I watched Train Dreams last night, and don’t want to describe it because I’m likely to mess it up.

It’s a thoughtful movie from people who understand how life works.  Afterward, I had to watch something dumb (Pluribus), as a mental palate cleanser before going to bed. 

Today, I’m not interested in catching up on the news, because every article is about shenanigans and tricksters.  Train Dreams is not boring, depressing or dark.

The story is about Robert, an Idaho logger in the early 20th century, who experiences good times and bad times, but on a personal level.  This isn’t Lord Jim or Lawrence of Arabia, but a regular guy, a good man, who does the best he can in a hard life.  He doesn’t always know why or how he keeps going, but he does.

It’s a movie about being stoic, without being preachy or explaining anything.  Make the best of the good and the bad in life, because it’s better than the alternative.

In 2015, my student, Ryan Chester, won the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.  For a few days before the event, I knew that Ryan had won, but he didn’t.  Ryan did know that he was flying out to Mountain View, California as a finalist for an awards ceremony attended by Nobel Prize winners, celebrities and billionaires.

That’s heady stuff for a teenager from a nicer suburb in Ohio.

I was in over my head, but wanted to help Ryan keep his perspective.  The best I could do is give him Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’ poem.

Kipling is always worth reading, but the gist of the poem is that, whether you win or lose, don’t be a dick about it.

At the awards event, Ryan was charming and affable, and I didn’t embarrass myself.  We did as well as could be hoped.

Ryan made good use of the quarter-million dollar scholarship, and is now living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida making short films that have won some awards.  His IMDB listing gives more detail. 

I made good use of the fifty grand that they gave me.  I bought the camper that I’ve posted about, and took my nephew to the Fiesta Bowl.  Two of my alma maters, Ohio State and Clemson, were playing, so that seemed like a message from the universe that one shouldn’t ignore.

Ohio State got pounded by Clemson.  My nephew may still be vexed at me for cheering for both sides.

In the “don’t be a dick category”, I was diligent in my media interviews to share credit with my colleagues for Ryan’s success.  A week later, Mike, our high school’s director of faculty entertainment, asked when I wanted to host a happy hour to share my good fortune with the staff. 

Teachers can be envious, so Mike’s idea was a good one.   Mike asked how much I wanted to spend ($400), and he set it up at 3 Spot.

My IMDB listing provides no detail, but I’ve got one.  Give me credit for not adding anything to my page.  I’m a little surprise that those don’t expire at some point.

The school squandered the hundred grand they received for a science lab.  I predicted that would happen when asked by tech billionaire, Yuri Milner, when we chatted at the event.  In 2018, Yuri was described as a ‘Russian Oligarch’.  That’s something.  Most people never get to speak to an actual Russian oligarch.  I liked him.  His wife is a charming hotty.

My point is that Train Dreams is a movie that resets your perspective. 

I recommend watching it when you have time to relax and stay focused.  It’s on Netflix.  I’d give it an 8.5/10.