The day of rest didn't really happen this week. I will probably be feelin' it tomorrow. Just such a busy week. When you're sick you just get so far behind. Saturday I got everything picked up for the Primary Dinner next week while Greg helped Stacy move some of his stuff out of the rental. He has to go back tomorrow and check out with the landlord. We also had breakfast with Jas at the Sunrise. We really enjoy doing that on Saturday mornings. Watched Rellie and Kayson so Russ and Mandy could go out to dinner.
Had to watch Randy Riley wrestle via Idahosports.com's live webcast since we were babysitting. He didn't win, but the guy who beat him is ranked in the nation, so I suppose if you're going to get beat, that'd be the guy to get beat by. After watching the kids we actually just worked on things for Sunday and retired fairly early. We're both still not back up to full speed.
Today we had early morning meetings (Ward Council) at church. Then regular sacrament and Sunday School/Primary. I am starting to know the little kids a lot better. I have a great love for them. It's like having a bazillion grandkids. After church we headed to Jeremy's to cook them dinner. Stacy wanted my potato salad and some BBQ'd hamburgers so I did the salad and the husband did the grilling. It was a good day for it. Tasted good. Stacy and baby are both doing great. I finally got to feed baby Bradley today. He is still picture-perfect. Stacy said as long as his bouncy seat's vibrator's on, he only wakes up long enough to eat. So he's cute and well behaved already! :)
I took the boys some pop rocks that I picked up yesterday while out shopping. Who doesn't love pop rocks. Yesterday I died laughing when I gave them to Rellie. He was a little scared to start with and just stood there with his mouth open, afraid to move it. Then he realized it didn't hurt; it just sounded cool; so he loved it and kept eating them. Yes, the pop rocks were a hit. Score one for grandma.
Had another meeting at church after dinner then finally got home. Mandy was there with her family and she made up trains with her cricket (sp) machine so I'd have them for my Primary dinner Tuesday. Thank you banana! They went home and I worked on my video for the dinner and now I'm going to go to bed. Long day.
Anne and Maddi will be home tomorrow night! yeah!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Short Week
It was a short work week for me with Monday being a holiday (which I spent in bed sick) and Tuesday being a sick day (which I spent in the hospital or in bed again) and yet it was such a long week. I felt like I never caught up. I had a real meal last night and ate fairly normal today, so I feel almost normal but I am still having acid reflux so I will find out about that in my follow-up next week. I may just have to eat small portions until this summer when they can go in and fix things. Can't be sick or doing surgery right now.
Last night I went to the Blue and Gold Banquet (Scouts) at the church to show support as the primary president. I had no idea we had so many scouts in our community. It gave me flashbacks to the days when I was a scout leader (and that was many, many moons ago). Each scout made a cake and brought it. One kid had a "road kill" cat. It was the funniest cake I've every seen. I was a cat that came apart in the middle and there were red frosting "tire tracks" through the gap opening. Quite clever. There was the jello volcano cake and the lopsided BYU basketball cake (I thought it was a football) and the list goes on. They were quite cute. I was a bit timid about eating any of them however.
After that my middle son asked us to go watch his basketball game (adult) and we did. He had invited one of his old school buddies to play with him as well... Ricky. I used to coach Ricky and my son when they were in high school. Ricky was my point guard and my son was my center. They were close friends. Now here they were both married and each with a baby almost the same age. How time flies. It was so good to see him. It was odd watching them play together again. It's funny how it feels like it was just yesterday. Before the game I warned Ricky that if Jas got the rebound on top he better call for it because he'd still try to go "coast to coast" and forget he wasn't a guard. Ricky laughed, but sure enough.... it happened. Ricky started laughing right on the court. He said, "Your mom said you'd do that!" It was just so rewarding and fun to watch them come full circle in their lives again and to see them come back to the thing that brought them close together the first time-- their love for basketball. Yeah, it's just a game, but it's not. That's why I love it. It has brought so many blessings and people into my life.
Tonight I was looking at pictures of one my player's wedding and shaking my head at how quickly she has grown up before my eyes. Another one is about to be a mommy as they are expecting their first child very soon. I'm having dinner with another one tomorrow who just tried out for America's next top model. I could go on and on. I often wondered "why couldn't I have more children" because I had a hysterectomy at such a young age, but then I think of all the children who have been a part of my life because I'm a teacher and a coach and I know "that's why". I DO have lots of children. And I love them.
Tonight I watched a wrestling match for the first time. Like the whole thing and then some. Like quite a few matches at the Idaho Center (state wrestling). I had to go watch my students and watch Randy (the one whose dad just died). His dad was the HS coach and you could tell the kids are still recovering from it. Randy is in the championship match tomorrow. Might have to go watch. Never thought I'd say that about wrestling. Have to go see that new grandbaby tomorrow too. I can hold him now. Grandpa still can't. He's still coughing too much, but I'm not.
The superintendent at our school met with all the teachers after school today. Many teachers across the state are feeling devalued and stunned by such hostile attacks on our jobs and our schools. We are fortunate to have a superintendent who both sides with us and takes care of our school. There will be jobs lost next year and larger classes. There will be a lot of teachers who move to stabler states and/or get out of the profession. People think teachers are upset because a bill passed that makes them accountable. What a joke! They have no clue. Do they have a bill that will make parents accountable? Bad teachers who stay are a result of bad principals who don't do their job. This new bill didn't change that one bit. What a joke. All it did was cut pay, cut jobs, cut morale, and restrict local control. The one good thing it did do though-- is bring teachers together.
They keep cutting jobs, cutting supplies, cutting school days, and upping the expectations. It'll be interesting to see the next round of elections.
Last night I went to the Blue and Gold Banquet (Scouts) at the church to show support as the primary president. I had no idea we had so many scouts in our community. It gave me flashbacks to the days when I was a scout leader (and that was many, many moons ago). Each scout made a cake and brought it. One kid had a "road kill" cat. It was the funniest cake I've every seen. I was a cat that came apart in the middle and there were red frosting "tire tracks" through the gap opening. Quite clever. There was the jello volcano cake and the lopsided BYU basketball cake (I thought it was a football) and the list goes on. They were quite cute. I was a bit timid about eating any of them however.
After that my middle son asked us to go watch his basketball game (adult) and we did. He had invited one of his old school buddies to play with him as well... Ricky. I used to coach Ricky and my son when they were in high school. Ricky was my point guard and my son was my center. They were close friends. Now here they were both married and each with a baby almost the same age. How time flies. It was so good to see him. It was odd watching them play together again. It's funny how it feels like it was just yesterday. Before the game I warned Ricky that if Jas got the rebound on top he better call for it because he'd still try to go "coast to coast" and forget he wasn't a guard. Ricky laughed, but sure enough.... it happened. Ricky started laughing right on the court. He said, "Your mom said you'd do that!" It was just so rewarding and fun to watch them come full circle in their lives again and to see them come back to the thing that brought them close together the first time-- their love for basketball. Yeah, it's just a game, but it's not. That's why I love it. It has brought so many blessings and people into my life.
Tonight I was looking at pictures of one my player's wedding and shaking my head at how quickly she has grown up before my eyes. Another one is about to be a mommy as they are expecting their first child very soon. I'm having dinner with another one tomorrow who just tried out for America's next top model. I could go on and on. I often wondered "why couldn't I have more children" because I had a hysterectomy at such a young age, but then I think of all the children who have been a part of my life because I'm a teacher and a coach and I know "that's why". I DO have lots of children. And I love them.
Tonight I watched a wrestling match for the first time. Like the whole thing and then some. Like quite a few matches at the Idaho Center (state wrestling). I had to go watch my students and watch Randy (the one whose dad just died). His dad was the HS coach and you could tell the kids are still recovering from it. Randy is in the championship match tomorrow. Might have to go watch. Never thought I'd say that about wrestling. Have to go see that new grandbaby tomorrow too. I can hold him now. Grandpa still can't. He's still coughing too much, but I'm not.
