http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2011/01/wolves.html
The Girl shared this with me, after having seen/read it in her English class yesterday. I must say that the drawings make the story. Clever, creepy, and very imaginative. Just another reason I love blogging, or at least stalking other people's blogs.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
A List, Of Sorts
In light of the news fro Japan this morning, I have been at a mental block for anything worthwhile to write today. Instead I have baked four loaves of bread and have two pans of cinnamon rolls waiting to go in the oven when The Girl gets off to swim practice. So the house smells really yummy, and safe.
And people wonder why some of us eat to soothe our souls?!
Anyway, I thought I'd do today's post as just a list of things that have held my attention this week:
1. Radio news, most of the day today. Most of that has been about Japan, but additional information has come in about Hawaii, northern California, and South America's Pacific coast bracing for the worst.
2. I saw a YouTube video yesterday of a flash flood in Australia in January of this year. It is hard to imagine the force behind the water being enough to wash and entire parking lot full of cars away, one car at a time. But then, there is Japan.
3. I received the quote for Earthquake insurance I had requested from our home owner's insurance people. It is a toss up. Is it peace of mind, or just another piece of worry?
4. Each month, on the 11th, a local business sponsors free fountain drinks all day--one per customer--at a local Gas 'n Sip. I stopped in today before the schools all got out to have some lemonade on ice. I think I should write them a thank you note.
5. Speaking of notes, I got an email and a phone call yesterday inviting me to put some more of my spring time floral note cards in a women's boutique the first weekend of April. That was nice. I hope I can sell some.
6. I am reading Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage, with the goal to have it done by Easter. There is a lot about the Savior's life that I just haven't picked up on from the scriptures, apparently.
7. I heard tell last night of a Young Women's president with has two counselors who are refusing to help her because they are too busy. One is a stay-home mom and the other works full time. They both blame their respective 9-5 situation with them being too busy to help out. Huh. Wonder what that is like?
8. Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Which means: dark when the kids go to school, and light still when I am totally exhausted. But spring must be coming. The tulip greens are poking up.
9. I wonder how long it will take to get my legs tan enough to wear a skirt or shorts? Or, does that self tanning lotion really work?
And, 10. I live in a pretty isolated world, day to day. I do my thing in my place with my people. But I am sure glad God is in charge, worldwide. I just can't seem to take it all in.
And people wonder why some of us eat to soothe our souls?!
Anyway, I thought I'd do today's post as just a list of things that have held my attention this week:
1. Radio news, most of the day today. Most of that has been about Japan, but additional information has come in about Hawaii, northern California, and South America's Pacific coast bracing for the worst.
2. I saw a YouTube video yesterday of a flash flood in Australia in January of this year. It is hard to imagine the force behind the water being enough to wash and entire parking lot full of cars away, one car at a time. But then, there is Japan.
3. I received the quote for Earthquake insurance I had requested from our home owner's insurance people. It is a toss up. Is it peace of mind, or just another piece of worry?
4. Each month, on the 11th, a local business sponsors free fountain drinks all day--one per customer--at a local Gas 'n Sip. I stopped in today before the schools all got out to have some lemonade on ice. I think I should write them a thank you note.
5. Speaking of notes, I got an email and a phone call yesterday inviting me to put some more of my spring time floral note cards in a women's boutique the first weekend of April. That was nice. I hope I can sell some.
6. I am reading Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage, with the goal to have it done by Easter. There is a lot about the Savior's life that I just haven't picked up on from the scriptures, apparently.
7. I heard tell last night of a Young Women's president with has two counselors who are refusing to help her because they are too busy. One is a stay-home mom and the other works full time. They both blame their respective 9-5 situation with them being too busy to help out. Huh. Wonder what that is like?
8. Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Which means: dark when the kids go to school, and light still when I am totally exhausted. But spring must be coming. The tulip greens are poking up.
9. I wonder how long it will take to get my legs tan enough to wear a skirt or shorts? Or, does that self tanning lotion really work?
And, 10. I live in a pretty isolated world, day to day. I do my thing in my place with my people. But I am sure glad God is in charge, worldwide. I just can't seem to take it all in.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Video Bonus
Here's a shout out to the Cougars who will take on TCU's Horned Frogs today in the MWC tournament in Vegas. But even they are begging: "Teach ME how to Jimmer!"
