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| So, as you may know, I had another cat living in the bushes outside my door. I am getting really frustrated with the people who do this to nice, friendly, indoor cats - abandoning them or "losing" them. Some people are so irresponsible. The latest was a long-hair, gray cat that seemed very loving. I know I shouldn't encourage the cats, but I couldn't help petting this wonderful cat a few weeks ago. Cut to this week: the cat has been living in my bushes since Thanksgiving. And the temperature has been getting lower and lower. My guilt over letting this fine creature suffer has been getting worse. (Seriously, it was in the bushes every time I left or came back to my apartment.) I had tried a few avenues to get the cat a home, but I finally resorted to telling my students about it yesterday. I feel thankful that one of my students said she would take it. So, yesterday, two of my students followed me home in order to get the cat and give it a loving home. Of course, it wasn't in the bushes when I got home. Sigh. Well, I kept the cat carrier they brought with them in order to transport said feline. I went out to run a few errands, and by the time I got home, the cat was back in its usual place. So, after some creative texting, I was able to contact the young woman who was willing to take the cat. As of 6:30 PM yesterday, the cat had a new home. The cat was more than willing to come out of the bushes to be petted and loved but was more than a little reluctant to get in the carrier, despite the best efforts of three of us. She (the cat) wasn't fighting or attacking us, but didn't find the carrier to be a friendly alternative. The poor thing had debris in her fur and smelled like cat pee. Ewwww. We finally managed to get it in the carrier, and she was spirited away to a new, warm home with food. The update I got today was that it was grateful and warmed to its new home so much that it ended up sleeping on the bed of my student. I hear that it will be facing a bath (or something like it) tonight. (Seriously, that poor cat smelled terrible.) I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped make this happen yesterday. It was a crazy undertaking, but I think it worked out for the best in the end. Now, what do I do to stop this parade of cats in my bushes? Any suggestions? I turned 39 yesterday. I guess saving the cat from freezing and starvation was a pretty good way to spend my birthday. I mean, what did you do on your birthday? And nope, I don't feel any older than I did the day before. Next year might be different (40!), but for now, I feel like a young, early thirty-something. Heh. You are only as old as you feel.... Not much else to report. I need to make the time to catch up with some friends I haven't seen in a awhile. Jeny. Jane. Roberta. Gwyn. Just to name a few. A special thanks goes out to Julie Brown for the birthday phone call yesterday (from California!). And to Roberta, who never forgets to send a card on special occasions!! Five school days until break. I can't wait to have some free time to read a few books and just relax. That's about it. Take care of yourselves and each other. Until next time... "I am a one way motorway.
I'm the one that drives away
Then follows you back home.
I am a street light shining.
I'm a wild light blinding bright,
burning off alone.
It's times like these you learn to live again.
It's times like these you give and give again.
It's times like these you learn to love again.
It's times like these, time and time again.
I am a new day rising.
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight.
I am a little divided.
Do I stay or run away
and leave it all behind?
It's times like these you learn to live again.
It's times like these you give and give again.
It's times like these you learn to love again.
