WifeMomTeacher

DUCK & COVER 1950 ATOMIC BOMB SCARE

2011-01-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

He May Be a Communist

2011-01-30T09:23:00.000-05:00

2010-02-07T16:35:00.001-05:00

2010-02-07T16:32:00.002-05:00

2009-12-25T12:50:00.002-05:00

2009-11-05T20:14:00.001-05:00

The President's address to children

2009-09-04T10:48:00.002-04:00

The President of the United States wants to address children on the importance of education. I cannot for the life of me understand why people are upset with this. What 'he will indoctrinate them?' With what...the importance of educating themselves? The importance of doing your best and learning all that you can? It is the responsibility of parents to give their children morals and values- what so our government should be amoral and valueless? Sheesh, he isn't tell them to run naked in the street.
And what if he did? What if the President tells kids something that their parents don't like. What a wonderful opportunity to explain your values to your children ! What a starting point for dialogue! When I was young my parents required us to watch every presidential speech. Then we talked about what ooints we agreed and disagreed with the president. How wonderful that was!
My school district is waiting for guidance from state ed. My heavens, we don't censor our libraries, but we need to censor the President of the United States!
When did I move to a nation where opposing opinions were silenced?
I teach history. I will stream the president's speech.

FEARLESS

2009-08-21T13:24:00.003-04:00

2009-08-20T13:59:00.002-04:00

Good grief she has gotten stronger

Vacation and other stories

2009-08-10T07:05:00.007-04:00

We finally made it on vacation. Things were touch and go for a while. The week before my 85 year old father was in the hospital. Fortunately, he is out and doing well.

This vacation was a real vacation. We were with people we love (one of my college roommates and her family). We actually left the county. We were sight-seers. It was lovely.

Memorial Day

2009-05-22T07:35:00.002-04:00

For the historically uninformed, Memorial Day was originally created to honor the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. It was later to honor all soldiers and sailors who have given their life for their nation. My family has always used it to honor all our dead. For years and years we went with my Grandma Gert to graves all over the county to plant flowers. Then the torch passed to Mama and to Geri. Now that all three are gone and my surviving sister lives out of state, well, now it is my turn. I am fortunate. Many people don't remember the stories of their ancestors, I do.

To return to the original purpose of the day, however, I am posting perhaps the greatest speech ever made: short, sweet, and to the point:

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war. . .testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated. . . can long endure.

We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate. . .we cannot consecrate. . . we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from the earth. "

Kids can be so stupid

2009-05-20T05:39:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life is a giant roller coaster. Work has been like that lately. It is getting toward the end of the school year (We finish June 25th.) My state exam is June 2nd and 3rd. I am doing everything in my power to do cool reviews. Anyway, it is also Spring and life goes nuttier in Spring in middle school. Friday four of our students were suspended: two for bullying; and two for being boys- shoving books leads to kicks and punches. Today four more were suspended: one girl for bullying; a boy for not being able to keep any semblance of a civil tongue in his head; and two kids for drugs. One students was in possession, the other was possession with intent to sell.
Fourteen years old and *poof* on your permanent record.
One of the problems with believing in the instrinsic worth of every child is the heartbreak when you can't stop them from screwing up.

What is it we do differently

2009-05-02T20:20:00.002-04:00

This is an open letter to Central Office:

You asked what it is that we that we do differently. Well here is a clue. Most people review for a state exam with flash cards and work sheets and drills. My state exam is in early June. We start review on Monday. We are starting with "One Tin Soldier" by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, then we are moving on to "American the Beautiful," and eventually "Ticky Tacky Little Houses," "Abraham, Martin, and John," Tom Paxton's "I am Changing My Name to Chrysler, Neil Sedaka's, "The Immigrant" and ending with "Light One Candle. Yes, there are some questions to answer, but there will also be blank paper to draw what you hear, and discuss about the deeper meanings of the songs.

And yes, I will be singing each and every one of the 20 songs.

Friends are a wonderful thing

2009-05-02T20:17:00.002-04:00

I have a close friend, she has been a friend for nearly 30 years, which seems impossible, but is very true. Having read some of my last posts, she knew I have had some stresses lately. Since she is as crazy as I am, she sent me a stuffed animal. A happy hippopotamus.

Thanks LibraryLadyMom http://www.libraryladymom.blog-city.com/

Happy Birthday Pete Seeger

2009-05-02T20:13:00.002-04:00

Pete Seeger turns 90 tomorrow. His music has always inspired me, and I have been privileged to see him in concert. One of those was in a tiny church basement, a coffee house in Albany, NY. Now if you ever have been to one of his concerts, you know that Pete really gets the place singing with him. Since I sing...and not quietly...he actually spoke to me after one of his songs.

Pete, thank you.

I need perspective

2009-04-23T19:40:00.002-04:00

There is a song from the musical Pippin called "Corner of the Sky." One of the verses states:

Every man has his daydreams

Every man has his goal

People like the way dreams have

Of sticking to the soul

Thunderclouds have their lightning

Nightingales have their song

And don't you see I want my life to be

Something more than long....

Somewhere along the way in my teaching career, I decided that I wanted to help kids. I wanted to make a difference.

There are too many obstacles.

Other teachers (not my team, though)

Principals who are AWOL

Assistant Principals who don't listen

School-Related Personnel who don't believe that teachers might, just might, know more than the subject they teach

Parents who rely on professionals

Doctors and Therapists who think that magic pills cure everything and don't stop the think that the warning labels are there for a reason.

I need a new career.

2009-04-04T20:05:00.001-04:00

What I have been plotting lately

2009-03-19T20:34:00.003-04:00

A strange and demented plan

There is a committed team of teachers willing to try something new and different to help failing students succeed. There are four additional teachers who are intrigued by the possibilities inherent in this teacher-driven pilot program.

The pilot would consist of two teams. Each team would take 20 students who had failed two or more core subjects in seventh grade and/or earned a Level 1 or 2 on their previous state ELA test, and block those students for Math, Science and a Humanities course. The Math and Resource teachers would co-teach, as would the Science and Reading teachers. The Humanities course would be co-taught by the Social Studies and English teachers. During these blocks, the teachers would use data from the student’s files to remediate the 7th grade courses and teach the 8th grade courses. By emphasizing critical skills from the 7th and 8th grade curricula, these students will have a greater likelihood of achieving acceptable levels on the eighth grade state tests. This could increase the school’s prospect of being removed from the state’s corrective action or restructuring list. Equally important, the students would gain needed knowledge and skills and have success before moving up to the high school with their classmates.

This plan has many probable benefits. The pilot has the potential to help at least 40 struggling students. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected and shared throughout the year to determine the effectiveness of the program. Strough would be able to provide substantive proof of its commitment to increasing assessment scores, which is a condition the State requires when a school is in corrective action or restructuring. It is possible a portion of the salaries of each of the core teachers could be funded through earmarks for at-risk students, which would reduce the cost of the program. An additional financial benefit would be that the students would enter the pilot without having to attend summer school for 7th grade.

Been putting up silly posts

2009-02-20T19:02:00.006-05:00

I have been putting up silly posts because if I write what is on my mind, people may figure out that my boss is not smart. I mean really not smart.
I am intelligent, and a smart aleck. I have the IQ scores and the street scars to prove it.
The plan about which I posted a few weeks ago has stalled. It stalled because my boss is not smart.
Ugh.
All is not lost, we just have to be devious.
I know how to do that.