The superintendent at our school met with all the teachers after school today. Many teachers across the state are feeling devalued and stunned by such hostile attacks on our jobs and our schools. We are fortunate to have a superintendent who both sides with us and takes care of our school. There will be jobs lost next year and larger classes. There will be a lot of teachers who move to stabler states and/or get out of the profession. People think teachers are upset because a bill passed that makes them accountable. What a joke! They have no clue. Do they have a bill that will make parents accountable? Bad teachers who stay are a result of bad principals who don't do their job. This new bill didn't change that one bit. What a joke. All it did was cut pay, cut jobs, cut morale, and restrict local control. The one good thing it did do though-- is bring teachers together.
They keep cutting jobs, cutting supplies, cutting school days, and upping the expectations. It'll be interesting to see the next round of elections.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tomato Soup and Emergency Rooms
Sometimes to get better we have to get worse. Horrible but true. I woke up Monday night with a stomach the size of Texas (okay, that's a hyperbole) and a lot of pain. I felt like one of the bloated Holsteins on Grandpa Tucker's farm. No, we're not talking PMS-- I don't have a uterus. Something was very wrong and no food was staying in for day two. After trying to "tough it out" I broke down and let the husband take me in to the emergency room at 3am. That was a long 7 hour process full of many ups and downs.
They were concerned with my gall bladder at first or kidney stones. They talked about my eating habits and I confessed that I'd stopped at fast food places a couple times last week in my trips to the Capitol but that generally I actually avoided greasy foods and ate mostly healthy other than a sweet tooth. They looked at me like, "yeah, sure you do". When the ultrasound came back negative for the gall bladder and kidney stones I wanted to say "I told you so" but I didn't. I had an x-ray that showed a blockage in my bowels. I remembered Grandma Shorty's blockage and that she had to have emergency surgery and my blood pressure shot up. Not because I was afraid of surgery-- this is no time for surgery. I have to go to work/school. I can't leave my students. I just got a new grandbaby. How will I help with him? I'm in the middle of speaking appointments to protest Luna's craziness. I can't just stop! I just got put in as Primary President and have a training meeting I'm conducting next week. The list goes on..... I suppose there's always a list in our head and never a good time for surgery.
The only saving grace about their discovery (and it was a biggie) was that it might be a "partial" blockage and not a full blockage. Because of my surgery two years ago scar tissue had built up and was not allowing full passage of "stuff" to properly exit my stomach. You may think that's not a big deal, but let me tell you-- it is! To compound that, all the air you suck in and all the gases created by any food you've eaten are trapped inside your stomache as well-- thus the bloated cow syndrome (they didn't call it that-- I did). I kept thinking about the bloated cows on our farm and wondered why they didn't make an incision and just let the air out. Turns out, if I do end up in full blockage (which we're praying I don't or I have to go immediately back to the emergency room) that's pretty much what they do. They stick a tube in your stomach to drain everything. But then they also have to operate. The only way to confirm if it was partial or full was a CT Scan. So, after already having x-ray and ultrasound, they wanted a CT Scan. I kept thinking, "Great, how much is this going to cost." At least my deductible for the year will be met I guess.
So before they could do a CT Scan they wanted to do an I.V. for the contrast dye (makes things glow so they can see them better). Normally I have great veins and I'm not a coward (unlike the hubby) when it comes to needles and shots. In fact I watch. However..... more drama. The first "girl" who came to draw my blood earlier, couldn't get any blood out the vein she chose (I told her they usually used the other one but of course she knew my body better) no matter how much she wiggled the needle until it accidentally popped out. We quickly stopped the minor gusher and she turned quite red. She disappeared and came back with a guy who smiled and said, "Let me do it." I pointed to the vein (on the other arm) that they usually use. He agreed the other arm looked better, but wanted to go with a different vein. After he poked around a while and I experienced way more pain than I've felt with just a blood draw he announced that he had missed the vein and proceeded to the next one-- the one I had initially suggested to both of them. Go figure.... it worked. Took three stabs (literally) but it worked. They had my blood.
Then with the revelation that I'd need a CT Scan, came the order for an I.V. You can understand my apprehension. The guy (not the younger girl) came back in a bit apologetic. I guess I need to poke you again. Great. Let's go for #4. He failed. Surprise. The doctor came in and said she'd do it herself. I explained that I was dehydrated and that was probably the problem plus I was cold. She said I couldn't have water because it'd make the bowel worse. She said she could do it no problem.... she was worse than the girl. She basically just poked and picked at the top of my hand never making contact with the actual vein. At one point (and there were many) she said, "Honey, you'll have to relax or this won't work". Okay, first.... I'm the same age-- almost 50-- so don't call me honey. Second, I was completely relaxed and donating my hand until she missed the vein and stabbed the top of the hand. At that point... yes, I tensed up. I sort of explained that to her, but nicely. By now, I had an audience as apparently word had spread that we had bad veins in room whatever-I-was-in and that no one could get my blood. They called the "queen of needles" and she appeared shortly after failed attempt #5. She proudly announced, "I will do it." I looked at her and said, "I'm done." I showed her my arms and all the gauze and evidence of failed attempts and repeated, "I'm done." They all met the "real me" and no one questioned. They quickly peeled off and left the room. The queen of needles looked stunned. "I can get it," she said. "You and the four people before you," I replied. The doctor ordered the oral contrast dye and I began drinking the 4 cups (no really, there were four cups) of contrast dye solution. The bad news-- you had to wait 1.5 hours after consuming the last sip so it had time to go through your body. What's 1.5 hours when you've already been in the ER for 4 hours and you haven't slept all night. I drank it and slept on the very uncomfortable, small ER bed.
When I woke up I had the husband call son#1- he has the gift of healing and I was feeling the need for a priesthood blessing. He showed up to help his dad with the blessing before I was wheeled off for the CT scan. Long story shortened (because it's already been long) it was a "partial" blockage and not a full blockage and I was put on a liquid diet and instructions to keep moving and work the air out when I got home. I was also instructed to return immediately if I started throwing up because that would mean the blockage was no longer partial and they'd have to do the tube thing. I was elated to be going home. I'd already called in sick to work and wanted to sleep. My one hour nap on the ER bed was all the sleep I'd had for the entire day. I was exhausted.
Wait, he said I couldn't lay down. I came home and did things to keep moving. I literally even tried jumping jacks. I drank some hot chocolate and water for breakfast and lunch. By the time Greg got back from work (he'd gone back in) I was starving so I knew I was recovering. Tomato soup has NEVER tasted so good in all my life. It was the first food that had stayed down or in for three days. That's when I knew I was going to be okay. Thank you Jeremy. I watched the news and was going to watch Biggest Loser with the hubby (he thinks he knows someone on there) but I kept nodding off on the couch so I went to my bed to take a nap. That was about 7pm. I just woke up from that nap and that is why I'm posting this at 4am. My 9 hour nap was well needed! I feel so much better. There's a little air left but with all the cleansing there's simply nothing left inside my tummy-- except tomato soup. And it stayed, so my system must be functioning again. I'm not going to eat anything heavy today and I have a little air still trapped in my stomach but the bloating (I literally looked 6 month pregnant) has gone down a lot and I can put my jeans on easily again. I am going back to work. Hooray!
