Invisible But Not Silent

Testing

2009-06-19T00:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.freefoto.com/images/05/08/05_08_5---Cross-on-a-Hill_web.jpg

This is test number three

2009-06-19T00:28:00.001-07:00

I have tried three various ways to post to my blog via my iPhone. Texting will be expensive and going to the actual web page can be a pain. I am using Blogging Lite, a free app I found in the app store. It seems to work okay so far.
I haven't posted since February 3, 2009. I have no excuses. I just didn't want to. Laziness in it's purest form ladies and gentlemen. Pure laziness.

2009-06-19T00:22:00.001-07:00

This is a test.

Do I Hafta Do Dis?

2009-02-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

As a teacher, you are responsible for a lot of things.Besides molding and shaping the minds of the next generation,we are given the high honor of watching kids while they take the life or death exit exams.
I don't like proctoring tests. I despise doing it. Why?
Some of my kids HATE taking these things. And they will sabotage the best laid plans. Most of them actually try, but the few that don't can make my life a living hell.
Talking when they shouldn't, making all types of noises, whinning (the one thing I despise the most). It drives me insane! Then there are those who expect you to help them and get a serious attitude when you don't.

I'll be honest. I take a peek at some of the essays kids write. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. The poor spelling, non existent punctuation, run-on sentence, and off topic paragraphs abound. And don't get me started on the math portion. Nothing else in the world makes me feel like a huge failure as a teacher than looking at some of the math responses.

But these are required tests, no way of escaping it. If my kids want a diploma, and they all do, they have to pass this test.
Hopefully we will all survive.

For a great laugh, check out "Zero Out of Five", a blog about witty, creative, and sometimes disturbing responses from students who obviously didn't study for the test.

Something interesting I heard...

2009-02-02T21:59:00.001-08:00

I listen to Christian radio (talk radio) everyday. I really appreciate the shows (well, most of them). I like Jim Burns "Homeword", The World Vision Report, "Adventures in Odessey", "Unshackled", Truth for Life with Alister Begg, New Beginning with Greg Laurie and a host of others.
I heard someone make an insightful remark (insightful to me) on marriage. I don't remember who said it, but it made me think about what I want bring into a marriage. As a never married woman in her mid thirties, I have shifted my thinking from what I want FROM a mate to what assets I can bring to a marriage (besides a lot of emotional baggage and personality quirks).
The speaker said marriage should be fun, safe, satisfying,and secure. I want all of that.
Who doesn't want that. Then it hit me. I don't have to wait to be married to experience that in a relationship. I can have that right now, everyday with Jesus!
I was excited to realize that I can have that type of relationship with God. I can have fun with God, laugh with him over the everyday things we humans encounter. I can feel safe because God is in control no matter what. I can be satisfied in my relationship with Jesus because He is more than enough. I can be secure because "nothing can separate me from the love of God" and "all things work together for the good of them who love God are called according to HIS purpose".
I feel better already!
Low battery on the iphone. Time to chaaaaaarge!

This Facebook Thing

2009-02-02T16:12:00.001-08:00

I jumped on the Facebook bandwagon. I actually had an account, but never used it. When I discovered my 60 something uncle had an account, I knew I had to get on the ball.
I'll be honest....there weren't many people I wanted to keep up with from my past. No high school buddies, no old boyfriends... no arch enemies.
I looked up a few friends from church who had moved away. We reconnected and it's great. But there is one person who blessed my socks off.
I went to a private, parochial school for my early elementary years. At the end of my 5th grade year, the school had to close. There was one particular girl who was a really good friend. She was quiet (like me--yes I was quiet! No comments from the peanut gallery). She was funny, and her dad did the same type of work my dad did (electrician). I looked up her name and found her! It was good to hear from her after all these years.
When I head down to my dad's house, I will definitely look her up. I can't wait to show
my daughter our year book. She'll get a kick out of that.
That was the high point of my day.

This is from my iPhone y'all

2009-02-01T23:03:00.001-08:00

I am the worst blogger. I am lazy. I read blogs every day. Lots of blogs. I started my own blog with dreams of witty, insightful posts that hundreds, maybe thousands of people would read daily. In reality, I am not that witty and I remembered how much I don't like to write.

I have to go to face my "lovely" students tomorrow. I'll be honest...I've been seriously considering leaving the classroom. I am fed up with the "bureacracy" of public education. I am a mid-career teacher and I am tired of the fads in education. In order to keep my job, I need more kids in my classroom. At-risk students don't do well in larger classrooms. Small classes are necessary for their success.
So what does admin do? Add more kids of course. And the caliber of kids? Why the most troubled of course! And these kids are ALL over the charts academically. All in one room, just like the Little Red Schoolhouse. But add in teen parents, drug addiction, violence, and parental apathy and that will give you a better idea of what I deal with.
No more teaching for me. You can't teach in those circumstances Just straight babysitting. I am a highly paid babysitter, but a babysitter nonetheless.

