Since learning that my school district would be pink slipping 1,000 employees, I've been pretty ticked off. And since learning that the number was jumping to some 1,100 employees INCLUDING ME!!!, I've been livid! I've been working on a letter in my head to the boneheads running this once great state of California, but all I can come up with is the following.
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger & Legislature of California,
You suck! Fix it!
Angrily yours,
Corinne S.
6-year teacher
I know it's not the most tactful letter, but I can't come up with anything else at the moment. I'm too angry. I'll continue to work on drafts. I encourage you (all 2 of my readers) to do the same.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, November 29, 2009
No one's looking!
I feel like a blinked a while back, and when my eyes opened everything had changed. When did we become so irresponsible? I have a really hard time struggling with the all too frequently accepted notion that if I don't get caught, then I didn't do anything wrong. I see it in my students, I see it at the store, on the road, and even in some friends and family. When will we realize that rules are there for a reason and that by not following them, someone is inevitably going to get hurt?
As Kindergarten as it sounds, rules are there to protect us. Laws, if followed, protect us. Yet while everyone knows this basic fact, people still take things that don't belong to them, speed, blow through red lights, and so much more. I guess if no one catches me doing these things, then I am off the hook. Or am I?
Eventually our deeds catch up to us. Eventually we do get caught. Some of us are lucky enough to be caught and given the consequence of a ticket, or a stern reprimand, or another consequence as the case permits, but others aren't so lucky. Other times people do get hurt, physically or emotionally, or worse. If everyone was ott looking out for Number 1 and started looking out for 2, 3, 4, and 5, we would not have to look out for Number 1 anymore. There would be a larger team doing that for us.
Doing the right thing, whether someone is looking or not is our responsibility. It's called integrity. And unfortunately, it's extremely lacking in our society. When will people start caring about others beyond themselves again? What is it going to take for all of us to be more caring and kind to one another? When will we realize the bigger picture and that we are not individually at the center of it? We're all in this together, as the saying goes. We need to look out for each other even if no one is looking at us.
Take care of each other this holiday season and try for beyond that.
As Kindergarten as it sounds, rules are there to protect us. Laws, if followed, protect us. Yet while everyone knows this basic fact, people still take things that don't belong to them, speed, blow through red lights, and so much more. I guess if no one catches me doing these things, then I am off the hook. Or am I?
Eventually our deeds catch up to us. Eventually we do get caught. Some of us are lucky enough to be caught and given the consequence of a ticket, or a stern reprimand, or another consequence as the case permits, but others aren't so lucky. Other times people do get hurt, physically or emotionally, or worse. If everyone was ott looking out for Number 1 and started looking out for 2, 3, 4, and 5, we would not have to look out for Number 1 anymore. There would be a larger team doing that for us.
Doing the right thing, whether someone is looking or not is our responsibility. It's called integrity. And unfortunately, it's extremely lacking in our society. When will people start caring about others beyond themselves again? What is it going to take for all of us to be more caring and kind to one another? When will we realize the bigger picture and that we are not individually at the center of it? We're all in this together, as the saying goes. We need to look out for each other even if no one is looking at us.
Take care of each other this holiday season and try for beyond that.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
So Thankful!
This Thanksgiving, I have A LOT to be thankful for. Here's my list in no particular order:
1. The most supportive, unfailingly loving parents anyone could ever wish to have
2. The most caring, giving, kind-hearted, loyal sister
3. The most understanding, loving, considerate, handsomest boyfriend who lets me be me and loves me unconditionally
4. A wonderful extended family.
5. The cutest dog ever
6. Not only having a job, but having a job I LOVE.
7. I am still here!
8. Holidays spent with family
9. The best set of colleagues whom I can call friends
10. I still have 3 out of 4 grandparents.
11. Second chances and new beginnings
12. A roof over my head
13. The internet
14. Reconnecting with long lost best friends
15. Money in the bank
16. Glee and Grey's
17. Eager and willing students
18. Newfound faith and God's grace
19. The Twilight Series
20. iPod and iPhone
21. Music and musical theatre
22. A happy childhood and a bright future
What are you thankful for? Whatever it is, I hope you reflect on and recognize all of the blessings in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