In fact, I am so happy to see my students, I think I'm going to go make some cupcakes or maybe I'll just buy them. I haven't done my kudos cupcakes this month yet so no better time. I will not be eating any though-- sticking to the tomato soup. Despite my ordeal, I feel very blessed that the blockage was only partial and that the bloating is only temporary. The pressure is gone with the release of the bloating and I'm breathing easily again. The nausea seems to be gone too and I've had it since Friday, so I must be on the mend. While I've lost some weight in the process, I do not recommend this. I will be working my way up to light solids (like pudding) today. yeah! If I let chocolate melt in my mouth before swallowing it, does that make it a light solid? I am definitely feeling better. :)
They were concerned with my gall bladder at first or kidney stones. They talked about my eating habits and I confessed that I'd stopped at fast food places a couple times last week in my trips to the Capitol but that generally I actually avoided greasy foods and ate mostly healthy other than a sweet tooth. They looked at me like, "yeah, sure you do". When the ultrasound came back negative for the gall bladder and kidney stones I wanted to say "I told you so" but I didn't. I had an x-ray that showed a blockage in my bowels. I remembered Grandma Shorty's blockage and that she had to have emergency surgery and my blood pressure shot up. Not because I was afraid of surgery-- this is no time for surgery. I have to go to work/school. I can't leave my students. I just got a new grandbaby. How will I help with him? I'm in the middle of speaking appointments to protest Luna's craziness. I can't just stop! I just got put in as Primary President and have a training meeting I'm conducting next week. The list goes on..... I suppose there's always a list in our head and never a good time for surgery.
The only saving grace about their discovery (and it was a biggie) was that it might be a "partial" blockage and not a full blockage. Because of my surgery two years ago scar tissue had built up and was not allowing full passage of "stuff" to properly exit my stomach. You may think that's not a big deal, but let me tell you-- it is! To compound that, all the air you suck in and all the gases created by any food you've eaten are trapped inside your stomache as well-- thus the bloated cow syndrome (they didn't call it that-- I did). I kept thinking about the bloated cows on our farm and wondered why they didn't make an incision and just let the air out. Turns out, if I do end up in full blockage (which we're praying I don't or I have to go immediately back to the emergency room) that's pretty much what they do. They stick a tube in your stomach to drain everything. But then they also have to operate. The only way to confirm if it was partial or full was a CT Scan. So, after already having x-ray and ultrasound, they wanted a CT Scan. I kept thinking, "Great, how much is this going to cost." At least my deductible for the year will be met I guess.
So before they could do a CT Scan they wanted to do an I.V. for the contrast dye (makes things glow so they can see them better). Normally I have great veins and I'm not a coward (unlike the hubby) when it comes to needles and shots. In fact I watch. However..... more drama. The first "girl" who came to draw my blood earlier, couldn't get any blood out the vein she chose (I told her they usually used the other one but of course she knew my body better) no matter how much she wiggled the needle until it accidentally popped out. We quickly stopped the minor gusher and she turned quite red. She disappeared and came back with a guy who smiled and said, "Let me do it." I pointed to the vein (on the other arm) that they usually use. He agreed the other arm looked better, but wanted to go with a different vein. After he poked around a while and I experienced way more pain than I've felt with just a blood draw he announced that he had missed the vein and proceeded to the next one-- the one I had initially suggested to both of them. Go figure.... it worked. Took three stabs (literally) but it worked. They had my blood.
Then with the revelation that I'd need a CT Scan, came the order for an I.V. You can understand my apprehension. The guy (not the younger girl) came back in a bit apologetic. I guess I need to poke you again. Great. Let's go for #4. He failed. Surprise. The doctor came in and said she'd do it herself. I explained that I was dehydrated and that was probably the problem plus I was cold. She said I couldn't have water because it'd make the bowel worse. She said she could do it no problem.... she was worse than the girl. She basically just poked and picked at the top of my hand never making contact with the actual vein. At one point (and there were many) she said, "Honey, you'll have to relax or this won't work". Okay, first.... I'm the same age-- almost 50-- so don't call me honey. Second, I was completely relaxed and donating my hand until she missed the vein and stabbed the top of the hand. At that point... yes, I tensed up. I sort of explained that to her, but nicely. By now, I had an audience as apparently word had spread that we had bad veins in room whatever-I-was-in and that no one could get my blood. They called the "queen of needles" and she appeared shortly after failed attempt #5. She proudly announced, "I will do it." I looked at her and said, "I'm done." I showed her my arms and all the gauze and evidence of failed attempts and repeated, "I'm done." They all met the "real me" and no one questioned. They quickly peeled off and left the room. The queen of needles looked stunned. "I can get it," she said. "You and the four people before you," I replied. The doctor ordered the oral contrast dye and I began drinking the 4 cups (no really, there were four cups) of contrast dye solution. The bad news-- you had to wait 1.5 hours after consuming the last sip so it had time to go through your body. What's 1.5 hours when you've already been in the ER for 4 hours and you haven't slept all night. I drank it and slept on the very uncomfortable, small ER bed.
When I woke up I had the husband call son#1- he has the gift of healing and I was feeling the need for a priesthood blessing. He showed up to help his dad with the blessing before I was wheeled off for the CT scan. Long story shortened (because it's already been long) it was a "partial" blockage and not a full blockage and I was put on a liquid diet and instructions to keep moving and work the air out when I got home. I was also instructed to return immediately if I started throwing up because that would mean the blockage was no longer partial and they'd have to do the tube thing. I was elated to be going home. I'd already called in sick to work and wanted to sleep. My one hour nap on the ER bed was all the sleep I'd had for the entire day. I was exhausted.
Wait, he said I couldn't lay down. I came home and did things to keep moving. I literally even tried jumping jacks. I drank some hot chocolate and water for breakfast and lunch. By the time Greg got back from work (he'd gone back in) I was starving so I knew I was recovering. Tomato soup has NEVER tasted so good in all my life. It was the first food that had stayed down or in for three days. That's when I knew I was going to be okay. Thank you Jeremy. I watched the news and was going to watch Biggest Loser with the hubby (he thinks he knows someone on there) but I kept nodding off on the couch so I went to my bed to take a nap. That was about 7pm. I just woke up from that nap and that is why I'm posting this at 4am. My 9 hour nap was well needed! I feel so much better. There's a little air left but with all the cleansing there's simply nothing left inside my tummy-- except tomato soup. And it stayed, so my system must be functioning again. I'm not going to eat anything heavy today and I have a little air still trapped in my stomach but the bloating (I literally looked 6 month pregnant) has gone down a lot and I can put my jeans on easily again. I am going back to work. Hooray!
In fact, I am so happy to see my students, I think I'm going to go make some cupcakes or maybe I'll just buy them. I haven't done my kudos cupcakes this month yet so no better time. I will not be eating any though-- sticking to the tomato soup. Despite my ordeal, I feel very blessed that the blockage was only partial and that the bloating is only temporary. The pressure is gone with the release of the bloating and I'm breathing easily again. The nausea seems to be gone too and I've had it since Friday, so I must be on the mend. While I've lost some weight in the process, I do not recommend this. I will be working my way up to light solids (like pudding) today. yeah! If I let chocolate melt in my mouth before swallowing it, does that make it a light solid? I am definitely feeling better. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
No fun being sick
I guess it finally all caught up to me. I started feeling a little queasy Friday at school, but figured it was just from a long week. Saturday when I woke up I was worse, but with the news of a new baby on the way I just tried to shrug it off. Not long after I posted yesterday though it hit me hard. Had to go to bed. My stomach was like a volcano and I couldn't get enough sleep or water. Great timing.
Greg had to go admin. at a bball game so Jason took the boys so I could stay in bed. Thank you Jas. I slept most of the afternoon and most of the night. It's crazy. Food made me want to hurl, but 7-up and soda crackers stayed down. Woke up this morning feeling hungry and had some hot chocolate. By the time I got home from church, I was starving, which means I'm feeling better. I thought I'd be sick once at church, but once I got up and moving, I was fine. I'm sure there's a lesson in there. :)
I ate a regular lunch, but not feeling the need for dinner. I think I ate a little much a little too fast for lunch. Steak and broccoli salad. A little heavy for a recovering stomach. I'm thinking something lighter and less solid for this evening. Maybe even just liquid. I want to be better by tomorrow so we can go see baby Bradley and family. The husband's been hacking and coughing too so he needs to pull it together as well. I think we'll just go to bed early tonight and admit that it's finally happened..... we are old people.