My Bail is 345

2009-02-20T19:02:00.001-05:00

This is HILARIOUS! Just read the 'offense' and if you've done it, youowe that fine. Keep going until you've read each 'offense' and added upyour total fine. Title your bulletin 'My Bail is $........' You don'thave to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine.
1) Smoked pot -- $10
2) Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk --$50
3) Cheated on your significant other -- $10
4) Been in love with two people or more at the same time -- $50
5) Said you love someone but didn't mean it -- $25
6) Went streaking -- $5
7) Went streaking in broad daylight -- $15
8) Kissed a co-worker-- $ 20
9)Kissed your boss --$50
10) Been arrested -- $5
11) Spent time in jail -- $15
12) Peed in the pool -- $0.50
13) Played spin the bottle -- $5
14) Done something you regret -- $20
15) Slept with your best friend >-- $20
16) Been in love with a stripper -- $20
17) Went skinny dipping -- $5
18) Been slapped-- $5
19) Slapped someone-- $5
20) Beat up someone -- $20
21) Been jumped -- $10
22) Ever had sex at church -- $25
23) Dated someone you met on My Space -- $25
24) Cheated on test -- $50
25) Vandalized something -- $20
26) Slept with someone in your parents' bed -- $100
27) Crossed dressed -- $10
28) Given money to stripper -- $25
29) Flirted with an officer to get out of a ticket-- $30
30) Been in love with a stripper -- $20
31) Kissed some one who's name you didn't know --$10
32) Hit on some one of the same sex while at work-- $15
33) Ever drive drunk -- $20
34) Used toys while having sex -- $30
35) Got drunk, passed out and don't remember the night before -- $20
36) Had sex in a pool -- $20
37) Masturbated -- $10
38) Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend --$20
39) Done oral -- $5
40) Got oral -- $5
41) Done / got oral in a car while it was moving-- $25
42) Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you-- $40
43) Stole something -- $10
44) Slept with someone who has been in jail -- $25
45) Made a dirty home video -- $15
46) Plan on making a dirty home video in the near future --$30
47) Had a threesome -- $50
48) Had sex in a public place-- $20
49) Been in the same room while someone was having sex -- $25
50) Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars --$20
51) Had sex with someone 10 years older -- $20
52) Kissed a teacher while you were still a student--$25
53) Lied to your mate -- $5
54) Lied to your mate about the sex being good -- $25
OK , now tally up your answers, then, copy paste this into your own noteto tag all of the people you want to takethe test...... In the subject of your forward put your'My Bail Is... (your total) Now send to all your friendsand back to the person who sent it to you

FAIL

2009-02-18T20:54:00.001-05:00

What Internet Slang Are You?
What Internet Slang Are You?-->
You Are FAIL
You love the internet, but it sometimes gets on your nerves.How can so much of humanity be so stupid? Wait, you don't even want to know.While there are some good aspects to being online, you can't help but notice there's so much fail.You liked the internet so much more in the good old days... before all the idiots found out about it!

2009-02-18T20:37:00.002-05:00

Geekiness Abounds
SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life (or are as old as dirt!). Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list and paste it into your blog. Then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom. Have fun.
(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
() Boondock Saints(x) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
( x) Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total: 5
(x) The Princess Bride
() Anchorman
() Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
( x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far:8
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band
CampTotal so far: 8
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 13
(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
( ) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
( ) I, Robot
( ) Robots
Total so far: 15
() Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
() Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) KING KONG
Total so far: 15
(x ) A Cinderella Story
() The Terminal
( x) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
( ) Flubber
Total so far: 17
() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
() From Hell
() Hellboy
() Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 17
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
( ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
( ) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 17
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
() Lucky Number Slevin
( ) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
() Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
Total so far: 17
() Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
( ) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 17
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
( ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
( ) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 19
() X-Men
() X-2
() X-3
() Spider-Man
() Spider-Man 2
(x) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
( x) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 24
( ) Swimfan
(x ) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
(x) K-Pax ('cuz Kevin Spacey is awesome.)
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( x) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
() The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 27
() Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
() Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
() Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
() Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
() Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 28
( ) Baseketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
() Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
() American History X
( ) Thr
Total so far: 29
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch (SUCH an awesome movie, and book to boot!)
(x) Monsters Inc.
( ) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
() Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 31
( ) High Tension
() Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
() Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
Total so far: 32
( ) Kill Bill vol 1
() Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 33
() Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
() Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
() Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 36
() The Matrix
( ) The Matrix Reloaded
( ) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
() Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal
Total 36

Strange and demented plan

2009-02-07T18:11:00.005-05:00

My school is 'in corrective action'. That means that we have had too many years of not making AYP- annual yearly progress- under NCLB. Our special education population is not passing the ELA exams. Part of that is that many IEP students have a disability in reading. Since 65% of the exam is reading comprehension, well...no wonder they can't pass.

My school district is losing people. The whole state is losing people. So, of course, when class sizes get too small, especially in difficult economic times, layoffs are discussed. An entire team of teachers from my school, to be exact. Most of these people are young, energetic and use some of the best practices of my profession. It would be disasterous to lose them, and keep the same-old, same-old who can't seem to understand that what they have done for 25 years IS NOT WORKING with the population of students we have.

Now, I think outside the box. Okay, I am pretty sure that I have never been INSIDE the box. So, where most people see disaster, I see opportunity.

My team, okay, I, came up with a plan (but my team whole heartedly agrees) that would allow the district to keep the new people, and, maybe (probably) help some of the students who are not succeeding. It would involve taking students with IEPs or with AIS services-about 20 to 25- who fail 7th grade and block scheduling them with our team. We would remediate 7th and teach 8th grade in the same year, allowing them to go to the high school with their class. They would learn the academics, but most importantly, find success.

My principal said he MIGHT tell the superintendent, but that there was no way we would get to do the pilot.

So we went over his head.

The woman from Central Office, with whom we spoke, is pretty sure that grant money would pay for 2/5th of each of our salaries.

She plans on presenting the plan this week.

(sorry about the foot prints, boss)

The price we pay for loving animals

2009-01-28T21:21:00.002-05:00

Good by Cookie...we loved you

Last Look at the Bush Administration

2009-01-03T17:03:00.002-05:00

THANKS YAHOO NEWS
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090103/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bushisms

President George W. Bush will leave behind a legacy of Bushisms, the label stamped on the commander in chief's original speaking style. Some of the president's more notable malaprops and mangled statements:
___
• "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." — September 2000, explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan.
• "Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?" — January 2000, during a campaign event in South Carolina.
• "They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too." — Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Va. Bush was referring to the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks.
• "There's no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail." — Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks.
• "It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber." — April 10, 2002, at the White House, as Bush urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning.
• "I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves." — April 18, 2002, at the White House.
• "There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." — Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tenn.
• "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." — Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill.
• "Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." — Sept. 6, 2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
• "Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for 250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge." — April 20, 2005, in Washington.
• "We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job." — Sept. 20, 2005, in Gulfport, Miss.
• "I can't wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs." — Sept. 5, 2005, when Bush met with residents of Poplarville, Miss., in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
• "It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were at war." — June 29, 2006, at the White House, where Bush met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
• "Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die." — Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• "These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved." — June 11, 2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
• "Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit." — September 2007, in Sydney, Australia, where Bush was attending an APEC summit.
• "Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech." April 16, 2008, at a ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House.
• "The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there's jobs at the machine-making place." — May 27, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz.
• "And they have no disregard for human life." — July 15, 2008, at the White House. Bush was referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan.
• "I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office." — June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden news briefing.
• "Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people." — July 4, 2008 in Virginia.
• "The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there's a lot of prayer — prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I'm one of them. It's good to come down here." — Sept. 3, 2008, at an emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, La., after Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast.
• "This thaw — took a while to thaw, it's going to take a while to unthaw." Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, La., as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets.

Christmas time is here.....

2008-12-26T11:31:00.004-05:00

I hope that your celebrations, whatever they are, were wonderful. We have enjoyed the Christmas cards, although I admit, mine are still in the box! Ah well, according to our pastor, Christmas begins on the 24th and then goes for 12 days.

We start our Christmas by attending the Children's Mass. It is the vigil service, but from the year he arrived, our pastor made it a habit to read a story for the homily. He invites all the children to go listen. Even BRE, the13 year old, who was an altar server, sat with the kids, as did the Magpie. We were concerned that Magpie wouldn't be attentive, but the little stinker was able to summarize the story quite well on the ride home.

We then watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, a classic that will never go out of style. (Neither will Rudolph, despite its antifeminism, nor the animated version of the Grinch.) Magpie did not want to go to bed, but did, even almost at her bedtime. BRE has a terrible cough, but was also able to sleep.

Christmas morning started early. Magpie had to use the bathroom at 6:30 and then decided it was morning. She had to snuggle her dad until I showered, then she woke up her sister. They came out to the living room and placed the statue of Jesus in the creche. Okay, both, since I now have the one I painted and the one that was my parents'. Then they sang, 'Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

At this point it was time to attack the stockings. Santa gave them cookies, a snowglobe ornament and....and....electric toothbrushes. I think their dentist talked to Santa.