1. The most supportive, unfailingly loving parents anyone could ever wish to have
2. The most caring, giving, kind-hearted, loyal sister
3. The most understanding, loving, considerate, handsomest boyfriend who lets me be me and loves me unconditionally
4. A wonderful extended family.
5. The cutest dog ever
6. Not only having a job, but having a job I LOVE.
7. I am still here!
8. Holidays spent with family
9. The best set of colleagues whom I can call friends
10. I still have 3 out of 4 grandparents.
11. Second chances and new beginnings
12. A roof over my head
13. The internet
14. Reconnecting with long lost best friends
15. Money in the bank
16. Glee and Grey's
17. Eager and willing students
18. Newfound faith and God's grace
19. The Twilight Series
20. iPod and iPhone
21. Music and musical theatre
22. A happy childhood and a bright future
What are you thankful for? Whatever it is, I hope you reflect on and recognize all of the blessings in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Spare change
As I was finishing up at the gas station this morning a small woman in a motorized wheel chair, maybe early 40's, rolled up and very politely asked if I could spare any change. She said she had a very sick child with cancer and even a penny would be very much appreciated. Normally, I don't give money to people who approach me as I know many of them are living better off than I am, but sometimes there's something about a person that just let's you know that times are really hard and they really need some help.
I don't know if this woman was telling the truth. I gave her a dollar - it was all I had in my wallet. I know that for the person who really needs the money, it's got to be so very difficult to approach strangers for help. And for those that don't need it and are looking to scam others for an easy life, well that's on their heads. I can only do what I feel is right and show compassion. I have had my struggles and will continue to have challenges in my life as everyone does, but there are definitely people out there who are way worse off than I am.
I don't know if this woman was telling the truth. I gave her a dollar - it was all I had in my wallet. I know that for the person who really needs the money, it's got to be so very difficult to approach strangers for help. And for those that don't need it and are looking to scam others for an easy life, well that's on their heads. I can only do what I feel is right and show compassion. I have had my struggles and will continue to have challenges in my life as everyone does, but there are definitely people out there who are way worse off than I am.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
To flu shot? Or not to flu shot?
That is the question. Typically, I come down with a major cold or the flu every other year. Three years ago, I went in to get a flu shot. The line for the shot was so long, (and I'm a big needle chicken) that I opted for the nasal flu "shot". The nasal vaccine is actually made of the live flu virus, so chances of flu-like symptoms are much greater than if one gets the injection. Needless to say I got the flu, or rather the flu-like symptoms which were just as bad as the flu minus the fever. As a result, I haven't gotten a flu vaccine since.
This year, I am faced with a dilemma. Because of my car wreck late this summer, I have not been able to work and so have used up all of my sick days and then some. The other guy's insurance company has assured me that my sick days will be "paid back" and I will be compensated for lost wages, but the question is - When? I imagine a settlement is not going to happen in the immediate future since I am still seeing doctors and recovering so that leaves me with a huge problem. I am out of sick days. What happens if I get the flu and who pays for that time off? After all, I would have sick days if they hadn't been drained by someone else's careless actions. I try to be a proactive person whenever possible. Do I take my chances with the flu, with this being the "on" year where I usually get sick? Or do I get a flu vaccine? AND if I get vaccinated, which vaccine do I get? The regular flu vaccine? Or the Swine Flu vaccine? Both? TWO SHOTS??? That thought makes me want to jump out of my skin.
As a teacher, I am surrounded by grubby (and I use that term lovingly) adolescents all day long. They have grubby siblings with grubby friends and are germ incubators. Hand sanitizer can only do so much and though I know it's important to stay clean, I don't like rubbing chemicals all over my hands all day long. I already made a personal rule last year of no high fives or fist bumps with my students, which is too bad, because those are great ways to connect with kids. So, do I even have a choice?
It's pretty evident that I need to get a flu shot, so which do I get? Your thoughts? Do I get both? I can't afford to take any more time off, monetarily or at the expense of my students (though I have been very blessed to have amazing guest teachers).