Greg had to go admin. at a bball game so Jason took the boys so I could stay in bed. Thank you Jas. I slept most of the afternoon and most of the night. It's crazy. Food made me want to hurl, but 7-up and soda crackers stayed down. Woke up this morning feeling hungry and had some hot chocolate. By the time I got home from church, I was starving, which means I'm feeling better. I thought I'd be sick once at church, but once I got up and moving, I was fine. I'm sure there's a lesson in there. :)
I ate a regular lunch, but not feeling the need for dinner. I think I ate a little much a little too fast for lunch. Steak and broccoli salad. A little heavy for a recovering stomach. I'm thinking something lighter and less solid for this evening. Maybe even just liquid. I want to be better by tomorrow so we can go see baby Bradley and family. The husband's been hacking and coughing too so he needs to pull it together as well. I think we'll just go to bed early tonight and admit that it's finally happened..... we are old people.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Luna Revealed-- and Baby Bradley Revealed!
What a rollercoaster this week has been.... both with family and with politics. Stacy (daughter-in-law) has been having labor pains all week. The doctor kept saying he'd just see her on Monday at her scheduled appointment. Yeah right. Three hours ago Jeremy finally just took her in to the hospital. She is in having the baby as I write this. Yeah! Grandchild #8. We are waiting for the call to see when we can go see the baby. We have their two boys and the other grandparents took the two girls. Teamwork.
Anne and Maddi are in Missouri at Anne's sister's wedding and Jason (our son) is lost without them. He came over for dinner last night. My brother (who is home on leave from Iraq) and his fiance Jackie also came over for dinner. It was nice. My brother was telling me about his flight home. He said that whenever the soldiers go through the airport at Dallas, Texas they always receive a soldier's welcome. People line the halls and cheer.... still... and older couples befriend individual soldiers. Some of these wealthier older couples give the soldiers rides from one end of the airport to the other. One such couple befriended my brother after hearing that the soldiers were going to have to go on stand-by and most likely spend the night. This means one less day at home. The older couple that befriended him gave him and one of his other soldiers a ride then followed them to the ticket counter to make sure they got a flight. The guy at the counter said the flights were full. The older man (whom they all knew and referred to as "colonel") asked them to check other flights. There were two left on another airline but they were quite expensive. The colonel said, "it's on me" and insisted on paying for it. His wife agreed. The soldiers insisted they were fine, but he would not have it. After the tickets were purchased and the colonel was gone, the guy behind the counter said that "the colonel" had probably done that 200 times since the war started. Texas hospitality and caring peole still exist and honor our soldiers.
Bob and Jackie are headed to Cascade for the weekend and his sons will come home next weekend so they can spend time with him before he heads back to Iraq. I always hate it when he leaves. Jason is watching Mandy's boys today so her and Russ can go on a date. We're all anxiously waiting to hear about grandchild #8. They hadn't decided on a name yet/still. Tucker (their oldest boy) just informed me that he wants to name him Optimus Jetfire. Hmmmmm. And then there's the snow......
Day before yesterday I woke up planning on going to BSU to testify before the Board of Education then go see my daughter-in-law and I was shocked to walk outside and find two inches of snow on the ground and icy roads. It took me an hour and a half to get to BSU and I was late. The meeting was in the Simplot Ballroom and I was expecting the same kind of long lines I had experienced at the Capitol except that I had signed up on-line two days ahead. Instead I walked in to this huge room full of people in suits with tables and laptops in front of them. It was all very formal, more like a conference, and a fancy table with pastries, fruit, juices, etc. lined one side of the large room. A huge screen was up and Dr. Kustra was presenting his annual report and budget to the Board. I wondered why other people weren't there to speak to the board that's suppose to govern K-20 education in our state. In particular, I wondered why certain groups weren't there to make their voice heard.
Dr. Kustra (BSU president) had some very interesting figures and commentary. He showed, for example, that although BSU has the largest number of students, they received the least amount of funding per student of all the main colleges in the state. UofI received the most. He said the funding base/formula needed to be changed. I also had to smile when he chided the board for always upping their expectations (they wanted to see an improvement in BSU's graduation rate) yet reducing their funding. Gee.... that sounds familiar. Finally, the best exchange of the day was between Kustra and Luna. Luna asked about the incoming college freshmen as far as being prepared for college. Dr. Kustra said that 70% of them had a 3.0 g.p.a. or above. This isn't what Luna has been telling the media or public, so he started stammering. He said he'd been told that up to 50% of them needed remediation. Dr. Kustra said he could double check the figures, but that with a 3.0 g.p.a. he didn't see how that would be. You could tell Kustra was irritated. Luna was going to use the comment as a political media moment, but it backfired on him. What? Another Luna lie?! Shocking!
Speaking of that.... I have been hounding the media to follow up on K12 (an on-line provider that stands to profit big time from these on-line courses Luna is mandating) and their connections to political campaign monies as well as Albertsons. Finally.... this morning, the papers broke the story. It was even worse than I had heard or imagined. I had not realized the extent of Albertson's connection to K12. I knew Luna and Otter received campaign money from them and that stood to benefit from the classes being mandated, but that's all. I also knew that K12 had been calling our superintendent at our school sometimes 10 times a day to get them signed up for services. He refused, but other schools have not, fearing the new mandates.
I wonder now if legislators will still bury their heads in the sand and pass through such tainted and damaging legislation. It has given me some more wind in my sails again. I was fading a little from exhaustion. Constantly researching, giving speeches, and keeping people informed. I was starting to think no one was listening and all of our efforts (the people's efforts) were in vain. They may still be, but at least a lot of stuff is coming out to the public. With things unraveling, we can only hope that they get better. Gas prices are supposed to be up to $4.00 a gallon by Memorial Day. My students have been watching global affairs and events around our nation ever since we read Animal Farm. They're developing more of a global perspective. Now they come to class and inform me of things that are happening. It's so awesome. This week they told me that they noticed the "young people" of Egypt were a large part of the revolution. They also told me about students in Wisconsin who were picketing and protesting along side their teachers. Others discussed the impact of revolutions in other countries on things like our gas prices.
My Young Politicians group is scheduled to meet with our Senior Citizens group to help them with their center. They have big plans for the center and welcome the students help and involvement. I'm very excited for both groups. They have also been asked to present their views on Education Reform (what they think it should look like) to the president of IBCEE an organizations of businesses that support education reform in Idaho. They (IBCEE) have been huge Luna supporters so that should be interesting.
Just got the call..... baby Bradley is here!!!!! 7Lbs. and 19.5 inches!!! Most importantly, mom and baby are doing fine! The boys want to go to the hospital to see their brother but they're not allowing little visitors. They will have to wait till he comes home. I am so thankful Monday is a holiday. It'll give us extra time to help with little Bradley's homecoming. I was thinking about doing a lawnchair protest on the Capitol steps Monday, but we'll have to see how the new grandbaby is doing instead! Another little blessing in our life. :)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
On Valentine's Day He Waited
That would be my husband.... waiting.... and waiting for it to seem like Valentine's Day. I had to hang around after school until the board meeting so I went through the proposed changes in Luna's plan and prepared for the board meeting. Then I met Mandy and her family at the restaurant downtown for dinner. Rellie was pretty excited to see Grandma sitting at the table when he walked into the drive-in. I had the corn chowder and a fish sandwich. It was the weirdest chowder I've ever tasted. Had like taco seasoning in it and hamburger. Just weird.