The, cruel parents that we are, the long wait for grandparents to arrive began. While Knight showered and took care of the animals, the girls and I made cinnamon buns. The girls ate breakfast and stared at the tree. Grandma and Grandpa arrived first...and then GrandpaJ.

FINALLY!! It was time to open gifts. BRE received more Harry Potter accoutrements and a beautiful opal neckace. Magpie received a dolly and Barbie and dress-up clothes. GrandpaJ loved his DVD player and DVD sets of old tv shows.

The surprise gift of the day was.... a Wii. Both girls know how to play, and the Knight and I aren't too proud to let them teach us.

Blessing on the Solstice and Happy Hannukah

2008-12-21T18:33:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43J-gYOnLoI

Light one candle for the Maccabee children
Give thanks their light didn't die;
Light one candle for the pain they endured
When their right to exist was denied;
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice
Justice and freedom demand;
light one candle for the wisdom to know
When the peacemaker's time is at hand!
chorus:Don't let the light go out,It's lasted for so many years!
Don't let the light go out!Let it shine through our love and our tears!
Light one candle for the strength that we need
To never become our own foe;
Light one candle for those who are suff'ring
The pain that we learned long ago;
Light one candle for all we believe in,
That anger not tear us apart;
And light one candle to bind us together
With peace as the song in our heart!
(chorus) What is the memory that's valued so highly
That we keep it alive in that flame?
What's the commitment to those who have died?
We cry out "they've not died in vain,
"We have come this far, always believing
That justice will somehow prevail;
This is the burden and This is the promise,
This is why we will not fail!
(chorus) Don't let the light go out!
Don't let the light go out!
Don't let the light go out!

And may all your Christmases be white

2008-12-21T11:55:00.003-05:00

Living in Upstate New York is always an adventure. We are in a weather pattern right now. We are in storm number 3, with 4 and 5 on their ways. Beautiful snow, lazily falling.

And the snowblower works today.

It doesn't always, it thinks it is a lawn mower.

We are wrapping the last of the gifts and I am on vacation until the 5th of January.

Maybe I will catch up blogging.

Heralding the news

2008-12-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

I find at times that the pastor of my parish is rather broad-minded. He was speaking today of John the Baptist heralding the news. The major point he was making is that John was telling people that their points of view were skewed away from what was right, and that they had to change. He started naming other 'John the Baptists' who 'heralded the news". This included: Mohandas Gandhi; Rosa Parks, Rev.Dr. King; Nelson Mandela; and Jdimytai Damour, the Walmart worker who was trampled. Father was most adamant that, as he said, in this season in which many cultures celebrate unity, forgiveness and good-will, a person's life must be made more important than saving a few dollars.

Rather ecumenical of a Catholic priest, as well as insightful.

Welcome to December

2008-12-01T05:50:00.000-05:00

I have my Christmas socks on!

Tis the day after Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T10:37:00.002-05:00

I am not out shopping. I did most of the Christmas shopping already and that was online. I can't stand the crowds in the off season, I am surely not going out now that the frenzy is upon us.

I am as thankful as I can be this year. I miss my Mom, I miss Geri. Has it already been 4 years since she died? My beloved MIL has a lump. It could be a hernia. It could also be a tumor. She hasn't been cancer free for a full 4 years yet.

I have my Dad, the girls and my Knight. We have a home, and we can pay our bills. Better than most.

I was able to help my great nephews. I can help my cousin with her Christmas. Better than most.

Vote, for all of our sakes, VOTE

2008-11-04T05:32:00.002-05:00

"What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you."
-Barack Obama

I like that quote. I like that quote because it is exactly what this election is about. It is about We the People. Yes, we have an electoral college. Yes, there is something slightly undemocratic about it. HOWEVER, we have run the process. We The People voted in the primaries. The delegates at the nominating conventions were representing We The People. Today We The People take to the polls to elect many, many people to office.
The presidency is an important office in this day and age, but so is Senator and Congressperson. Of equal importance are the state assembly people, the town justices....
You can probably guess for whom I will pull the lever (for the last time, our machines are being retired this year). A good friend is voting for neither major candidate. I wouldn't dream of changing his mind, because he has done his research, searched his conscience and is voting for the best person he can find.
I urge you to do the same.

2008-10-29T05:32:00.000-04:00

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Conscientious, Fulfilled, and Spiritual

24 Renaissance, 18 Islamic, 20 Ukiyo-e, -36 Cubist, -42 Abstract and 20 Impressionist!

The Renaissance was a cultural movement that profoundly affected European intellectual life. Beginning in Italy, and spreading to the rest of Europe by the 16th century, its influence affected literature, philosopy, religion, art, politics, science, and all other aspects of intellectual enquiry. Renaissance artists looked at the human aspect of life in their art. They did not reject religion but tended to look at it in it's purest form to create visions they thought depicted the ideals of religion. Painters of this time had their own style and created works based on morality, religion, and human nature. Many of the paintings depicted what they believed to be the corrupt nature of man.

People that like Renaissance paintings like things that are more challenging. They tend to have a high emotional stability. They also tend to be more concientious then average. They have a basic understanding of human nature and therefore are not easily surprised by anything that people may do. They enjoy life and enjoy living. They are very aware of their own mortality but do not dwell on the end but what they are doing in the present. They enjoy learning, but may tend to be a bit more closed minded to new ideas as they feel that the viewpoint they have has been well researched and considered. These people are more old fashioned and not quite as progressive. They enjoy the finer things in life like comfort, a good meal, and homelife. They tend to be more spiritual or religious by nature. They are open to new aesthetic experiences.

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

I am a creator

2008-10-19T13:42:00.001-04:00

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.
Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.
CREATOR OCCUPATIONSSuggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACESConsider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.
2nd Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER
Key Words:Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate
These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.
http://www.careerpath.com/career-tests/colorcareercounselor.aspx

Thank you Colin Powell

2008-10-19T13:36:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Colin Powell.
You have said so very eloquently what I have prayed someone would say. The religion (or lack thereof) of a candidate does not matter. Whether or not Senator Obama is a Muslim does not matter.
Thank you, Colin Powell.

Why does Sarah Palin matter? She isn't running for President

2008-10-11T08:51:00.003-04:00

The latest information about the vice presidential candidate is that a legislative council investigative committee, made up of a majority of Republicans, found that Madam Governor abused her authority and violated state ethics. This is the highly-touted experienced executive that the Republican Party has been drooling over. Regardless, she is not running for president. Do you hear me, blogsphere, SARAH PALIN IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

According to the United States Constitution, the Vice President presides over the Senate, but has no vote except in a tie. The Vice President also is the direct successor to the President, should the latter die or become incapacitated. Traditionally the Vice President also may make trips to foreign nations in the absence of the President. I have a prior post about Governor Palin's capabilities in that regard. SARAH PALIN IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

John McCain is running for president. John McCain is the man who wants for the next four years to make intelligent, well thought out decisions for the United States. He may also need to make snap decisions, since things can happen quickly that need a decisive answer. His first major decision for the United States was to choose a vice presidential candidate. The presidential candidates do not always take into consideration the duties of the Vice President when choosing a running mate. The most common reason for choosing a running mate is to balance the ticket, to help the presidential candidate become elected. Rarely, though, do people choose a person ill-qualified to run the nation should something untoward occur. People have pointed recently to FDR's choice of Harry Truman as an example of the latter, conveniently forgetting that Harry Truman was a U.S. Senator for ten years, with experience as chairman of a wartime investigating committee.

John McCain surely needs to be judged for his choice of Sarah Palin.

I, for one, have found his decision making lacking of thought and consideration for the future.

Lupus Awareness Month The Faces of Lupus

2008-10-07T13:42:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, good things happen to good people. The DR yesterday said that BRE does not have lupus. He did do more blood work, but doesn't think she has an autoimmune disease.
We are celebrating her 13th birthday on Sunday.
Very happy indeed.

Dear Governor Palin:

2008-10-04T18:53:00.005-04:00

Dear Governor Palin:

Unlike the pundits and network anchors, I thought your performance was an embarassment to Americans.
First of all, You were in a debate. A debate, my dear more-than-slightly-dotty-down-home-soccer-and-hockey mom, is where two or more well spoken human beings answer questions posed to them in a logical, concise and inteligent manner. Turning to the television camera and saying that you weren't going to always answer the questions that were asked, because you were going talk to the American people only shows your ignorance of the venue in which you found yourself and a disdain for the people who, oddly enough, since it was a debate, wanted to hear the answers to those questions.