I need to exercise more. Get off my tushka. Maybe I'll meet a decent man at the gym.

Readers are leaders....I love to read, but being in charge...not so much

The following needs to be done on my car:
The oil needs to be changed
The air needs to be checked in the tires
I need either a) a new belt for the power steering or b) a power steering pump
I need my horn fixed (I haven't had a horn for almost 2 years).
I need the automatic seat belt on the drivers side fixed.

Okay, that's all. I am going to bed. More ranting later.

Happy New Year

2008-12-30T21:37:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone and Happy New Year.
Tomorrow is the last day in the year 2008. It came very quickly. I blinked and June 2008 was here. I blinked again and December 2008 is here.
God has been very faithful to me over the past year. I don't have any "great" things to report about this year. I am thankful that I don't have any "horrible" things to report either.
I don't have any great words of wisdom, no cute saying to bring in the New Year.
I don't have any great New Years resolutions. Maybe I should...

If any of you would like to share some resolutions, lessons learned in 2008, or you just want to say "hi', please feel free to do so.

Oh, by the way...I got a "shout out" from one of my favorite makeup blogs...please show some love to the Product Junkie Diva and subscribe to her blog. You'll learn a lot...

My Favorite Makeup Blogs

2008-12-22T23:21:00.000-08:00

I put together a video for You Tube that highlights my favorite makeup blogs.
I plan on putting one together highlighting my favorite education blog sites. Hopefully that will get done before my vacation is over.
For those of you who don't know...I don't own a video camera. That is why I only have THREE Youtube videos on my channel. And I have four subscribers!!!! I have no idea why,but they are there...
Thank you to all of these great ladies for taking the time to share their expertise with the rest of world. I have learned so much from them with their product reviews and makeup application tips.
When I grow up, I wanna put makeup on just like them...

A Day Off...and Liking It

2008-12-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

My dear daughter is sick, so I stayed home with her. She slept most of the afternoon (poor kid) and is watching YouTube videos on my iPhone now.
I have sat in front of this computer most of the afternoon, checking out blogs and such.
Quiet day here on the home front.

I have come across quite a few blogs written by black women regarding interracial relationships, particularly with white men. These blogs encourage black women to open their prospects for romantic relationships with all men, not just black men.
For the record, I have dated "non-black" men. I didn't really think too much of it. I have a young cousin who has married a white man. He treats her very well (as far as I know...shoot he bought her a BRAND NEW CAR because he "felt she deserved it"...whateva!). I am truly happy for her.
I know many interracial couples. Solid marriages and great kids....isn't that what we all want out of life?
Would I consider entering a relationship with someone who is not black? Sure, but it would not be for the novelty of dating someone outside my race, but because we have a lot in common and he is a great guy.
So that has been established...what next? LOL

It Has Been One Month...

2008-12-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

I enjoy reading blogs way more than I enjoy creating posts on my own blog.
I guess I feel like I don't have anything important or worthwhile to say.

Things are going well on the homefront...

Daughter has cold. Daughter hates being sick. Daughter is VERY grouchy when sick because she doesn't get sick a lot.
Daughter went to school Monday, hung in there. Mom thought she would last all day Tuesday. Mom was wrong... (poor kid). She tried.
Daughter and mom staying home tomorrow.

Thanksgiving went well. Dad and Step Mom are still in the land of the living.
Christmas should be interesting this year...more on that later.

Job is still...a job. The kids I teach are really acting wacko lately. The holidays bring that out in them. This is the first year I have really worked with some extremely disturbed kids...really, no joking.
Some of these kids are really messed up emotionally and mentally. Sheesh!

On a different note...I update the blogs I read on the regular and I have noticed I have more makeup blogs and teaching blogs now. Less political ones (thank goodness).
I decided that if I am going to spend my time reading blogs, why not read something that will help me professionally and personally.
It is nice to know that in regards to teaching, "I am not the only one out there who goes through...."

That is all...

Just A Thought I Had...

2008-11-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

In the immediate days following the election I have seen numerous articles stating that for the first time, blacks (and other minorities) feel they can truly be anything they dream of. With the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of the United States, the hopes and aspirations of black people all over the world have risen to new heights.

As I read these articles, something in my spirit was not settled. Why would people feel they could not achieve their goals? Did people really believe that through their hard work and sacrifice they could not become someone that could make a difference in this world? In spite of racism, sexism, class wars, poverty and sheer ignorance, I believe it is possible. Why do I believe? Not because Barack Obama was elected president (and I am not disrespecting the man and his hard work). I believe because the Bible says in Mark 10:27 that "all things are possible with God".

