Miscellaneous Missives

It seems George and Dick won't be in town on Monday for the beginning of the RNC. Is this a bad thing for McCain? I would think having George and Dick stay away could only be helpful especially with the Republicans new "token female" which might end up biting them in the butt. Maybe they should have found a qualified female who actually knew what the job of VP would entail, but I digress. Actually even McCain might not be here on Monday. In his own words he mentioned "taking off the Republican hat and putting on the American hat." Really? Maybe I'm merely too liberal, but I kind of think the Republican hat should be the same as the American hat. Is this oversimplifying or is this the main problem with the Republican party? At least the Republicans figured out that a hurricane hitting a major city, even if it is filled with poverty, is a bad thing. As Tom Brokaw (closet Republican) said, "They couldn't afford two in a row." Besides th...

This morning I awoke to a teacher dream. Actually I awoke, went back to sleep, had the dream, and awoke again. This year we have a new dean of students at our school, and I am excited because I think he will play a key role in the changes announced at our middle school. After my dream this morning, I hope the changes aren't too drastic. I was in my classroom the first day of school and a former female student came to get a pencil. As I was giving her the pencil I realized I was still in my pajamas (gee the very same pjs I was sleeping in). Since they were pink and skimpy, I knew I had to go change. Students started entering my room, but luckily no one seemed to notice my attire. Approaching the bathroom, I realized the only open stall was last stall, so I entered and started changing my clothes. Panic set in as I only had t-shirts and shorts. As fate would have it, I did have a BAA (Bloomington Athletic Association... who knew) shirt in my bag. While I was changing, the n...

Barack Obama's acceptance speech was seen by more people in the United States than watched the opening of the Olympics. Obama's powerful message of hope was supported with concrete ideas and ambitions. History will be made when Obama becomes President. Today the Republicans fought back. Their VP candidate today mentioned Hillary's glass ceiling comments. Why do the Republicans act like McCain having a female running mate is history? In 1984 the Democrats had a female running as VP. Does McSame really think this is a way to get the Hillary Vote? Did he not watch any of the Democratic National Convention?

This week I have spent my evenings watching the Democratic National Convention. I feel emotional as history is made. Honestly I feel a bit overwhelmed by the speeches that have been made this week. When Edward Kennedy took the stage at the beginning of the week, it started nights of teary eyes. His strength showed on stage while the love and support of his family was evident. Hillary proved graceful, funny and inspirational as she supported Barack Obama. President Clinton surprised me with his overwhelming support for Barack. As I have probably stated before Joe Biden probably wouldn't have been my fist pick for VP, but he came across strong. He balanced the "ticket." Tonight I await Obama's speech knowing once again tears will come to my eyes. Maybe it's because I've followed this election since I saw the candidates in Iowa and was able to personally talk to Barack Obama, but I think it is more the spirit of hope.

I was late to my dentist appointment today mainly because I played a couple moves on Scrabble instead of leaving on time. When I left home I didn't take a book because I figured I wouldn't need to wait since I was late. The opposite was true, so I perused the periodicals. After waiting for a rather long time, I finally went to see the dental hygienist. When she was done, I had another loooooonnnggg wait for the dentist. This time I only had my phone to occupy myself... well, nothing but my cell phone. Instead of spending my time reading a book, I took a picture of the dental instruments and sent texts to some friends... What's wrong with me?

Workshop week is a week of meetings and time to work in the classroom. Today I worked in my classroom along side a high school student . Maybe it's because I tend to throw things in drawers and cupboards at the end of the year, but the first day working in my room is always a bit overwhelming. P was taking care of the bulletin boards, posters, and labeling books while I was putting away school supplies and cleaning out drawers and cupboards. When I left to my afternoon meeting, I felt calm knowing P was still working, and the major "room stuff" would be done when I returned. It's not only the room preparation that is stressful these days in education. Knowing our students didn't make AYP (adequate yearly progress) is also a cause for stress. I think it is especially overwhelming for math, reading, and language arts teachers. Today our principal took some of that pressure away as he expressed his belief that it is a school wide effort to continue to work with...

After a day of meetings, including a "working lunch," I decided to indulge. My options were wine or Sebastian Joe's, and I chose Sebastian Joe's (pistachio ice cream). While I was waiting for my ice cream. Two employees (one male and one female) had the following conversation. M- I wonder what I should wear my first day of school. F- Oh, I'll help you pick out an outfit. M- I think I'll just wear a t-shirt and jeans. F- No, you want to play your cards right. M- T-shirt and jeans, I don't want to show my hand. At this point, I couldn't keep my big mouth shut. Me- Yeah but if you don't show any cards you can't play. M- Aaah, she has a good point. Maybe you can help pick out my outfit. Honestly, the young man was good looking and would do fine in a t-shirt and jeans, but I felt the need to add to the conversation.