Second and perhaps more importantly, the office to which you aspire is the Vice Presidency of the United States. It is not, I repeat, not, president of an AYSO soccer region nor is it secretary of the school PTO. Vice Presidents often have to go as a dignitary to foreign nations in the president's place to events as festive as royal weddings or as solemn as state funerals. I can assure you that no one I know, both in the east coast you denigrated nor in the heartland for which you aspire to speak, wants our representative to speak in the vacuous manner you affected for the debate. 'Ramping it up' and being 'with ya' is not correct usage of American English. You embarassed yourself and all college educated women.

Finally, as my 12 year old so astutely pointed out to me, you blink too much. Fluttering your eyelashes may work on beauty pageant judges, but it comes off as annoying to everyone else. My daughter, for whom you should be a role model, asked me if you has a tic, were nervous or just lying.

Madam Governor, if you really want to be Vice President of my nation, act like an intelligent grown up. If you can't act like a grown up, get out of the race.

Uh, duh

2008-09-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

83% liberal Duh
Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid.com: Free Online Dating
Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

All things Education

2008-09-15T15:58:00.003-04:00

Well it is a new school year, so there is plenty to rant about already. Sadly, the realities of my life take precedence over the inanities of the political climate. Once upon a time, I was the first to argue for or against a political candidate, now, I am afraid, that the United States cannot handle 'change' and will settle for 'maverick.'

Alas, I digress.

It is the second Monday of the new school year and a day off. WHAT? You cry, a day off so soon.
Yes, the first of our 5 snow days was used because the remnants of Ike knocked out power in the district in which I teach. To be fair, Ike knocked out power down the street from me also, but we didn't lose power. (In another, equally bizarre case, we never lost power in the 2003 Northeast outage either.)

Perhaps I needed this day, however. It has become glaringly obvious that my district believes my teammates and I to be miracle workers.

We have many wonderful students...and an equal number of weirder than weird odd ducks whose ideosyncrasies know no rival. Add to the mix the no-one-else-wants-this-child-with-this behavior-problem. as well as 15 IEP students and 30+ students receiving Math or ELA academic intervention services.

We are decorating our hallway and making a 6 foot (or bigger) Statue of Liberty...you know...send us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.......

New York State, in a move calculated to help with obesity, has mandated physical education classes 5 days a week for K-3rd graders, totalling 120 minutes a week. So, my district, in an effort to not lose any 'academic time' removed recess from the student day. No more free play, no more unstructured time....instead, physical education classes. We are assured that social time will take place. Social time and unstructured time are not the same thing, and both are needed for kids to process new information, according to the brain research class I took this summer.

I wish I could home school.

You Can Tell Who Your Friends Are

2008-08-31T21:20:00.004-04:00

Last week we received some news that has the potential to be horrible. It is not horrible, yet, but the sun isn't quite as bright as it was before the telephone call, if you know what I mean. BRE, who is 12, has been complaining about joint pain. Now, adolescents complain about many, many things. Additionally, adolescents are still growing and are a tad awkward, so joint pain is not unusual. Being a tad paranoid, when she went to her annual physical, we mentioned the pains, and, upon hearing that blood work would be done, I asked that an ANA be added to the list of blood work.
For the uninitialed, the ANA-' Antinuclear antibodies are a unique group of autoantibodies that have the ability to attack structures in the nucleus of cells. The nucleus of a cell contains genetic material referred to as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
There is an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test which can be performed on a patient's blood sample as part of the diagnostic process to detect certain autoimmune diseases.' http://arthritis.about.com/od/diagnostic/a/ana.htm

The pediatrician called on Thursday. My beautiful 12 year old had a high ANA titer. That means that she could potentially have systemic lupus erythematosus.

SLE was the cause of death of her aunt, my older sister.

I immediately called my two 'sisters', only one of whom is related by blood. The other is related by something stronger than blood...almost 30 years of love. Oddly enough, she has also tested positive, but is asymptomatic.

As for now....we wait. The best thing, though, is that I know I don't wait alone.

What Was McCain Thinking?

2008-08-29T11:37:00.002-04:00

First, please be aware, I know very little about Sarah Palin. This is not a slam against HER. This is about the choices candidates make.

The stereotypes of the two political parties are legion. Some are that the Republicans are predominantly racist, Christian and fundamentalist, whereas the Democrats are godless, liberal socialists. Neither stereotype is even remotely true, but there are those who will try and convince us that they are. Out in the media and pretend media (sorry, fellow bloggers, we are not journalists) there are some pundits who have made comments that make me question McCain's choice of Sarah Palin.

1) Barack Obama is too young and has no experience as a leader, having served for only 4 years at the national level. Obama chooses an experienced running mate in Joe Biden, but McCain picks Palin, who is 3 or 4 years younger than Obama, and has no national experience, and only 2 years as governor.

2) Much was made of Michele Obama working and of Hillary not being a stay at home Mom. Additionally, there are those in the fundamentalist Christian area who believe that women who work are destroying the nuclear family. Mrs. Palin has 5 children, the youngest, a child with Down's syndrome, is not even a year old. Is McCain that secure in the vote of the Christian right.

3) Palin is under investigation for abuse of power. Okay, if my sister were married to an abusive man, I would do more than have him fired. But I am not running for VP.

4) Obama has been accused of being a celebrity. Palin's children's names sound like an actor chose them The Palins have five children: Track, 19; Bristol 17; Willow 14; Piper, 7, and Trig, who was born in April. Additionally, Alaskans have bumper stickers saying how hot their governor is.

Please, please tell me this was not a misguided attempt to draw the Clinton voters to an NRA supporting, Choice-denying person simply because she is a woman.

Finale

2008-08-23T21:46:00.001-04:00

Campfire in our own backyard

2008-08-23T21:44:00.001-04:00

Summer drawing to a close

2008-08-23T21:38:00.002-04:00

Waiting for the s'mores

Too good to toast

Nice end to a summer night!

Swim Lessons

2008-08-14T13:33:00.001-04:00

And I HAVE insurance

2008-08-06T14:46:00.003-04:00

I am grateful that I have a job. My union has fought long and hard to make sure that we keep good insurance beneifits. My surgery earlier this year was billed in the thousands of dollars. I paid out of pocket less than $600. The major medical is wonderful.

The dental is...nonexistant.
There is no coverage for orthodontics. None. The allowable for cleanings and fillings is equal to what Medicaid paid, and we are still wondering if the oral surgery will come under major medical or dental. My Knight needed to have a growth removed and biopsied. It is not cancer, which is wonderful, but the lack of a catastrophic diagnosis may mean that it was medically unnecessary to remove the growth. Dentally necessary pays a lot less. Of course, until it was removed, we didn't KNOW it wasn't cancer. The growth caused dental issues which will take $500 above and beyond the $225 we paid last week. And The Magpie goes for a cleaning tomorrow.

Vision care is insanely low.
They will pay 24 dollars a year for eye exams. They will pay $14 for frames and $24 for single lense, 48 for bifocals. BRE and I went to get our eyes examined yesterday. Out of pocket, $206.00. She and I needed new frames and new lenses. Her frames were 99 dollars. Her lenses were 129. Yep, 228, and I will be reimbursed 38 dollars. MY glasses, for which I do not have the money right now, will cost me 406 all totalled. And I will be reimbursed 62 dollars

Dear heaven, what do people who DON'T have insurance do!

Who goes to heaven - a good joke

2008-08-04T07:51:00.001-04:00

A man dies and goes to heaven. At the gates he meets St. Peter who welcomes him and shows him inside. "This is beautiful!" the man says as he is shown around the pool, the golf course, the night clubs, the hiking mountains and camping forests, the cruise ship, the zoo and menagerie, everything everyone could ever want or like. St. Peter introduces the man to God. "You're exactly what I thought you'd be like!" the man said. "Everyone says that," smiled God. God began to introduce the man to all the people in heaven. "This is my son Jesus," he said and the man nodded. "And my son Muhammed," and the man blinked. "And my son Buddha, my daughter Brigid..." God went on and the man stopped him for a moment. "I thought you had only one child." God smiled. "You are all my children. Now, over here are the Catholics," God continued pointing out peoples. "And the Buddhists, and the Jews, and the Pagans, and..."
"God, wait... you didn't say what's through this locked door."
"Oh, shh," God hushed the man and gestured him to come on. "Those are the people who think they're the only ones here."

