and friends need you. The world needs you. I need you. Having suicidal thoughts is common. Get help. Talk to a trusted friend. Talk to a trusted adult at school or elsewhere. Call 998, The Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Contact Youthline. Text me.