Why all of a sudden do people increase their faith because a black man was elected president of the United States? Why do people all of sudden have "new hope" in the future because their candidate won? The scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 comes to mind. We that call ourselves Christians better be extremely careful who we put our trust in. I get the feeling that a large number of people have put their faith into a political ideology rather than the Creator of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Savior of our souls.

Are we going to teach our children the truth of God's Word, or live our lives based on the "truth" of this world? The scripture in Mark 7:13 says, "Thus you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Are we nullifying the Word of God when we tell kids that since America has elected a black president, they can FINALLY be whatever they want? Let's be honest....the man hasn't been sworn in yet, and when he is, he has a looooooooooooong road ahead of him in terms of national and international issues. He is still HUMAN; he will make mistakes. He cannot predict the future. He cannot cause nations to rise and fall.
He will not bring lasting, inner peace and satisfaction to anyone. How quickly we have turned from the One who can do all these things and so much more than we can imagine.

I told my daughter last night that you can achieve anything that God has called you to succeed in. No matter what the world may say, what man (or woman) may tell you. If God has ordained it, IT WILL COME TO PASS. If you are waiting for "someone else" to break through and pave the road for you to fulfill your destiny, wait no longer. Someone has done that already. His name is NOT Barack Obama. It is Jesus!

My Reaction To The Election (National, State, and Local)

2008-11-05T19:45:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama.
Brotha, you have a loooooooooong haul ahead of you.

To all those who voted for Barack Obama, keep up the momentum. Stay involved, participate in this great social experiment known as representative democracy. Barack Obama didn't get elected on his own sheer willpower. People helped him get there. Now that you have proven that anyone can attain the highest office in America, turn your attention to your city, county and state governments. There is STILL such a thing as state's rights.

If your candidate(s) lost (or didn't get a fair shake at being heard...can someone say third party candidate???)...Stay involved, participate in this great social experiment known as representative democracy. There are winners and losers in every competition. Don't allow yourselves to disappear into the shadows. There is STILL such a thing as state's rights.

I find it interesting that the large black voter turnout is being attributed to helping defeat Proposition 8 in California. Exit polls show that a large majority of black voters voted in favor of Prop. 8, which places an amendment on the state constitution prohibiting same sex marriages. Lots of money was spent by both sides. I guess black folks are more socially conservative than many pundits guessed.

As of last night, chickens in the state of California now have to live in roomy cages and have the freedom to roam around most of the day. My sister suggested we buy a deep freezer and hoard as much chicken as possible before the price goes up. I can see it now...runs on the stores for chicken thighs. Think my idea is ridiculous? Well, remember a few months ago when grain prices skyrocketed and people were making runs on the stores for rice? Yeah, that happened...

Minors still have to obtain parental permission to get tattoos, ear and body piercings,
Tylenol at school, ride schools buses on field trips and a myriad of other things, BUT they still don't need to inform their parent/guardian they are going to have an abortion.
But you know what I think most ironic? If there are complications resulting from the "procedure", guess who is legally liable to pay for the medical care to correct the problem? Yes ladies and gentlemen, the same parents who DON'T have to be notified. If I were a parent in that situation, I would have the hospital send the bill directly to Planned Parenthood...

There were no major ballot initiatives facing my county or city. Our mayor was re-elected to another term. I am satisfied with his leadership thus far.
Our city council was changed a little bit. It will be interesting to see how the whole slow growth versus no-growth thing goes.

I am ecstatic the election is over. Two things I did as a result of the outcome:

I am stashing money in savings accounts like crazy. I immediately increased the automatic deposit amounts for my daughter's 529 plan, my monthly "rainy day" fund, and my Christmas/Vacation fund accounts. I have a feeling I am going to need as much cash as possible over the next four years. I am so glad I cut up the credit cards....

I have re-acquainted myself with basic high school civics curriculum. I had to re-check some stuff because I had the unfortunate pleasure of speaking to ignorant people today. I am not the smartest person on the planet, however I DID pay attention in 12th grade civics...Not everyone did, I have come to find out that hard way.

Them: Now that Obama is president, he can kick out those stupid Supreme Court justices and put his own people there.

Me: Umm...Supreme Court justices are appointed for life. That means they have to retire, be removed through the impeachment process, or DIE.

Them: No, they don't. When there is a new president, he gets to bring in all the people he wants. He gets rid of all the people from the previous president.

Me: That's right, for a lot of positions. But Supreme Court justices aren't in that category.

Them: You'll see...Obama is going to get rid of all those stupid Bush people....

Why, O Lord, must I suffer....

There Are A Lot of People Out There!