Wow, a vacation

2008-07-29T07:50:00.003-04:00

Well, it has only been 15 years, but we finally managed to get away on a vacation the 4 of us could enjoy! There was a catch, though. My MIL was supposed to come, but got sick before we left, so she stayed home. She would have so enjoyed everything!

We went to the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake http://www.adkmuseum.org/
which was fantastic. BRE, Knight and I had a great time, although the Magpie was really only impressed by the statues of horses and the taxidermied (yeah, I know it isn't a word) animals. Although it was expensive, the admission is not only for the day, you can return any other day within a week of your trip there. Well worth the money!

We had dinner in Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic. BRE loved walking through the shops, and The Magpie found two dogs to pet. Another highlight of her trip!

The motel was clean, and The Magpie had a great time sleeping all over her daddy. Actually, the beds were soft, so I didn't sleep well.

The next day was The Magpie's day. We went to Santa's Workshop in North Pole, NY. http://www.northpoleny.com/ Billed as New York's oldest theme park, it is most definitely for the young. Most rides had height limits, and very few allowed our tall BRE. Both girls had a photo taken with Santa and fed the reindeer. They also fed milk to two hungry calves. BRE enjoyed the shops, but The Magpie LOVED the reindeer barn. Her favorite was not Rudolph, but Jingle. Yes, I said, "Jingle." Comet (who is a doe, by the way) had a baby on May 15th, baby Jingle.

The trip was lovely, and it is nice to be home.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-07-08T16:28:00.002-04:00

Yes, I said, "Daddy." Yes, I am an adult woman who calls her father 'Daddy.'

And I am proud of it.

Born in 1924, my father lived through the Great Depression. He used to tell us marvelous stories- all lies- about a potato swung past the children so that they could lick it as it went by. The youngest always got the potato in the end. He didn't tell us, but his sisters did, that he would eat breakfast at home, and then the nuns would feed him again. Tall and wiry, they thought he was starving. I gather Grandma was none too pleased when she found out that he was double-dipping.

Dad is also a proud WWII veteran. He was a member of the 104th infantry, the Timberwolves, under the command of Terry Allen. Recipient of a Purple Heart, Dad rarely discusses his service and refuses to be interviewed for the Living History project.

Daddy married his high school sweetheart, and loves her even now, although she died in 2001. He also has never forgotten the two daughters, born too soon, that he buried, nor the one who passed away in 2004.

Dad is 84 today. He will be here soon for dinner. Although he has had heart attacks and stents and other issues, he drives his own vehicle and doesn't go to the store on certain days because all of the 'old farts' shop then. We are having some of his favorites: sausage patties, onion and peppers, macaroni salad and sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.

The aunts are coming for dessert. Brownies. Alas, just home baked, not homemade.

Happy Birthday Daddy.

Summer Sojourn...reasons to be nervous

2008-07-04T10:27:00.002-04:00

My Knight and I have no luck when it comes to vacations. In the 16 years we have been married, we have gone on vacation once. Yeah, once. We went to Boston. It was fun, although the rotaries are a pain and the people in the motel room next to us had, uh, a REALLY good and vocal time.
The next years were filled with new house, new baby, toddler and ill sister. Those were the years we went to the zoo many times, the beach once in a while, and stayed close to home.
In 2006 we tried to take a vacation. Our then-two-year-old Magpie became ill and spent the entire 3 nights and 2 days in the hospital.
We haven't tried to go on vacation since.
This year, though, we are going on a sojourn. It is a little nerve-racking. We are staying in the state and going for only one night. We will be less than 5 hours from home.
Still.....nerves abound.

The past week

2008-06-22T17:02:00.003-04:00

Well I wrote about the interviews. The young man what was gentle and soft-spoken DID get the phone call offering him the job, and I did send out an email to become his mentor. That was Friday the 13th.
That weekend was the dance recital. If I can figure out how, I promise to show my 'baby bumblebee' and my 'tree-hugging hippy.'
Monday began one of those weeks from hell. My social studies 8 colleagues and I had to grade the state exam. We worked Monday reading constructed response answers. We worked Tuesday reading scaffolding questions. I started reading essays Tuesday, as did my colleague C. Wednesday, we were joined by our 7th grade colleagues. More people and less got done. C and I determined that out of 21 homerooms, either she or I or both graded 17 of them. (All essays have to be graded at least twice.)
Wednesday afternoon and Thursday we began 'bubbling.' Due to the so called wisdom of NYSED, the points correct for every constructed response answer (14 of them) and every scaffolding answer (13 of them) and the essay grade has to be bubbled on the back of the multiple choice answers. That took until 3:30 Thursday.
Friday I had to give my 7th grade exam, and grade that. Always fun, fun, fun.
Tell me again how little teachers work.

The Old Boy Network is a alive and well

2008-06-13T16:12:00.002-04:00

This has been an interesting day. I spent the day with my principal and three colleagues interviewing six candidates for a social studies position in my district. It was amazing.

Three candidates have one or more relatives who work for the district. One candidate was a coach for the district, another was the director of our Civil Air Patrol group. The last was a soft spoken, gentle young man. When asked why he wanted to teach he related the story of a teacher who had, according to him, helped him through the worst year of his life, when his father died. He said he would be willing to coach, but he really wanted to start an outdoor club to go hiking and fishing. He talked about making kids better people, and then better students.
The lacrosse coach sold himself as the best thing since sliced bread. He single handedly would bring up our test scores.

There were 4 phone calls by people who were advocating for their child, their friend, their associate, their fellow coach.

The four teachers picked their candidate, the soft spoken young man. The principal picked the lacrosse coach.

One of the other teachers dug in her heels. Absolutely refused to contemplate the arrogant coach. She said, in an excellent self observation, that her candidate would balance her, and that there were kids who needed to know that it is okay for men to be soft spoken and gentle.

The amazing thing was....the principal caved. Sometime soon he will call the gentle soul and offer him a position.

Calgon take me away

2008-06-12T22:51:00.002-04:00

I AM TOO TIRED TO BLOG

I don't belong to it, but a Thursday 13

2008-05-29T08:19:00.004-04:00

My friend, L, does the Thursday 13. I don't, but today I will do one for her, since she is busy with the practicalities of death. Yes, her MIL passed away yesterday.
So, for those who have never experienced close loss, 13 Things about Loss, Grieving and Bereavement
1) No one 'handles' death. You deal one way or another.
2) Grief takes many forms, and some are not nice or pretty.
3) Your life has changed forever, and will never be the same.
4) The world goes on.
5) Coffins come in way too many styles.
6) Make sure you talk about end of life wishes before the time comes.
7) The funeral isn't the hardest part.
8) The calling hours aren't the hardest part.
9) The day after the funeral, when everyone goes home, is the hardest part.
10) Kids grieve.
11) Hospice has great grief programs, for adults and kids.
12) Knowing the funeral director really helps.
13) There is happiness again eventually.

Love, Family and Agnostics

2008-05-28T07:10:00.003-04:00

My dearest friends are waiting for a loved one to die. The rituals of death are in place, and I expect to hear in a matter of hours that death has come. My friend A is heartbroken. His mother has always been the heart of his family, and he doesn't know how that family will change when her heart stops beating. His wife, my friend L is, as always, amazing. She is also in pain, for she and her mother-in-law have loved each other for many years. Yet L is thinking of her husband and inlaws, and of her daughters.

L is an avowed agnostic, of Jewish descent. Her mother in law is a devout Filipino Catholic. Yet L is participating in the rites and prayers. She hasn't changed her beliefs, she is respecting others. That is true tolerance of others' beliefs.
And love.