The board meeting went well. My students did a great job introducing their new club (Young Politicians of Parma) and sharing their views on Luna's proposed changes. I was proud of them for having the nerve and taking the time. On my way to the board meeting I took a wrong turn and ended up on a dead-in street that lead to the Senior Center. I decided to go in and see if they had any issues or events our Young Politicians could help them with or talk to them about. Turns out they're trying to raise money for a new roof. I talked to the students and they want to help out.
Luna did make some changes-- not nearly enough, but it looks like he is being forced to hear what the public is saying. I'm not finished pushing for no on-line courses being MANDATED and some other wording issues in the 100+ pages of proposed legislation, but that will take some more reading and research.
So when I FINALLY got home, I was tired and preoccupied. Then some guy on channel 12 went off on the teachers and how wonderful Luna's ideas were. That got me fired up again AND DISTRACTED. Long story short, I wasn't much of a romantic on Valentine's Day. Sorry Sweetie.
The board meeting went well. My students did a great job introducing their new club (Young Politicians of Parma) and sharing their views on Luna's proposed changes. I was proud of them for having the nerve and taking the time. On my way to the board meeting I took a wrong turn and ended up on a dead-in street that lead to the Senior Center. I decided to go in and see if they had any issues or events our Young Politicians could help them with or talk to them about. Turns out they're trying to raise money for a new roof. I talked to the students and they want to help out.
Luna did make some changes-- not nearly enough, but it looks like he is being forced to hear what the public is saying. I'm not finished pushing for no on-line courses being MANDATED and some other wording issues in the 100+ pages of proposed legislation, but that will take some more reading and research.
So when I FINALLY got home, I was tired and preoccupied. Then some guy on channel 12 went off on the teachers and how wonderful Luna's ideas were. That got me fired up again AND DISTRACTED. Long story short, I wasn't much of a romantic on Valentine's Day. Sorry Sweetie.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
On the Seventh Day He Rested
This is a wise model (a day of rest) that we should apply to our own lives. There has to be a time to rest. Our body needs it. Our spirit needs it. Our minds need it (though I am convinced some people's brains are constantly on vacation). We need it. That said, whatever activities we do engage in this seventh day reflect the priorities of our lives. Rest is one of those priorities we can actually neglect though so remember that. Don't sleep the day away, but do rest.
Speaking of the seven days..... I asked our junior primary (Sunday School) today how many days it took for the creation and was a bit surprised that some said "one". Hmmmm could that be a reflection of our times, technology, and instant gratification society we live in? It's almost like, "jeez, why did it take so long." I'm reminded of when personal computers first came out. I remember taking all the DOS training and everything was F2 or some command and all the screens were dark with white font. Still... we were amazed and awed. In high school a "computer" was this huge thing that took up an entire wall and required a genius (not us) to run it.
Then I remember getting our first personal computer when our kids were in junior high and elementary. The fax machine type sound it made as it connected didn't seem like a big deal then. We were just amazed that we could get internet. Nevermind that it might take 5-10 minutes to navigate a page. You could go make a sandwich or something and come back just in time. Now I get impatient if it takes more than 10 seconds to connect. However, I did know the Creation took seven days (well Bible days, but that's another discussion).
So yesterday Rellie and Kayson spent a good portion of the day with us and Kayson is turning into a rolly-polly. Not because he's a chunk (which he is), but because he has discovered he can just roll everywhere. Rellie is quite the big brother too. Kayson got a little tired and wanted mommy and daddy toward the end of the evening and the only thing that stopped his crying for a while was his brother. Every time Rellie took the bottle and fed him, he would stop. He helped papa put brother to sleep. It was quite cute.
Maddi is growing up too and becoming little Miss Bossy. It's a cute bossy though and cute attitude. When she says "no, no, no" with her little finger wagging you can't help but smile. And boy does she love her papa. Maybe cuz he feeds her cookie dough and sings her crazy songs. He's a good papa. We enjoy having Jas and Anne over for dinner. It allows us to catch up on the week and enjoy each other's company.
After dinner we headed to Jeremy's. Stacy has been having contractions since yesterday and she's not due for a couple more weeks. Since this is number five, she pretty much knows what she's doing, but that never seems to make the pain easier. We are so blessed by all the sweet little spirits she has brought to this family. She has that gift and is unselfish and genuinely caring toward her children. She also does a great job with the family finances. In fact they are supposed to be following up on the paperwork for buying a house next week, but I have a feeling that might have to wait.... Prayers her way and baby Bradley, Eli, whatever they end up calling him. I don't think Robert is going to end up in there though Jackie. :D
Now I need to go rest or I'll be hypocritical. :D I'll be dreaming of new babies and Valentines. Love You Sweetie.
Speaking of the seven days..... I asked our junior primary (Sunday School) today how many days it took for the creation and was a bit surprised that some said "one". Hmmmm could that be a reflection of our times, technology, and instant gratification society we live in? It's almost like, "jeez, why did it take so long." I'm reminded of when personal computers first came out. I remember taking all the DOS training and everything was F2 or some command and all the screens were dark with white font. Still... we were amazed and awed. In high school a "computer" was this huge thing that took up an entire wall and required a genius (not us) to run it.
Then I remember getting our first personal computer when our kids were in junior high and elementary. The fax machine type sound it made as it connected didn't seem like a big deal then. We were just amazed that we could get internet. Nevermind that it might take 5-10 minutes to navigate a page. You could go make a sandwich or something and come back just in time. Now I get impatient if it takes more than 10 seconds to connect. However, I did know the Creation took seven days (well Bible days, but that's another discussion).
So yesterday Rellie and Kayson spent a good portion of the day with us and Kayson is turning into a rolly-polly. Not because he's a chunk (which he is), but because he has discovered he can just roll everywhere. Rellie is quite the big brother too. Kayson got a little tired and wanted mommy and daddy toward the end of the evening and the only thing that stopped his crying for a while was his brother. Every time Rellie took the bottle and fed him, he would stop. He helped papa put brother to sleep. It was quite cute.
Maddi is growing up too and becoming little Miss Bossy. It's a cute bossy though and cute attitude. When she says "no, no, no" with her little finger wagging you can't help but smile. And boy does she love her papa. Maybe cuz he feeds her cookie dough and sings her crazy songs. He's a good papa. We enjoy having Jas and Anne over for dinner. It allows us to catch up on the week and enjoy each other's company.
After dinner we headed to Jeremy's. Stacy has been having contractions since yesterday and she's not due for a couple more weeks. Since this is number five, she pretty much knows what she's doing, but that never seems to make the pain easier. We are so blessed by all the sweet little spirits she has brought to this family. She has that gift and is unselfish and genuinely caring toward her children. She also does a great job with the family finances. In fact they are supposed to be following up on the paperwork for buying a house next week, but I have a feeling that might have to wait.... Prayers her way and baby Bradley, Eli, whatever they end up calling him. I don't think Robert is going to end up in there though Jackie. :D
Now I need to go rest or I'll be hypocritical. :D I'll be dreaming of new babies and Valentines. Love You Sweetie.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hoosiers Day
When I drove to work this morning I kept thinking-- signs that spring is around the corner are popping up everywhere. The weather guy said we could hit in the 50's this coming week. I saw a yard sale sign this morning and actually went to one last weekend. It was really cold though. And the sky just looks different.
With spring thoughts in my head as I arrived at school it put me in a good mood. The day went quickly and smoothly. Students worked hard and did a great job on their speeches. Went to the boys' last home game after school and even though we've left the old gym with it's true "Hoosiers" bleachers for the new little gym, it still feels Hoosier to me. The whole town comes out and the gym's still small enough it doesn't feel more about the gym than the game.
