Miscellaneous Missives

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It was also a baptism service for a baby at church based on the story book On the Day You were Born by Debra Frasier. It reminded me of the wonders of our world and its people. We are truly one. I found it fitting: the beginning of Advent, the first measurable snow, and a baptism. The innocence of a baby and the whiteness of the snow as we embark into the season of Advent. Instead of being overtaken by the commercialism of the season, I will remember the "reason for the season."

Although I may be jealous because my "clubbing" days are over, I am wondering about the company of some professional athletes. The latest is Plaxico Burress who was "accidentally" shot in the leg. Admittedly it's been awhile since I've been in a club. I, however, never remember gun fire when I was in a club, and I don't think it's merely because I had too much to drink. With the violence in Mumbai, I find the thugs in America alarming. Maybe they need to find something else to prove. As for Burress and the numerous others, if they are in danger of gunfire because of the millions they earn each year playing football, maybe they should find a charity or help the government with their funds.

As I've posted in recent years, Black Friday is also known to some as Buy Nothing Day. Today Treehugger.com showed a cartoon that put the day in perspective. Financially our country is struggling. People are worried about their jobs and homes. We need a stable economy. IMHO buying or not buying today (one day) will not make a difference in the "larger picture." Today I went ran errands which included a trip to Home Depot and Target. I was pleasantly surprised with the lack of crowds although crazy people had carts of poinsettias at Home Depot (99 cents each-- limit 10-- insane!). The self checkout line is definitely my friend at Home Depot. Target was equally calm as I shopped for basics such as tissue and toothpaste. As for Christmas shopping, I believe Black Friday is a bit too early. Maybe I need more time to put some thought into my gifts...

Yesterday I watched a news clip of Obama at an elementary school. He had been helping at food shelf and saw elementary kids looking and waving at him from a nearby school. Although the Secret Service had to scurry, he went to see the kids. The sounds of their screaming was engaging. Today in his weekly address he spoke of our country. My favorite section thanks the parents that read an extra hour to their children. "I have seen this strength firsthand over many months – in workers who are ready to power new industries, and farmers and scientists who can tap new sources of energy; in teachers who stay late after school, and parents who put in that extra hour reading to their kids; in young Americans enlisting in a time of war, seniors who volunteer their time, and service programs that bring hope to the hopeless." Recently a friend sent an e-mail about Obama's ability to speak using complete sentences. It will be refreshing to have an intelligent President in the Wh...

i thank you by e.e. cummings i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today, and this is the sun's birthday; this is the birth day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay great happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any--lifted from the no of all nothing--human merely being doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened) I must admit that I took this poem from a blog I read this morning. It reminds me to be grounded in the day. Each day is a new day (sun's birthday) full of blessings if I take time to look and breathe. Take the time today to look, breathe, and give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!

This year at school I am co-chair on a Positive Behavior Interventions System (PBIS) committee. It seems I've had more complaints since this started instead of less. Although I admit I do love to know what people are thinking, it seems the same people always complain the loudest. Of course I'm not opposed to complaining, but I typically take it straight to administration (or to my problem). One thing the committee is trying to do is acknowledge the staff with quick ten minute celebratory meetings with treats. This should not insight complaining. It seems the toughest part of this is finding an acceptable date. This morning as I had only recently arrived at school, a fellow colleague stopped to complain about the next chosen date. He complained about his hectic schedule and his inability to make the meeting (ten minutes during contract time... celebratory!). This continued for awhile including how it was about him (and his incredibly busy schedule) until he finished with...

...and the truth is I'm an idiot when it comes to my finances. My Dad tried to teach me better. Did I tell you the story about when I threw a twenty dollar bill in the garbage? As I was having a difficult time sleeping tonight, I questioned my Whole Foods bill. Tonight I went to pick up the turkey I had reserved. Overwhelmed by the 13 pound bird, I opted for a six pound turkey breast. When I talked to the meat guy on Saturday, he recommended the $1.57/pound bird, but tonight it seemed way too much bird. Since it was the smallest they had, I put it back and picked up the turkey breast. I would love to say my headache caused the temporary insanity, but honestly I don't necessarily always make the best financial decisions. Of course I didn't look at the price of the turkey breast. It was smaller and therefore less expensive. Wrong! The total price of the turkey I returned would have been $20. The price of my turkey breast was $35. Of course it's too late to ret...