It's times like these, time and time again." -Foo Fighters, Times Like These | | |
| What are you thankful for? It's a simple question, really. Yet it can be deceptively complex, depending on the context and the timing. I'm thankful for quite a few things right now, but I thought I'd pose the question to the rest of you, too. So, what are you thankful for right now? Here are a few of the things I'm thankful for right now (in no particular order): My family. (Funny side note: my 12 year old nephew has listed the 2010 Playboy Playmate Calendar as his number one Christmas gift. Really? At 12 shouldn't he be wanting a poster of a sports figure or maybe a pretty girl or something? I recommended a classic - the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Or even a classic Farrah Fawcett poster. Both were shot down - I don't think he appreciates my sense of humor the way he should. Don't worry, he won't be getting the calendar - from me or anyone else. I'm considering a disappointing, yet age appropriate alternative. Maybe a risque poster of the "women" of Sesame Street? Heh.) My friends. (You know who you are. Thanks for making me laugh, cry and appreciate all of the little things in life.) My co-workers. (Well, most of them - there are a few I'd rather not be associated with for personal reasons, but I really do like most of them, especially the ones in my department.) My students. (Despite it being cliche, they really do keep me feeling young and often inspire me to be a better person.) The voters of SWCS who helped pass Issue 47. (Seriously, it has made a huge difference at GCHS. Of course there are some kids who are bitter about losing out on fall sports and marching band, but for the most part, everyone is relieved and ready to move on. The canned food drive is coming soon and we are dedicated to making it a huge success. And the senior marketing class already did a drive for personal hygiene products for the local food bank. They brought in over 2000 items. We are determined to show the community that we do care and are committed to making a Grove City a great place to be.) Good books. (They help me to escape from the drudgery of everyday life.) Good music. (I'm thinking specifically of Brand New, Morrissey and classic U2. Nothing is better than playing some good music to change your mood.) My Fantasy Football Team. (I went from 7th place (out of 10), to 5th place, to 3rd place in three weeks. Now if only I can stay there until our playoffs start....) Frozen Pizza. (Specifically, DiGiorno's pepperoni and sausage rising crust and Red Baron's four cheese pizzas. They know why...) Okay, so those last couple aren't very serious. But they are things I enjoy.  One of the worst people in a position of power in the district is leaving. You have no idea how happy I am about this. I'm just hoping the district decides to leave her position unfilled. It should save the district around $150,000 in salary and benefits. I have another cat living in the bushes outside my door. It's a beautiful, long-hair, gray cat. Very friendly. It was obviously someone's pet. I feel terrible not doing something, but I just don't think I can take in a cat (allergies and everything). I am just frustrated and angered that people do this to loving, innocent pets. So, anyone want/need a cat? Book club is slowly deteriorating. We postponed last month's meeting by three weeks (and the person we postponed for still didn't finish the book - grrrr), and Randi is pretty serious about getting out. Kris and I want to continue, but we are completely frustrated by the rest of the group. We are the only two who have finished every book, whether we liked the choice or not. I've already told her that even if no one else wants to continue that we should still read books and meet. (Part of this is motivated by my fear that she will be leaving the district at the end of the year - it will give us a reason to get together and keep in touch.) Our current pick is The Girl Who Played With Fire, a follow up to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I liked the first one, so I'm looking forward to the sequel. I'll keep you posted on whether or not book club continues, or whether it dies. I put up the Christmas tree today. My family never really shopped on Black Friday, but we had our own traditions, this being one of them. Seems hard to believe that it's that time again. Where does the time go? Speaking of time passing quickly, I'm turning 39 in less than two weeks. Sigh. Now that's really hard to believe... Alright, I guess that's enough. Take care of yourselves and each other. Until next time.... "Love rescue me,
Come forth and speak to me.
Raise me up and don't let me fall.
No man is my enemy.
My own hands imprison me.
Love rescue me.
Many strangers have I met
On the road to my regret.
Many lost who seek to find themselves in me.
They ask me to reveal
The very thoughts they would conceal.
Love rescue me." - Love Rescue Me, U2 (from the outstanding classic Rattle and Hum) | | |
| Issue 47 passed. Barely. On Tuesday night, around 11:45 P.M. it was confirmed that Issue 47 passed with 50.6% of the vote. There are still provisional ballots and the late absentees to count, but it is pretty well confirmed that Issue 47 has been successful. (Last time the late votes and provisionals gained us 100 or so votes, and we are up by 450 votes right now.) I attended my first Student Council meeting Wednesday afternoon. It was weird, but in a good way. Issue 47 restored bussing and extracurriculars to SWCS. (Busing starts November 30, according to DSC.) I am relieved and excited. I expect salary freezes at least for the next year and possibly beyond, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm just happy that the current seniors have something to look forward to. And with pay-to-play (including a $20 fee a year for activities like SC), I'm hoping we will not be in the same position for at least 4 years. It would be especially helpful if the current levy lasted at least 5 years. No, I don't want to take a pay cut, but I am willing to freeze my pay for awhile. I am anxious to see what the new school board has in mind. So, yes Tim, all of the great stuff that made GCHS worth attending has been restored. For now. In my professional opinion, it is time for all of us to rise up and demand that the State of Ohio make the change to a fair and equitable funding solution for Ohio schools. Thank you to all of you who voted "for" Issue 47. It is greatly appreciated!! The SC has decided that our annual canned food drive in December will be the most successful ever. We are determined to show the GC community that we appreciate their support. Again, thank you!! Until next time. Take care of yourselves and each other! "And I wonder if everything could ever feel this real forever?