I visited with some of my very favorite students during different games and finally got to watch the freshmen boys play. I have them all in class so it was fun. Then during the varsity game I sat by some old cowboy who was a great game buddy. We visited a lot. He used to be quite the tennis player at Parma (back when State tennis meant playing Boise-- real state he called it) and I guess he coached tennis for a long time too. Turns out he reffed basketall back in the day as well. I couldn't have picked a better bench buddy. Plus it added to the whole Hoosier feeling.
I keep thinking I have too much of a "Hoosier Heart" to go back to the big school life again. The money's so tempting and if an administrative job came up, I'd probably be dumb not to, but when you become part of a community and small town feeling, it's hard-- especially when you're just a small town farm girl. I've given up trying to figure myself out. What unfolds, unfolds. I did enjoy this evening though.
Looking forward to seeing grandkids this weekend and hoping it all goes well in Primary. :D
With spring thoughts in my head as I arrived at school it put me in a good mood. The day went quickly and smoothly. Students worked hard and did a great job on their speeches. Went to the boys' last home game after school and even though we've left the old gym with it's true "Hoosiers" bleachers for the new little gym, it still feels Hoosier to me. The whole town comes out and the gym's still small enough it doesn't feel more about the gym than the game.
I visited with some of my very favorite students during different games and finally got to watch the freshmen boys play. I have them all in class so it was fun. Then during the varsity game I sat by some old cowboy who was a great game buddy. We visited a lot. He used to be quite the tennis player at Parma (back when State tennis meant playing Boise-- real state he called it) and I guess he coached tennis for a long time too. Turns out he reffed basketall back in the day as well. I couldn't have picked a better bench buddy. Plus it added to the whole Hoosier feeling.
I keep thinking I have too much of a "Hoosier Heart" to go back to the big school life again. The money's so tempting and if an administrative job came up, I'd probably be dumb not to, but when you become part of a community and small town feeling, it's hard-- especially when you're just a small town farm girl. I've given up trying to figure myself out. What unfolds, unfolds. I did enjoy this evening though.
Looking forward to seeing grandkids this weekend and hoping it all goes well in Primary. :D
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Final Day at the Capitol
Well yesterday I ripped over to the Capitol and signed up to testify before the Senate Ed. Committee, but so did 150 other people ahead and probably that many behind me. I waited for three hours and they didn't get to me. It was interesting to listen to, but made for a long day.
Came home and got ready for my Primary Presidency meeting. I've chosen wisely and I'm so thankful the for the ladies who'll be serving with me. It was 10pm when we convened, but we accomplished at great deal.
Gave it one last shot at testifying today and finally got to go. There are so many issues, but if they hear the same comments repeatedly, maybe something will sink in. The best speaker of the day was a girl in the 6th or 7th grade. She talked about her typical and day and ripped off all these technology-related activities she did throughout the day including over breakfast and she was very funny. Her point was significant. Kids get technology. At one point she said, if anything my mom is trying to detoxify me from it. She makes me get off my computer and tells me I have to go outside and play. Ugh! It was so cute. You could tell she meant it. Even the Senators were laughing. She really did make a point though. Throwing a laptop at them isn't going to make them equipped for the world and makes the assumption that schools and kids aren't already tech-savy.
Another kid gave an example of a friend who got ticked at his laptop and took a baseball bat to it. He said, "We found out the warranty didn't cover that either." This is a point of emphasis because there are many concerns about who will handle the servicing and repair of the mandated laptops and where the money will come from for the infrastructure (internet access) in every district across the state to make the laptop fully functional. So many questions and they all require money-- something we don't have.
So I gave my talk and I will just share a little bit of it:
I told about the story of a king who had two women brought before him because of a dispute over a child. Both mothers claimed to be the mother of the child. Both women claimed to care more for the child than the other. The wise king said he could solve the problem-- he'd cut the child in half. At this point the real mother stepped forward and said the other woman could have the child. This proved to the king who the real mother was.
I said the child is education and the two mothers are the Democrats and Republicans.
This wasn't a popular analogy, but I hope it forced them to decide which one they are and to put aside party line to vote against the bad portions of these bills. Many people called for collaboration and time to form a better solution and though the Senate said they are still listening, we are all afraid it'll be railroaded through despite the overwhelming testimony against it. It's been a landslide at all the public forums and hearings-- not even close.
Still they can go vote whatever they want. We are particularly opposed to the government mandating that two of the students' classes have to be on-line every year and the on-line provider can't be housed in the building. There's an on-line provider that contributed to Luna's campaign.... go figure.
We are also opposed to laptops for every freshmen for several reasons:
1) I thought we didn't have money -- let alone "extra" gadget money
2) Freshmen are responsible?
3) We don't have internet in our classrooms (infrastructure problems-- who pays)
4) Who pays if they are lost or broken?
5) Play cards, surf the internet, or listen to the teacher? Hmmmmmm
6) Porn anyone?
The other big point is classroom size.
Luna's proposal would increase each class by 4 students. He arrived at avg. class sizes being 18 (which they obviously are not) by what we now call "Luna Math". He divided the number of students by the number of certified staff (including the principals, school counselors and psychologists, etc.) Had he divided them by the number of classroom teachers, they have now determined the avg. class size is 25 in smaller schools and 28 in larger schools. Some larger schools have class sizes in the 40's already though. Many schools, including mine are looking at cutting classes as well as teachers next year.
There is legislation currently being proposed that offers both sin tax and "pleasure" tax options to increase revenue as well as other ideas such as taxing internet sales, and hiring more staff to collect on unpaid taxes in our state. Then there's Luna's "program funds" that the schools can't touch. Did I mention the paper just reported his office's 12% budget increase for HIS department? Must be nice.
Finally- -there's the teacher stuff. We don't care about tenure. Teachers are fine with just having a one or two year contract-- whichever one the board chooses to offer you. They just don't want to step back 30 years to no collective bargaining and to eliminate the clause about contracts being able to be broken after Oct. 1st. If there's no funding for that position-- don't hire for it until Oct. 1st, but don't let a teacher move her family and then two months later say, sorry, our numbers are wrong, you're fired! Contracts have to go from Aug. to Aug. It's too hard on districts, students, and teachers.
Overall, it's just not very well researched or feasible. It's a train wreck.
On a personal note this whole process has been quite exhausting and I need a break. I have done my part, but I know the vote is out of our hands. I have one last player to lobby and he knows me quite well. For that I need to go to bed, bow my head, and close my eyes.
Came home and got ready for my Primary Presidency meeting. I've chosen wisely and I'm so thankful the for the ladies who'll be serving with me. It was 10pm when we convened, but we accomplished at great deal.
Gave it one last shot at testifying today and finally got to go. There are so many issues, but if they hear the same comments repeatedly, maybe something will sink in. The best speaker of the day was a girl in the 6th or 7th grade. She talked about her typical and day and ripped off all these technology-related activities she did throughout the day including over breakfast and she was very funny. Her point was significant. Kids get technology. At one point she said, if anything my mom is trying to detoxify me from it. She makes me get off my computer and tells me I have to go outside and play. Ugh! It was so cute. You could tell she meant it. Even the Senators were laughing. She really did make a point though. Throwing a laptop at them isn't going to make them equipped for the world and makes the assumption that schools and kids aren't already tech-savy.
Another kid gave an example of a friend who got ticked at his laptop and took a baseball bat to it. He said, "We found out the warranty didn't cover that either." This is a point of emphasis because there are many concerns about who will handle the servicing and repair of the mandated laptops and where the money will come from for the infrastructure (internet access) in every district across the state to make the laptop fully functional. So many questions and they all require money-- something we don't have.