Go BYU!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Letter to My State Representatives
I am one of your constituents. I have keen interest in our public schools and funding for the schools that service the majority of our local families.
I understand that for some families the charter schools are a better fit. But that is a very small majority. I implore you to do all you can to please fund the public schools appropriately and consequently hold the charter schools to the same standards as our public schools, especially as they are receiving public funds as well.
Public schools, where all students are accepted and by law are the defaults for local school age children to attend, are held to state and federal accountability. Charters, meanwhile, can pick and choose their student body (they are not required to accept Special Ed or English Language Learners, for example, nor do they have to make the same accommodations for them if they are enrolled) and then aren't even held to the same standards of outcome.
The discrepancy in funding is to the detriment of the majority, allowing the public system to suffer (too large of class sizes, not enough funds for supplies) while the minority systems (charter schools) sit back and smile.
I oversee and train PTA leaders at ten local public schools. In the past year or so I have seen the discrepancies in funding and outcome accountability between the public schools and the charters grow. It does little to foster community spirit and even less to encourage local academic support.
This past year, I know many students were initially enrolled at the public school (in this case, C. Elementary) for one week or so and then were pulled to attend a brand new charter school that opened on a later date. Teachers, hired when enrollment numbers were peaking, had to be let go when the numbers of students dropped. Then, a month of so later, several of those same families, unsatisfied with the charter schools unfulfilled promises, came back to enroll their students back at C. By that time teachers were let go and classes were filled. Designated WPU funds were already assigned to the charter school for those particular students and isn't follow the student to the public school. The students who had stayed were clearly disadvantaged by this shift with more crowded classrooms and teachers already spread too thin, as were the returned pupils who now had to remake new friends and fit into a social system that had started without them, much less their academic routine that was now on a different page for them.
Similarly, this year G. Elementary had 30 students leave to go to a charter school, 26 of whom returned within 3 months.
We need to re-think the charter school systems and make them accountable for their methods. They should be tested on the same level as the public schools if they are teaching the UTAH STATE CORE. If they want EQUAL treatment, then they should be held to EQUAL standards.
I urge you to please hold the charter schools to the same standards our public schools are and fund our public schools are generously as possible.
Sincerely,
A VERY concerned Mom, PTA volunteer, friend and neighbor
I understand that for some families the charter schools are a better fit. But that is a very small majority. I implore you to do all you can to please fund the public schools appropriately and consequently hold the charter schools to the same standards as our public schools, especially as they are receiving public funds as well.
Public schools, where all students are accepted and by law are the defaults for local school age children to attend, are held to state and federal accountability. Charters, meanwhile, can pick and choose their student body (they are not required to accept Special Ed or English Language Learners, for example, nor do they have to make the same accommodations for them if they are enrolled) and then aren't even held to the same standards of outcome.
The discrepancy in funding is to the detriment of the majority, allowing the public system to suffer (too large of class sizes, not enough funds for supplies) while the minority systems (charter schools) sit back and smile.
I oversee and train PTA leaders at ten local public schools. In the past year or so I have seen the discrepancies in funding and outcome accountability between the public schools and the charters grow. It does little to foster community spirit and even less to encourage local academic support.
This past year, I know many students were initially enrolled at the public school (in this case, C. Elementary) for one week or so and then were pulled to attend a brand new charter school that opened on a later date. Teachers, hired when enrollment numbers were peaking, had to be let go when the numbers of students dropped. Then, a month of so later, several of those same families, unsatisfied with the charter schools unfulfilled promises, came back to enroll their students back at C. By that time teachers were let go and classes were filled. Designated WPU funds were already assigned to the charter school for those particular students and isn't follow the student to the public school. The students who had stayed were clearly disadvantaged by this shift with more crowded classrooms and teachers already spread too thin, as were the returned pupils who now had to remake new friends and fit into a social system that had started without them, much less their academic routine that was now on a different page for them.
Similarly, this year G. Elementary had 30 students leave to go to a charter school, 26 of whom returned within 3 months.
We need to re-think the charter school systems and make them accountable for their methods. They should be tested on the same level as the public schools if they are teaching the UTAH STATE CORE. If they want EQUAL treatment, then they should be held to EQUAL standards.
I urge you to please hold the charter schools to the same standards our public schools are and fund our public schools are generously as possible.