Surgery and all

2008-05-24T11:40:00.002-04:00

I was more than a little nervous. As a recovering alcoholic, I have some oddities with some medications. I have some oddities with other meds and with juices, just being me. As I said in a previous post, I had had a pre-operative interview with a nurse (who was a little ditzy) and with a anesthesiologist (who was not ditzy). The nurse insisted that my allergic responses to citrus/tropical fruits and scents was not an allergy, but a sensitivity, and didn't need to be written down (the anesthesiologist wrote it in BIG letters, and highlighted it in red). The nurse insisted that reglan, an anti-nausea medication could not make me sick to my stomach (the anesthesiologist agreed that it could.) The nurse also told me that since I had never been to rehab and diagnosed as an alcoholic, I wasn't one and CROSSED IT OFF my chart.
So, going to the hospital was making me a little apprehensive.
I shouldn't have worried. The first nurse did offer reglan, but looked at the anesthesiologist's report and said no. Everyone who looked at my chart was told that the fruit allergy was the most important. The doctor did reassure me that he had done dozens of these surgeries. In the 'holding area' I met the OR nurse, whose from the city in which I work, and whose DIL teaches in the same district as I do. I have met the DIL at several conferences. The best part was the fact that the OR nurse had known my mom, who had been the head of medical records at that hospital for years. So even though Mama retired in the 1980s, and died in 2001, this woman was able to tell me how much she had liked Mama. The anesthesiologist (also not from the city where the hospital is located, but from the city in which I work) for the surgery was late. Her 4 year old twins had hidden each other's shoes. She came into the holding area, and we said at the same time "I know you." Her twins, and my Magpie, go to dance class together. She was interested to know that I had been in recovery for 18 years, and was not thrilled that it wasn't on my chart. (I thought she might want to know). The oddest part was that the anesthesiologist gave the pre-op sedation and then she and the OR nurse wheeled me into the OR. Not an orderly. It was a really personal touch that I appreciated. They did note to me that I wasn't as affected by the pre-op as most people.
I was able to go home by 2:30. The nurses were concerned that there was next to nothing they could give me but water. They didn't want to give me the fruit pops they had, since there was no ingredient list on the floor. So, since I wasn't sick, and had used the facilities, I was home by 3:30.
Yesterday I was able to spend most of the day with an icepack and Tylenol, but today I did have to take the pain medication. I know now why I didn't do drugs.

The reasons I love teaching

2008-05-15T10:00:00.002-04:00

My friend does the Thursday 13 and listed 13 reasons why she loves her job. I also love my job.
The reasons are below, in no particular order.
1) My team-mates are extraordionary people. They make coming to work both a joy and a privilege. We have professional and personal respect for each other.
2) My team helps each other. In two weeks, our students will take the Social Studies State Assessment. As I did for their high stakes test, the other teachers are all spending 5-10 minutes of their 39 minute class to quiz the students in US History.
3) The students are kind. Don't get me wrong, they are kids, but they have shown empathy toward their multiply handicapped peers many times.
4) The students will try their best for us. They don't always succeed, but when the stakes are high, they try hard.
5) The students have a great sense of humor. I have laryngitis and am under DR's orders to not talk for the next 3 days. The students are having a great time with this, while doing their best to behave.
6) There is something to be said for being able to annoy teenagers with music from different eras. Mama was a singer, and knew songs from the late 1800s to the folk era of the 1960s. She taught me most of them. There is a song to go with almost every lesson.
7) Performing gives me great pleasure. The students, who after having me for 2 years ought to know better, always ask for me to sing the songs that go along with the lesson. And I do.
8) We have the students two years in a row. We get to know them, and they get to know us.
9) I got to pick the color of my classroom. It is a very bright green, but not quite a kelly green.
10) Our team is winning the 'Cup.' Patterned a little after the 'House Cup' in the Potter series, our students earn points for service and attendance. They also lose points for discipline. We are 17000 points ahead, and the competition ends next Tuesday.
11) The subject that I teach is ever changing.
12) It is always a pleasure to see a student at least tolerate if not start to enjoy studying history.
13) Although I have a curriculum I must follow, when I walk in my room, and shut my door, I have my own little fiefdom. A captive audience, wow, what could be better than that!!!

This was a new one

2008-05-09T22:03:00.003-04:00

Wow, this was a new one for me.
I am having surgery in a couple of weeks. The gallbladder is full of stones and sludge (wow, isn't that a wonderful medical term) and must come out.
I went to my preoperative interview and intake. I met with a nurse who informed me that I can not possibly have adverse reactions to Reglan. She insisted that it could not have made me more sick to my stomach, since it was an anti-nausea medication. Thus, she wrote out orders for me to have Reglan the morning of my surgery. She also duly noted that I am a recovering alcoholic, since 1989. Later a question asked if I had ever attended rehab. I answered, truthfully, that I had not. She looked incredulous and asked again. I reiterated that I had not gone to rehab. Imagine my surprise when she informed me that I could not possibly be an alcoholic then, since neither a DR nor a rehab had diagnosed me.
Amazing. After 18+ years, I found out that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an alcoholic.
Yeah, the people at the meeting tonight found it to be hysterically funny also.

I am not worried, the surgeon and my internist also know I am in recovery.

Colleague Rant

2008-05-03T08:22:00.002-04:00

My colleagues, almost all, if not all, are hard working people. Many of them work harder than I do. Many of them work harder than their students.
I don't work harder. I listened to a speaker a few years ago, and I work smarter, not harder.
My colleagues have somehow gotten it into their heads that our team somehow cheats. We win at the 'house cup' competition because we have more students on the team. We have higher test scores because we have smaller classes. (Yes, for the discriminating reader, there is a contradiction there upon which they have not picked up.)
The latest contention is that we have few students who are in need of resource or academic intervention services. As a matter of record, we have about 69% of our students who have or need those services. Of course, the same percentage or higher of our students pass math because our teacher is tremendously talented.
The disagreement has culminated into screaming matches in the faculty room between a friend and other colleagues.
The best part is...I am not involved in the screaming!!

BREATHE, BREATHE

2008-04-18T07:31:00.002-04:00

My beautiful BRE is on her way for a trip away from home. Now, last year she went to an amusement park with her best friend, whose Mom I have known for YEARS. This time she is going with 7 other kids (ages 14-18) and one nun. Okay, there will be more people than that. About 22,000. Yeah, 22,000.

BRE is on her way to see Pope Benedict. Yes, it is a the opportunity of a life time. She is, however, the youngest from our parish to be going. She is the youngest from our diocese going with out her parent.

I don't think I am sleeping until she comes home.

I am officially old

2008-04-14T19:28:00.003-04:00

Not only is my 47th birthday looming on the horizen, today I had to go on medication for hypertension. For some reason, I was proud of being able to tell DRs that I didn't take meds on a dauly basis. Now I do.
I also have to refrain from taking ibuprofin and benadryl. The latter I can take if I am having a severe reaction, like the kind I get from citrus, but other than that, I have to get some Claritin.
Of course, I have to avoid sun--- and I am Vitamin D deficient.
I feel old.

Stole this from Michelle's blog

2008-04-09T07:30:00.002-04:00

1. What is your occupation? teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? No socks
3. What are you listening to right now? national news
4. What was the last thing that you ate? adry frosted miniwheats
5. Can you drive a stick shift? NOPE
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? green
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Dad
8. How old are you today? 46
9. Favorite drink? Milk or our wellwater
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? none
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? many times, many colors
12. Pets? Cookie Monster, Holly Dolly and Kiara
13. Favorite food? chocolate
14. What was the last movie you watched? Uh...part of Lion Kin 1 and 1/2
????where is number 15???
16. What do you do to vent anger? plot revenge...elaborate revenge... Don't carry it out, though
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? walking puppy
18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall colors, but I want to see spring
19. Hugs or kisses? Hugs.
20. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries-but only in muffins
21. Do you want your friends to respond in comments or in their own journals? YEP
22. Who is most likely to respond? Who knows
*** Missing ***
24. Living arrangements? Nice raised ranch with loving DH and 2 girls
*** Missing ***
26. What is on the floor of your closet? a huge pile of stuff
27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Not sure anyone will answer
28. What did you do last night? slept and worried about sick 4 year old
29. Favorite smells? baking chocolate is fun
30. What inspires you? almost everything
*** Missing ***
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? cheese
33. Favorite dog breed? mutt
34. How many years at your current job? 8 years at this job, 20years in the profession
35. Favorite place you've ever been? uh...too many to count
36. How many states have you lived in? 1
37. Favorite day of the week? saturday
38. Ever driven motorcycle or heavy machinery? Nope
39. Who's your favorite NFL team? Uh, none
40. Do you have a house phone that is not cordless? yes

New tenure law

2008-04-09T07:04:00.002-04:00

I know some people may not agree, but NYS is on the right track on this particular law. An amendment has been added to an education law that makes it impossible to deny a teacher tenure based upon their students' standardized test scores. This is a good thing. No matter how hard I try, I cannot control what my students will do on their test scores.