So I gave my talk and I will just share a little bit of it:
I told about the story of a king who had two women brought before him because of a dispute over a child. Both mothers claimed to be the mother of the child. Both women claimed to care more for the child than the other. The wise king said he could solve the problem-- he'd cut the child in half. At this point the real mother stepped forward and said the other woman could have the child. This proved to the king who the real mother was.
I said the child is education and the two mothers are the Democrats and Republicans.
This wasn't a popular analogy, but I hope it forced them to decide which one they are and to put aside party line to vote against the bad portions of these bills. Many people called for collaboration and time to form a better solution and though the Senate said they are still listening, we are all afraid it'll be railroaded through despite the overwhelming testimony against it. It's been a landslide at all the public forums and hearings-- not even close.
Still they can go vote whatever they want. We are particularly opposed to the government mandating that two of the students' classes have to be on-line every year and the on-line provider can't be housed in the building. There's an on-line provider that contributed to Luna's campaign.... go figure.
We are also opposed to laptops for every freshmen for several reasons:
1) I thought we didn't have money -- let alone "extra" gadget money
2) Freshmen are responsible?
3) We don't have internet in our classrooms (infrastructure problems-- who pays)
4) Who pays if they are lost or broken?
5) Play cards, surf the internet, or listen to the teacher? Hmmmmmm
6) Porn anyone?
The other big point is classroom size.
Luna's proposal would increase each class by 4 students. He arrived at avg. class sizes being 18 (which they obviously are not) by what we now call "Luna Math". He divided the number of students by the number of certified staff (including the principals, school counselors and psychologists, etc.) Had he divided them by the number of classroom teachers, they have now determined the avg. class size is 25 in smaller schools and 28 in larger schools. Some larger schools have class sizes in the 40's already though. Many schools, including mine are looking at cutting classes as well as teachers next year.
There is legislation currently being proposed that offers both sin tax and "pleasure" tax options to increase revenue as well as other ideas such as taxing internet sales, and hiring more staff to collect on unpaid taxes in our state. Then there's Luna's "program funds" that the schools can't touch. Did I mention the paper just reported his office's 12% budget increase for HIS department? Must be nice.
Finally- -there's the teacher stuff. We don't care about tenure. Teachers are fine with just having a one or two year contract-- whichever one the board chooses to offer you. They just don't want to step back 30 years to no collective bargaining and to eliminate the clause about contracts being able to be broken after Oct. 1st. If there's no funding for that position-- don't hire for it until Oct. 1st, but don't let a teacher move her family and then two months later say, sorry, our numbers are wrong, you're fired! Contracts have to go from Aug. to Aug. It's too hard on districts, students, and teachers.
Overall, it's just not very well researched or feasible. It's a train wreck.
On a personal note this whole process has been quite exhausting and I need a break. I have done my part, but I know the vote is out of our hands. I have one last player to lobby and he knows me quite well. For that I need to go to bed, bow my head, and close my eyes.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Lunacy Continues- Another Day at the Capitol
Yesterday was one of the most discouraging political days I've ever had. I really didn't think it could get much worse than a legislator essentially telling you that you (as a teacher) are a non-person with a voice that doesn't count. I was wrong. Yesterday we met with two more legislators. The first representative actually listened and discussed a great deal. In fact we talked for almost two hours. We discussed solutions and a better way to run the entire system. He is sincere in both his concern and his intent. Our dialogue was productive and we were feeling like we were making a difference. We discussed the fact that Luna's scare tactics of "I have no other choice... there is no Plan B" being false. There is not only Plan B... there is Plan C and D. We shared those plans and he not only saw the merit in them, he was clearly not aware of how some things were being conducted in our school system and how some money was allotted, etc.
But then..... another Representative joined us. We have spoken to him in previous years and he knows us. He listened and shook his head. He said, "Regardless of what we think, it's passed. He has the votes." He then described the tactical approach that Luna and Otter had used. Strong arm is what I will use to describe it. Behind closed doors yesterday Luna and Otter had secured the final votes they need to pass this. I was shocked. What about all the people testifying against it and the ones that hadn't even been heard yet? (There's still one more day of public testimony). What about the fact that it deprives local communities and school boards of so much control? "Doesn't matter" is what he told us. It was a done deal. He has locked in the votes.
I was so angry and he could see this. He became apologetic, but I put him on the spot. "So you'll vote in favor of this?!" He stammered, "I don't have a choice. None of us do. You don't understand how it works." He said that when they strong arm you and you don't go along you lose opportunities to be heard and you are blackballed. You become "ineffective". In other words they cut you out of the political game.
I said I didn't care. I asked why he didn't stand up for what was right anyway. These are real people and real jobs and real students. He said he wouldn't be effective. With more than 1/2 the state's money going to education I guess I have to wonder if being effective on roads and endangered species, etc. is more important than being effective with our children. Is anything more important? I am still so upset. This is politics at is lowest low. Putting kids last...... not first. Their campaigns and committee positions are far more important. Many representatives disagree with this plan, but they are going to go along with it to save their own political skins. It's done. Over 1,000 teaching jobs will be lost in our state along with other jobs in the schools. Rep. Thayne is also proposing that Kindergarten be cut (except for low-income kids-- the smart kids don't need it-- seems to be a theme). Students will be mandated to take on-line classes as part of their schedule even though some colleges won't even accept the credits and many students are against. The bottom line is.... our politicians don't care.
I am so disgusted and sad.
But then..... another Representative joined us. We have spoken to him in previous years and he knows us. He listened and shook his head. He said, "Regardless of what we think, it's passed. He has the votes." He then described the tactical approach that Luna and Otter had used. Strong arm is what I will use to describe it. Behind closed doors yesterday Luna and Otter had secured the final votes they need to pass this. I was shocked. What about all the people testifying against it and the ones that hadn't even been heard yet? (There's still one more day of public testimony). What about the fact that it deprives local communities and school boards of so much control? "Doesn't matter" is what he told us. It was a done deal. He has locked in the votes.
I was so angry and he could see this. He became apologetic, but I put him on the spot. "So you'll vote in favor of this?!" He stammered, "I don't have a choice. None of us do. You don't understand how it works." He said that when they strong arm you and you don't go along you lose opportunities to be heard and you are blackballed. You become "ineffective". In other words they cut you out of the political game.
I said I didn't care. I asked why he didn't stand up for what was right anyway. These are real people and real jobs and real students. He said he wouldn't be effective. With more than 1/2 the state's money going to education I guess I have to wonder if being effective on roads and endangered species, etc. is more important than being effective with our children. Is anything more important? I am still so upset. This is politics at is lowest low. Putting kids last...... not first. Their campaigns and committee positions are far more important. Many representatives disagree with this plan, but they are going to go along with it to save their own political skins. It's done. Over 1,000 teaching jobs will be lost in our state along with other jobs in the schools. Rep. Thayne is also proposing that Kindergarten be cut (except for low-income kids-- the smart kids don't need it-- seems to be a theme). Students will be mandated to take on-line classes as part of their schedule even though some colleges won't even accept the credits and many students are against. The bottom line is.... our politicians don't care.
I am so disgusted and sad.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Stop the Lunacy
YPOP- That's the new acronym for the Young Politicians of Parma club that some of my students are starting. See... something good has come out of this education reform nightmare. They're vehemently opposed to the mandating of on-line classes. It has them riled up the most. On-line classes don't have to meet the same standards as classroom classes and many prestigious colleges don't accept the credits or don't give them full credit for on-line courses. According to a student who spoke at the rally on the capitol steps today, the NCAA clearing house for athletes also doesn't accept on-line classes. While on-line classes serve their purpose, mandating them and not having a quality measure to ensure the type of content being offered is just one component of a poorly devised education plan by Mr. Luna.