If anything could ever be this good again?
The only thing I'll ever ask of you,
You've got to promise not to stop when I say...when." - Everlong, Foo Fighters | | |
| I didn't intend to wait this long to file another report from the front lines, but, as usual, things have a way of just happening. So, here's what I've been up to recently... Issue 47 is just a few days away. Issue 47 is the SWCS's fourth attempt in the last year to get a levy passed. They reduced the milage a little and made the levy permanent instead of just for four years. If you don't know why this is important to me and the 21,000 students in the district, then there's probably not a lot I can say at this point to make you understand. But it is important, so I'll try. If Issue 47 doesn't pass, then there will continue to be no extracurriculars and no sports. Bussing will stay at minimums, including no bussing to the high schools. In addition, the district faces an $8 million budget gap for next year. The following year, another $17 million will have to be cut. Heck, even with the passage of Issue 47, the district has pledged to make the levy last four years, which will require an additional $15 million in cuts over those four years. Already, there are decisions taking place that will help that along. Recently, all three unions agreed to a restructuring of our health insurance, which will result in about $2.5 million in savings for the district. The three unions also have agreed to pay freezes for this year, and I can see that happening again for next year. The teachers and other staff members are doing their best to help out, and we hope it will be enough to convince some members of the community to vote for the levy this time. There's a lot of positive energy out there right now, and, by my estimation, I figure the levy has about the same chances of passing this time as it did the last time, only maybe a little better. (The August levy failed by just 400 or so votes.) I think the bussing issue may have tipped some in our favor, along with the reduced milage. I think pay-to-play may also put a few more in our corner. It will all come down to the number of voters who turn out on Tuesday. I anticipate numbers similar to the August election, and I think that falls in our favor. Maybe. Who really knows? I keep hearing doom and gloom from people in the community, but I don't subscribe to that negative talk. I can't. If I allow myself to believe that this levy will fail, then I lose myself. It's that simple. If it doesn't pass, then I'll deal with it. I just can't be that person right now. I go to school every day with a positive attitude so I can be the best English teacher my students could ask for. And for the most part, the kids are staying upbeat too, despite the crappy hand they have been dealt. Sure, they miss football Friday nights, band, and so much more, but in class, they are just like every other group I've taught, if not better. No matter what happens Tuesday, they kids will be alright. It's the community I'm worried about. For SWCS's school board, we have eight candidates. Four are for the levy, and four are against it. I'll be casting votes for Cathy Johnson and Karen Dover. My last vote is still up in the air. I don't know if it will be Ed Palmer or Greg McCarty. Or maybe I'll only vote for two. We will see on Tuesday. I was one of five staff members who chose to chaperone the fall dance put on by the "student alliance" and the PTA. It cost me. Two of my good friends accused me of supporting something that I shouldn't have, and said some hurtful things. (My relationship with both of them has remained okay since the dance, but I have no way of knowing what they really feel about me since the dance.) I understand their frustrations and hope they understand why I chose to chaperone the dance. How could I face those Student Council kids next week if I didn't support them and the levy passes? I was afraid they would see me as someone who was only interested in money and not them. And the kids did a great job. Sure, there were some hiccups in the process, but it was still a success, and I'm proud of them. And it was a learning experience for the "student alliance." They heard the same complaints that I do every year. My only problem with the dance? They spent almost $1000 on a DJ that they thought would be better than anything the Student Council has ever been able to produce. My observation? The DJ played the same music we do and had even less lights/effects than we usually do. Part of me saw this as a victory. Okay, enough about school... Modern Family is a great new show from ABC that deserves your support. It's funny and has a heart at the same time. I'm also impressed with The Middle and Cougar Town. The Middle is especially hilarious. The little kid, Brick, is one of the funniest characters on TV. If you