Keep in mind, a teacher can still be denied tenure with NO CAUSE in NYS. So there is wiggle room for districts.

The saga continues

2008-03-25T17:48:00.000-04:00

Well I have had a heck of a day. Topping it off was a letter from my incarcerated nephew basically yelling at me for throwing out mattresses, saying no one has helped him, and telling me not to give the keys to the landlord because the landlord never paid them for new locks. WTH
So I am answering him
I will send you the money, half to your commissary and half to B’s every month. If I keep only the money for storage, you will have nothing when you get out. -->-->-->
--> -->
I threw out bags of actual garbage (like litter and cat poop.) We threw away the single bed mattresses because the cats had peed and pooped on them. The storage unit would have gotten bugs if we had kept them. All the clothes, dressers, the futon, the table (minus one chair that broke) sofa, chair, tvs, stuffed animals, toys, games, washer, dryer, etc. are in storage. The storage unit is 10 feet deep, 10 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It is jammed full; NOTHING more would fit, except maybe a couple of pillows. I promise that the mattresses, even if they had not been soiled, would not have fit. -->-->
--> -->
There is something called freecycle.com and people can get stuff for free there. People are always offering twin bed mattresses and box springs. When you get out, if the kids need the mattresses and box springs, we can get them there.-->-->
--> -->
The landlord is going to have to clean or get new carpets. The grease marks, cat poop and pee, and dog poop ruined the carpets. That will cost more than your security deposit and the money you paid for keys. The cats also pooped in the tub (which I cleaned) and the kitchen floor will need severe mopping. If I hadn’t left the keys for the landlord, you would need to pay another month. -->-->
--> -->
I do love you.

What a day

2008-03-22T18:37:00.002-04:00

Okay, this is what my day was like. The problem is, I don't know where to start, I mean, this is so convoluted.
My sister, Geri, was my hero. She also was one of the reasons I got sober. I started teaching in 1987, and lived with her. In 1988, she adopted one of her students. In 1989, she kicked my out because my dry, and sometimes wet, drunks were scaring the boy she adopted. She was right to do that, and later that year I got sober.
The boy she adopted was severely learning disabled, but I was able to help tutor him and he did manage to graduate. His senior year, though, he and his girlfriend (who was his age, but never managed to get out of 9th grade). They would later get married and have 4 more children in a stormy, stormy relationship.
FAST FORWARD:
1998, Geri became seriously ill with end-stage renal failure.
1999-2001, We spent most of our time trying to keep Geri alive. She was in the hospital for over a year, and then in assisted living.
May 2001-October 2004- Geri moved in with DH and I. Our world sometimes seemed to revolve around dialysis 3 days a week, doctors visits and emergency room visits. All this while we were raising one daughter, and then in April 2004, I had another. Four days after my last daughter was born, Geri had a stroke.
October 2004, Geri got a kidney from a cadaver-donor. Unfortunately, her systemic lupus reacted poorly to the stress of that, and in December, she died of lupus-induced multi-organ failure. The last thing she asked was that I take care of her son.
I am my nephew's representative payee for SSI, managing the money affairs about which he tells me.
ALMOST TO TODAY:
In January, my nephew and his wife were arrested for the sexual abuse of three of their children from 1998-2003.
TODAY:
My husband and I had to move all of their stuff to storage. One of nephew's friends, his sister and my stepson were supposed to come to help. The sister and her fiance had to go out of town. Stepson cut his hand. I just turned it over, because I didn't have a choice.
My BIL came and helped. The neighbor helped. A coworker of my Knight helped. So did my FIL. HE did little more than follow me around the apartment. (SHUDDER)
But it is done. Over. Now all I have to do is write checks from the account that Geri's retirement endowment comes to.

2008-03-05T20:25:00.002-05:00

I was one of the presenters at Career Day at my district's high school. I sat with an elementary school teacher and we talked about what you need to do to get to be a teacher, and what teaching was really like. There were 12 presentation periods of 10 minutes each.

FINALLY, the last one arrived. Don't get me wrong, I had had a really good time seeing some former students and talking about my avocation, but I was tired and knew that I still had to return to my own building and teach the second half of the day.

Then three boys sat down. I said "Hi" to two of them, one of whom had been my student. Then I looked at the third. He said, "Remember me?" I said "Yep."

Now "Ed" was one of my students. He wouldn't write. He wouldn't read. He was the bane of the ELA and Math teachers' existences. He was a solid C student.

Then one day we were talking about some social studies topic...and he and I had a conversation that I rarely can have even with my colleagues. He had similar conversations with the Science teacher. Another day he sat and talked with the two of us about a novel that the class was reading together in ELA. I mean he discussed it in depth, with insight and talked about foreshadowing and allusion to other works. The test on that book, though, he barely passed.

I was fortunate to have a resource teacher 'push-in' that year. She and I cajoled, threatened, and called in 'markers' to get "Ed" tested for disabilities. The school psychologist, ELA teacher and Math teacher insisted that he was a C student with average intelligence.

Uh, no. "Ed" scored a near genius on the WISC-R. He read far below grade level, had a physical disability in his arm, and qualified for every blasted accomodation on the IEP. He had taught himself strategies to learn. Within 3 months of resource with my friend, he was reading grade levels above where he had been.
.
So what I said "Yeah" to 'Ed', I was lying. He is the one I won't forget. EVER. (There are others, also) He told the other teacher with me that he definitely wanted to be a teacher. When she later asked him what he wanted to teach, he looked straight and me and said, "History."

No, I didn't cry.

Okay, I didn't cry until I got to my car.

LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVE- reflections from a messge board

2008-02-27T16:09:00.003-05:00

ISSUE	LIBERAL	CONSERVATIVE
Abortion	Allow a woman to choose, and let her answer to her conscience and her diety	Forbid choice by allowing the government to take on the role of diety.
Welfare and Poverty	Help those less fortunate with welfare-work, job training and education.	Help those less fortunate by demanding that they stop being lazy and get out and work.
Crime and Punishment	Limit the weapons people can buy and make sure there are very strict background checks. Punish or rehabilitate depending upon the individual cases.	Make sure really good and lethal guns are easily available, but severely punish criminals who use them with 'three strikes' or other mandatory sentences
Homeland Security	Protect the Bill of Rights to continue the American way of life	Destroy the Bill of Rights to protect the American way of life
Government Spending	Go into debt helping people who are unemployed, uninsured, retired or disabled	Go into debt funding an unjust war in Iraq
Civil Rights	All people are created equal and their rights must be protected	All people may be equal, but if 'they' aren't being or haven't been treated that way, it is 'their' fault
Tax policy	Taxes fund the government. Those that have benefited from living here should give the most back, so the wealthy should be taxed more.	Taxes fund unnecessary programs and should be cut, beginning with taxes of the wealthiest who get massive salaries by moving jobs overseas

Dear Mrs. Obama

2008-02-20T17:02:00.002-05:00

I am the same age as your husband. I am, therefore, only 2.5 years older than you. You have recently said that this is the first time in your adult life that you have been proud of our nation. Wow, I have been proud of our nation many times in both my childhood and adult life.

1969- I watched a man walk on the moon

1974- A president resigned, letting the succession and healing take place peacefully

1975- PL 94-142 was passed.

1975 - the Apollo and Soyuz space crafts link our nations in space

1976- Our bicentennial proved that a nation of, by and for the people can long endure.