Sincerely,
A VERY concerned Mom, PTA volunteer, friend and neighbor
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Frustration and Discouragement: Must be a Court Week
I go to court with my sister on Thursday. This hearing is to settle some child-support issues, as well as the unpaid debts that her ex has still not paid off--that have her name connected to it--after four and a half years of divorce. Plus the ex was ordered to get some psychiatric counseling by a PhD who knows how to deal with people with classic narcissism.
She just found out her ex has filed for bankruptcy.
Consequently, this whole court ordeal might be for naught. He will be allowed to leave the consumer debts he still hasn't paid off. He may even be allowed to walk away from court and legal fees he was ordered to pay when she was awarded them by the court. Four and a half year's worth of battling, and even the winning, may be swept away after all.
And who knows if child support is demanded from someone who files for bankruptcy and won't hold down a job? The kids still need the financial support. The kids still need the counseling. The kids still need to eat, and be clothed, and be cared for with medical attention when needed. The kids will still want to do things they always have--football, baseball, scouts. All that costs money. Money that should be provided for them by both of their parents.
I know my sister is doing all she can. She is a teacher and makes a teacher's salary. I guess it is lucky that at least she has medical insurance that covers the boys, but that costs her too. Costs that should be shared. She worries about their future...college, missions, marriage, mental and physical health; not to mention her own future...retirement, long term health, debts. It adds up quick. And it all costs money. Money that should not just be her responsibility. The boys are his too.
But I guess it could always be worse. Something could happen to my sister and if she were gone, these boys would go to their dad full time. Then what would happen to to them? I don't even what to think about it.
So, I'll pop some more Imodium, and drive to Ogden, and sit through another pointless hour or so where the judge is impotent in his ruling because this man has learned not only how to manipulate everyone in his life, but now also the legal system and all its parts; where my sister will have to pay, again, this time knowing her awarded fees and costs will never be repaid and her boys will still be getting the short end of the stick while she deals with their emotional outbursts and all their needs. That is not right.
She just found out her ex has filed for bankruptcy.
Consequently, this whole court ordeal might be for naught. He will be allowed to leave the consumer debts he still hasn't paid off. He may even be allowed to walk away from court and legal fees he was ordered to pay when she was awarded them by the court. Four and a half year's worth of battling, and even the winning, may be swept away after all.
And who knows if child support is demanded from someone who files for bankruptcy and won't hold down a job? The kids still need the financial support. The kids still need the counseling. The kids still need to eat, and be clothed, and be cared for with medical attention when needed. The kids will still want to do things they always have--football, baseball, scouts. All that costs money. Money that should be provided for them by both of their parents.
I know my sister is doing all she can. She is a teacher and makes a teacher's salary. I guess it is lucky that at least she has medical insurance that covers the boys, but that costs her too. Costs that should be shared. She worries about their future...college, missions, marriage, mental and physical health; not to mention her own future...retirement, long term health, debts. It adds up quick. And it all costs money. Money that should not just be her responsibility. The boys are his too.
But I guess it could always be worse. Something could happen to my sister and if she were gone, these boys would go to their dad full time. Then what would happen to to them? I don't even what to think about it.
So, I'll pop some more Imodium, and drive to Ogden, and sit through another pointless hour or so where the judge is impotent in his ruling because this man has learned not only how to manipulate everyone in his life, but now also the legal system and all its parts; where my sister will have to pay, again, this time knowing her awarded fees and costs will never be repaid and her boys will still be getting the short end of the stick while she deals with their emotional outbursts and all their needs. That is not right.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Ode to a Crock Pot
Oh, Crock Pot. How I love you! How good you make me look when my family sits down after a crazy day and have a delicious and nutritious meal to warm them and to calm them. Thank you Crock Pot, for the ease you provide me by making the dinner all day long, delivering sweet succulent scents throughout the house all day and basically giving me a pass for cooking dinner at 5 PM each night. Crock Pot, I love that I can make stews, soups, chicken, beef, pork chops, chile verde, enchiladas, lasagna, or a myriad of other tasty dishes in you as you sit, tireless working for me on my kitchen counter. Thank you Crock Pot, for being my right-hand, go-to , ready-to-count-on appliance. Between you and the microwave, you have allowed me to keep my sanity all winter long. Thanks, Crock Pot. I love you.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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