This year, I am faced with a dilemma. Because of my car wreck late this summer, I have not been able to work and so have used up all of my sick days and then some. The other guy's insurance company has assured me that my sick days will be "paid back" and I will be compensated for lost wages, but the question is - When? I imagine a settlement is not going to happen in the immediate future since I am still seeing doctors and recovering so that leaves me with a huge problem. I am out of sick days. What happens if I get the flu and who pays for that time off? After all, I would have sick days if they hadn't been drained by someone else's careless actions. I try to be a proactive person whenever possible. Do I take my chances with the flu, with this being the "on" year where I usually get sick? Or do I get a flu vaccine? AND if I get vaccinated, which vaccine do I get? The regular flu vaccine? Or the Swine Flu vaccine? Both? TWO SHOTS??? That thought makes me want to jump out of my skin.
As a teacher, I am surrounded by grubby (and I use that term lovingly) adolescents all day long. They have grubby siblings with grubby friends and are germ incubators. Hand sanitizer can only do so much and though I know it's important to stay clean, I don't like rubbing chemicals all over my hands all day long. I already made a personal rule last year of no high fives or fist bumps with my students, which is too bad, because those are great ways to connect with kids. So, do I even have a choice?
It's pretty evident that I need to get a flu shot, so which do I get? Your thoughts? Do I get both? I can't afford to take any more time off, monetarily or at the expense of my students (though I have been very blessed to have amazing guest teachers).
A couple of things...
I love it when I find a gift card I forgot I had. I found an It's a Grind gift card in my purse a couple of weeks ago when I was cleaning it out. I assumed there was a buck or two left on it since it wasn't in any special place in my wallet. I usually keep things like loaded gift cards in a certain spot in my wallet. I walked into It's a Grind this afternoon, needing a little pick me up, and handed my gift card to the girl at the counter. I told her I wasn't sure what was on it so she said, "No problem," and swiped the card. After my purchase I had over $14 still on the card. Sweet! I have emergency It's a Grind $$$ when I get to go back to work.
Dr. Scholl is my feet's lifesaver! I bought a pair of cute black shoes that I can wear with slacks last week. Kyle and I had an event to attend Saturday night, so I thought that would be the perfect time to break them in. I figured this was a sit-down sort of deal so there wouldn't be a whole lot of walking. My flat feet don't handle new shoes very well the first time around, especially if they aren't sneakers. Well, let's just say there was A LOT more walking than had been anticipated and by the end of the evening, my feet were screaming at me. I was a little annoyed because I figured if my feet were this sore after one evening, there would be no way my feet would survive a day at work in these shoes. *sigh* So, today I went to Target and picked up some Dr. Scholl's gel inserts. "Aaahhhhhhh!" (Heavenly choir of angels singing) I could run around all day in these shoes now!
And now for something stupid:
I bought a curling iron today as well. The one I had been using kept shutting off on it's own. New curling irons usually come with warning tags that often say something to the effect of "Do not use while bathing." or "Do not use while sleeping." I was always amused by these warnings because someone (and it's usually more than just one person's stupidity to constitute a warning label) had to have done these things and gotten injured. My new iron had a new warning label which read "Caution: This product can burn eyes." ?????? Really?
Dr. Scholl is my feet's lifesaver! I bought a pair of cute black shoes that I can wear with slacks last week. Kyle and I had an event to attend Saturday night, so I thought that would be the perfect time to break them in. I figured this was a sit-down sort of deal so there wouldn't be a whole lot of walking. My flat feet don't handle new shoes very well the first time around, especially if they aren't sneakers. Well, let's just say there was A LOT more walking than had been anticipated and by the end of the evening, my feet were screaming at me. I was a little annoyed because I figured if my feet were this sore after one evening, there would be no way my feet would survive a day at work in these shoes. *sigh* So, today I went to Target and picked up some Dr. Scholl's gel inserts. "Aaahhhhhhh!" (Heavenly choir of angels singing) I could run around all day in these shoes now!
And now for something stupid:
I bought a curling iron today as well. The one I had been using kept shutting off on it's own. New curling irons usually come with warning tags that often say something to the effect of "Do not use while bathing." or "Do not use while sleeping." I was always amused by these warnings because someone (and it's usually more than just one person's stupidity to constitute a warning label) had to have done these things and gotten injured. My new iron had a new warning label which read "Caution: This product can burn eyes." ?????? Really?
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