1981- Sandra Day O'Connor is named to the Supreme Court

1983-The Space shuttle

1983- Sally Ride

1983- Guion Bluford

1989- Colin Powell becomes first African American Chairman of Joint Chiefs

1990- Americans With Disabilities Act

1972 and 1984- African Americans ran for President (Shirley Chisholm and Jesse Jackson)

There are more....but you get the drift

Is there anything more frustrating

2008-02-16T20:31:00.002-05:00

Is there anything more frustrating than a sick child. The Magpie seems to attract viruses and bacteria faster than most. She woke up thinking she was going to be sick. We were hoping it was just postnasal drip. By 9 she had a slight fever. By noon, the fever was measuring 102. After Children's Motrin, it went down...until 3pm. Then the fever shot up to 104.5. Couldn't give more medicine until 6. So we went the holistic route, cool clothes on the forehead. After we called the pediatrician.
Then she tossed her tummy into a bowl.
Yech.
So now it is evening. I am exhausted (The Knight worked overtime until 2pm) and her fever is down to 100.
Fortunately, her pediatrician is wonderful. He is opening his office tomorrow at 9:30 to see her.

It is the day after Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T08:12:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know my Knight, know that he doesn't need a 'day' set aside to show how much he loves his daughters and I. He does that everyday. He did do something special. He got out of work early so we could spend time together before picking up the girls.

Of course that scared the eldest, whose bus to the sitter goes right past our house. She was afraid something was wrong because the cars were in the driveway. So she called. That was good. Then the dogs decided to bark incessantly at the neighbor getting his mail. It was quite the comedy. We did get the tax information together. We also went out to dinner, all 4 of us. After all, if Valentine's Day is to show love, then we can't exclude our girls.

Talking about my yesterday is not the point of my post, though. I really want to talk about my cousin's today. My cousin has had a tough time. Her husband left her about 5 years ago for someone else. She struggles as a single parent trying to raise 3 beautiful girls, one of whom had a stroke 2 years ago. Both of her parents have had cancer since her divorce, so she has had a lot of stress. In the last year she met a nice guy- gasp- on the internet. He was local, and it turns out that one of her close friends, as well as her brother, know the guy well. The rest of the family has been less than enthusiastic about her dating at all, much less getting serious. Personally, I like the guy and I like the way he interacts with her and her girls.

Today is a good example of that. Cousin has to have a D&C. The father won't watch the girls. Her male friend offered to do whatever she needed. Since her sister will watch the girls, he is going to take her to the hospital, wait for her there, take her home and get her settled before her girls come home. Then he is getting dinner for them.

Sounds like today is Valentine's day for her.

Weighing in on Politics

2008-02-11T06:01:00.000-05:00

I voted on Super Tuesday. I voted for someone who had already pulled out of the race. I voted for John Edwards because I still liked his message. It is about the issues, front runners. It isn't about endorsements (although I loved Ted's bloody nose when Mass. went for Hillary.) It isn't about personalities...It isn't that I don't like the front runners. I do. They are personable and affable and capable. However, there are the intangibles. I liked Senator Clinton when she was still Hillary Rodham Clinton. When she had convictions that she held sacred. Now I see President Clinton in drag. Too quick to compromise, and there are some things that are non-negotiable. I like Senator Obama. I worry about his inexperience, but he is smart enough to surround himself with knowledgeable people. I worry more about his lack of specifics. I need specifics. How do you plan to do things, and how much of my money will it cost.
PLEASE...give me specifics. I need specifics. I need a plan.

ODD Things about me

2008-02-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

1. Do you like blue cheese? NO!
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? NO!
3. Do you own a gun? NO!
4. Your favorite song? TOO MANY TO COUNT
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I try not to think of hotdogs
7. Favorite Christmas song? "Mary Did You Know"m by Winona and Kenny Rogers
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Why would I want to
10. What do you want? A little peace and quiet
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring
12. Favorite hobby? Reading
13. Secret weapon to get the opposite sex? Don't have one
14. Do you have A.D.D.? No just CRS
15. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? CRS
16. Middle Name? Majella

Sometimes things rock your world

2008-01-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

A family member has been arrested. He and his wife. They were arrested for what a certain TV show calls 'particularly heinous crimes' against their own children. My great nephew is the major witness against his parents.
I want it all to go away. I don't want to think of the man a young scared boy became in jail, yet I believe my great nephew. I believe the charges are probably true.
I am in charge of my nephew's financing, therefore I must take control and go the jail and talk about giving up the apartment and storage of goods. I can't bring myself to do that yet.
None of this makes sense. None of this is good.

I am so glad that my sister is not alive to see what has happened.

The Artist Vision (Artist is three years old)

2008-01-20T21:37:00.001-05:00

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE PICTURE? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MAGPIE DREW?

I am more than a public employee

2008-01-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

It is contract time and I am so tired of people bashing teachers. The district, which expects the best from my colleagues and I, plants subtle messages about how the teacher's salary and insurance are the most expensive line item in the budget. The local newspaper runs with that, and usually publishes all of our contractual salary. Outrage appears in the editorials! How dare we teachers make so much money and want an INCREASE for the next 3 years! Not to mention, we aren't doing our job because the schools are still not performing well on the NCLB driven state exams. Teachers need merit pay, increases only if our students perform well.

BULL

Before you use that line, get rid of your child's Xbox, Ipod, MP3 player, TV/DVD combo in their room, computer complete with Myspace and Facebook and AIM, their cell phone AND THEN, sit with them while they do their homework. If the student is having trouble, write on the paper a note asking the teacher to review that concept. Sit and read with and to your child. Show them the beauty of the written word. Don't accept the skewing of the language. U is not an acceptable alternative for you.

As for my salary, well, I am 46 years old, I have taught for 20 years, I have a BA and an MA, and I still haven't broken $50,000 a year. How much does your CPA make?

Hillary Cried and other thoughts

2008-01-09T05:49:00.000-05:00

Incoherent ramblings on the political race.

Hillary cried. Oddly enough it made me appreciate her a little. When tired and frustrated, when passionately involved in a project, I cry. She is human, not a machine. Nice to know.

New Hampshire. The races are wide open. As well they should be with the conventions MONTHS away. Maybe it means that the candidates aren't listening to our needs.

Obama. He has a really intelligent wife. I remember saying that in 1991. About Bill Clinton.

Republicans.

For different reasons, they all scare me.

Good bye 2007

2008-01-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

My friend http://www.libraryladymom.blog-city.com/ had a great idea....photos of 2007

My dear little friend....gone too soon.

And to you and yours...

2007-12-31T21:03:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

and good night

As the year ends

2007-12-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

As the year ends, it is a good time to make a list of things for which I am grateful:
*My Knight in slightly tarnished armor. He gave me 2 DVDs for Christmas, and some stoneware that arrived cracked. We returned them, and may or may not get different ones. He is a good man. He loves his children, even when, as the case of my SS, they break his heart. He is a hard worker, and was rewarded for that by being made a manager.
*My BRE. At 12 she and I are having growing pains. All in all, though, she is beautiful and brilliant. She is developing a sense of humor eerily like her Dad's. Her grades are good, she has good friends, and she is a gentle soul.
*The Magpie, MJE, who is a silly, sweet, loving, EXHAUSTING child. She is a lovely imp...stress on imp.
*My cousins, especially MN and her girls. I can call on her anytime for anything, and she can do the same. Our girls will always know that they have people upon which to count.
*My sister. Although she lives hundreds of miles away, we have gotten closer. That was a gift, given to us by our dying big sister.
*My Dad. At 83, I won't have him forever, but I do today. He loves his grandkids, and great grandkids. Another good man.
*My MIL, whom I adore.
*My friends, both close by and far away. I can count upon them for anything.
*My teammates. Wow...I can't say enough for these dedicated teachers.

Is there a special place in the afterlife

2007-12-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

Is there a special place in the afterlife for the father tried to kill his son?
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the mother who called her parents and told them to come get HER daughter, because the drugs were more important than the child?
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the teacher, who instead of showing compassion to the homeless student, chewed her out in front of the class for being unprepared for school?
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the nurse, who told a terrified student that her stomach ache was all in her head and to "get over it?"
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the young man, who wants for Christmas a pair of pants that aren't hand-me-downs, yet brought in 7 dollars for food for poor kids?
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the girl who wants for Christmas a shopping trip to a mall, and 5 dollars to buy her best friend a Christmas present?
Is there a special place in the afterlife for the students and teachers who brought in 315 cans of food? That was 111 kids and 7 adults.

Sometimes a rant Sometimes a rave

2007-12-29T11:49:00.000-05:00

Trying my hand again with a blog. Reasonable way for friends and families to connect with my life. Interesting way to see others opinions.