aren't watching these shows, you need to. I also recommend The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Community, Parks and Rec, and 30 Rock. All are great, funny shows. And, of course, there is the animation block on Sundays from FOX. Justin has been coming over on Wednesdays to watch the ABC comedies with me. It's a great time and helps us pass the days until Lost returns early next year. Now there's some good television... The new Brand New disc, Daisy, has continued to perplex me. Some of the songs are great, and some are....well, you know. It won't gain them any new fans, but it is solid. I'm also enjoying the Kings of Leon's newest. I literally had "Sex on Fire" going through my brain all day the other day. I know Alex doesn't like them, but damn, that song is catchy. Book club is currently reading Shadows of the Wind. It's alright, but it takes some time to get through. It is supposed to be a mystery, but so far the revelations have been coming at a snail's pace. Meh. Well, I guess that's about it. If you are so inclined, please vote for Issue 47, and if you can't vote for it, then please keep us in your prayers. We could use them. Take care of yourselves and each other. Until next time... | | |
| Today, I feel tremendously blessed. I was reminded that I have wonderful, caring co-workers. Sure, I already knew that, but today they proved it. As usual for Fridays, I went out to lunch with Marilyn, Randi and Marilyn's student observer, Dave. We went to Five Guys. (Which, by the way, has delicious burgers and fries - I highly recommend it!) I drove. We had a great lunch, but when we got back in the car to return to school, my car wouldn't start. While Marilyn "reminded" us that it was a laughable incident (we hadn't checked out with the admin), I was, of course, mortified. It seems my 12 1/2 year old car battery just wasn't up to the task. So I would like to publicly thank Kevin for picking us up and taking us back to school. Emily for arranging coverage of our classes until we could get back to school. Marilyn for covering my 8th period class so I could get back over to Five Guys to meet the AAA guy. Kris for allowing me to use her car/behemoth to get over to Five Guys and back to school. Angie for watching 90(!) kids until Marilyn, Randi and I could get back to school. And Kevin and Randi for dropping me back at my car after school. As the only single person in the dept., it is nice to know that I have friends who are willing to go the extra mile to help me out. Yes, I have family in the GC area, but not needing to depend on just them was a wonderful feeling. The AAA guy was also extremely nice, and his wife works for SWCS as a school nurse. I discovered, to my astonishment, that most car batteries last just 4-5 years. Mine held out for 12 1/2. I really can't complain. So, I have a new car battery, and I'm $125 poorer. It was well worth the price. I've been advising Student Council behind the scenes for the last few weeks. Part of me misses the whole thing (including the stress of Homecoming), and part of me is glad to have the break this year. It makes me feel very guilty, knowing what these kids are missing out on. I'm really hoping the levy in November passes so I can get back to normal. Whatever that is... Student Council took home 3rd place in the Red Cross Blood Sharing Challenge Luncheon today (for the "big" high school division). That's a drop from the previous years of 2nd place, but I'm still very pleased. With around 300 units collected, we have the potential of saving around 900 lives. That's pretty damn impressive. GCHS was featured as the "Cool School" of the week for central Ohio on Fox 28 today. We won last fall, too, making us the first school to repeat. A lot of the kids asked what we had to be cool about this year without sports and extracurriculars. I asked myself the same question, but it's clear that we are persevering, despite the deck that is stacked against us. I downloaded the new Brand New CD (Daisy) from iTunes this week. I like a few of the songs. Some others...well, it is a bit of a departure from their previous stuff. A few more listens should clear things up for me. The new TV season has finally started. Heroes was better - more down to Earth. Big Bang Theory was great, as was The Office. Community looks good, as does Modern Family. We will see if they can keep it up. The Simpsons and Family Guy start this weekend. Can't wait to see what they have in store for us. I guess that's about it. I'm reading Dan Brown's newest right now. The Lost Symbol is not nearly as good as The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, but its still a decent read. Take care of yourselves and each other... Until next time... "We never are what we intend, or invent." -Brand New, At the Bottom | | |
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