He sent me an e-mail tonight... not to answer the 9 questions I posed to him of course, but to respond to an e-mail I had sent to a host of individuals regarding his common standards statement. He basically just said, "I wasn't taking credit. I know teachers wanted it too.... blah, blah, blah." Tell that to the press. Say something TRUE and NICE (gee, there's an unlikely couple) about teachers in the paper. Then to open the paper today and see that his office is getting a 12% increase to its budget while we are all getting..... not the projected 35 million cut to education.... but the now 50 million (could be higher) cut to education. How does that work? I guess the same way we get new laptops and on-line providers during all these cuts.
The speakers at the rally today were excellent. A mom talked about the Reading Initiative and how it contradicts the ISATs and what a waste it is. As an English teacher I have not received a dime or benefited from it in 13 years, but it was good to hear from a mom's perspective. As Rep. Sue Chew told me tonight as she met with me-- legislators won't listen to teachers-- only "regular" people. Not only have we lost all sense of professionalism associated with our occupation, we have been declassified from "regular people" to non-regular. I feel like Trotsky in the Russian Revolution when Stalin declared him a non-person. Government from the top down. I hate to see it. I wish communities and school boards would fight to have say in their own schools.
Had a nice elevator ride with another legislator today on my way to meet with Rep. Chew. It was far more productive. He actually wanted to hear what I had to say. He did not treat me as a non-person. In fact he appreciated my researched commentary and enlightened perspective. He too felt it was a machine gun approach to the problem. Here's the biggie.... the problem is not education.... IT'S THE BUDGET. Luna ran on the campaign platform of how well our schools were doing and then instead of trying to fix the budget, he wants to overhaul schools and teachers. What?! Give the districts their budget and let them decide how they will fund their own schools. It's called local control!
The Danielson Model is already in place for evaluations across the state and benchmarks to govern assessment and adequate growth are already in place as well. This reform proposal is nothing but an excuse to impose a hasty, devastating reform tactic during vulnerable times when budget cuts can masquerade as a need to take "drastic" measures. The budget should not drive education. Education should drive the budget because it affects every other aspects of our budget..... prisons, health and welfare, etc.
Credible research and speakers presented all the obvious errors and ramifications of Luna's plan tonight. I pray that our legislators were listening and that the patrons of this state were listening. There are so many ways and funds available to avoid these other approaches and they have been presented as well. This just proves what we already knew. Luna doesn't know what he's doing. Let's just hope our students don't have to pay for it!
He sent me an e-mail tonight... not to answer the 9 questions I posed to him of course, but to respond to an e-mail I had sent to a host of individuals regarding his common standards statement. He basically just said, "I wasn't taking credit. I know teachers wanted it too.... blah, blah, blah." Tell that to the press. Say something TRUE and NICE (gee, there's an unlikely couple) about teachers in the paper. Then to open the paper today and see that his office is getting a 12% increase to its budget while we are all getting..... not the projected 35 million cut to education.... but the now 50 million (could be higher) cut to education. How does that work? I guess the same way we get new laptops and on-line providers during all these cuts.
The speakers at the rally today were excellent. A mom talked about the Reading Initiative and how it contradicts the ISATs and what a waste it is. As an English teacher I have not received a dime or benefited from it in 13 years, but it was good to hear from a mom's perspective. As Rep. Sue Chew told me tonight as she met with me-- legislators won't listen to teachers-- only "regular" people. Not only have we lost all sense of professionalism associated with our occupation, we have been declassified from "regular people" to non-regular. I feel like Trotsky in the Russian Revolution when Stalin declared him a non-person. Government from the top down. I hate to see it. I wish communities and school boards would fight to have say in their own schools.
Had a nice elevator ride with another legislator today on my way to meet with Rep. Chew. It was far more productive. He actually wanted to hear what I had to say. He did not treat me as a non-person. In fact he appreciated my researched commentary and enlightened perspective. He too felt it was a machine gun approach to the problem. Here's the biggie.... the problem is not education.... IT'S THE BUDGET. Luna ran on the campaign platform of how well our schools were doing and then instead of trying to fix the budget, he wants to overhaul schools and teachers. What?! Give the districts their budget and let them decide how they will fund their own schools. It's called local control!
The Danielson Model is already in place for evaluations across the state and benchmarks to govern assessment and adequate growth are already in place as well. This reform proposal is nothing but an excuse to impose a hasty, devastating reform tactic during vulnerable times when budget cuts can masquerade as a need to take "drastic" measures. The budget should not drive education. Education should drive the budget because it affects every other aspects of our budget..... prisons, health and welfare, etc.
Credible research and speakers presented all the obvious errors and ramifications of Luna's plan tonight. I pray that our legislators were listening and that the patrons of this state were listening. There are so many ways and funds available to avoid these other approaches and they have been presented as well. This just proves what we already knew. Luna doesn't know what he's doing. Let's just hope our students don't have to pay for it!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The world finally stopped spinning!
Apologies for my extended absence. So much going on. Basketball is over for the younger teams (including mine). My best post and leading rebounder went down the game before the playoff game to put us into the championship game. Tore her ACL. Almost pulled it off without her, but she definitely left a hole at there. Lost by one point. Still..... a good season and good girls. One of my player's sisters was in her final stages of cancer throughout this season and she passed away yesterday. It has been a long week. Many ups and downs, but not as long as their week has been and I should remember that and be thankful.
I am thankful for my students and their demonstration speeches. I have seriously learned so much. Pygmy goats, lego sculptures, how to dissect cow eyeballs (almost had some heaving kids on that one), bull riding, horse grooming, many yummy cooking demonstrations, hair bows, miniature donkeys, kneeboarding, etc. In English we are almost done with Animal Farm and they really understand a lot about the Russian Revolution. They have been discussing the rioting in Egypt as well. The auditions have closed for my spring play and the cast has been assigned. Basketball is done. Just when I should be resting a bit..... I get fired up on the education reform issues.
Had the opportunity to speak before the editorial board today and took a colleague, my hubby, and four students along with me to participate as well. It was a packed room and I thought the kids nerves would get the best of them, but once they got going, I was so proud of how well they did. They represented their peers very well. You never know what they'll actually put in the paper the next day though, so we shall see. Meeting with a legislator for one-on-one breakfast Saturday morning to discuss more of the same, then skyping with another one in a few days. Plan to attend some rallies and set up some more appointments as well, but I have to take a break.
The daughter-in-law is giving a baby shower for the other daughter-in-law on Saturday, so I need to refocus here. Had a great family council last Sunday though and that has really inspired me to go after my goals this year. Oh... and I watched American Idol last night. Awesome! I'm deliriously tired. Need to go to bed.
I am thankful for my students and their demonstration speeches. I have seriously learned so much. Pygmy goats, lego sculptures, how to dissect cow eyeballs (almost had some heaving kids on that one), bull riding, horse grooming, many yummy cooking demonstrations, hair bows, miniature donkeys, kneeboarding, etc. In English we are almost done with Animal Farm and they really understand a lot about the Russian Revolution. They have been discussing the rioting in Egypt as well. The auditions have closed for my spring play and the cast has been assigned. Basketball is done. Just when I should be resting a bit..... I get fired up on the education reform issues.
Had the opportunity to speak before the editorial board today and took a colleague, my hubby, and four students along with me to participate as well. It was a packed room and I thought the kids nerves would get the best of them, but once they got going, I was so proud of how well they did. They represented their peers very well. You never know what they'll actually put in the paper the next day though, so we shall see. Meeting with a legislator for one-on-one breakfast Saturday morning to discuss more of the same, then skyping with another one in a few days. Plan to attend some rallies and set up some more appointments as well, but I have to take a break.
The daughter-in-law is giving a baby shower for the other daughter-in-law on Saturday, so I need to refocus here. Had a great family council last Sunday though and that has really inspired me to go after my goals this year. Oh... and I watched American Idol last night. Awesome! I'm deliriously tired. Need to go to bed.
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