2008-10-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I will stop by my blog and "clean it up" a bit. Make sure links are the most up-to-date, delete links to sites that haven't been updated in a long time...stuff like that.
I have a hard time keeping up with all the new features Blogger creates (seemingly on a daily basis). You can "follow" fellow bloggers and add links into your titles. Wow!

There are a lot of people out there, sharing their thoughts, likes and dislikes with the world. I never knew there were so many black women into makeup like I am! Some people manage more than one blog. I have a hard enough time managing just the one I do have!

The world is truly becoming a smaller place. You no longer have to wonder "Am I the ONLY one who thinks/feels/acts this way?" A couple of clicks will put you into contact with like minded people.

But are we more or less connected. I am a subscriber to the bi-monthly Discipleship Journal magazine. I received my latest issue (my last if I don't remember to renew LOL) yesterday. The lead article reminds people that we must make an effort to become and remain connected in our relationships with others and, most importantly, with Christ. A timely message for someone like me who is a natural loner.
I have to force myself at times to engage others on a deeper level (even my daughter sometimes) and get past the daily chit chat and surface stuff. I'll be honest...sometimes that stuff just weighs me down so much that I would rather not be bothered. Life is messy and I don't like mess. But when I wade into the messiness of life, that is where I find the deep, heartfelt, life changing connections that I truly long to experience.

Now that I have bared my soul to you...it is off to begin my day of monthly budgeting, grocery shopping, and chauffeuring.

Product Reviews--Butterfly Kisses Botanicals

2008-10-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

If you take a gander at my list titled "Blog I Check Out Regularly", you'll notice that a great number of them are makeup/beauty/fashion blogs. Makeup is my little hobby.
Now, I'm not like some women who spend large amounts of money on the stuff. But I will pay good money for quality merchandise. I will also go out of my way to support companies owned by women and/or people of color. I would like to highlight one such company today.

Butterfly Kisses Botanicals is a company I discovered through Fugly Labs, "an online retailer of sample sized cosmetics for ethnic beauties." Please show them much love!

When Kenyetta Smith first stood in her kitchen, contemplating her line of handmade beauty products, she knew then the main ingredient in all her recipes would be love. Today, almost four years later, now standing in her very own boutique, the main ingredient in the entire line of Butterfly Kisses Botanicals (BKB) is still LOVE !
Butterfly Kisses Botanicals (BKB) is a collection of Smith’s personal offerings for sumptuous bath, body and hair treatments. Available on-line at www.bkbstore.com and on-site at 4504 West Washington Blvd. in the heart of Los Angeles, BKB was first inspired by a recurring dream. Prompted by the vision in her dream, Smith felt compelled to take a local soap making class. The dream proved prophetic as she went on to develop her own line of bath salts, scrubs, candles, scented oils and body butters.

Dead Sea salts, essential oils, and soy-vegetable wax are just a sampling of the ingredients combined with love that support Smith’s motto “Caring for yourself is not a luxury, but a requirement!” Her lavish line of scented and unscented products range from the gender-neutral like the camphor/eucalyptus/lavender combo to the distinctly sweet and tantalizing vanilla/coconut/almond variety. Bergamot and ginger, coconut and gardenia, pear & vanilla and blackberry & sandalwood are just a flurry of the fragrances that warrant the line’s reputation for products butterfly kissed!

I ordered the 2oz size of the Brown Sugar Scrubitude, D--n Sexy Hydrating Body Mist, and the D--n Sexy Liquid Body Silk. (Hey, don't hate...I'm trying to keep it G-rated here! My kid reads this blog!)

These have the most yummy smell! The combined smells of vanilla, almonds, and coconut. I love the smell of vanilla...it puts me in a dreamy mood.
The best part about these are they are all natural! No preservatives, no additives, no parabens. The Hydrating Body Mist has no alcohol in it!

Ingredients: Hydrating Body Mist
Made of fresh pure spring water and aloe vera. Light and refreshing. No harsh alcohol or chemicals that dry skin, destroy clothing.

Ingredients: Brown Sugar Scrub
Brown sugar, pure sweet almond oil. Fragrance and or essential oils.

Ingredients: Liquid Body Silk
Sweet almond oil, Shea butter, mango butter, , coconut oil. Fragrance and or essential oils.

Lately I have been using sweet almond oil to remove eye makeup, coconut oil for my scalp and hair, and jojoba oil to moisturize my face after I wash it every morning and every night. I also use witch hazel as a twice daily astringent. I have to admit that I am extremely pleased with the performance of these items. And I am happy with the price of each too, less than $6.00 for each type of oil at the local natural foods store. When I saw these oils as the main ingredients in the products, I knew I had to try. And I haven't been disappointed.

The brown sugar scrub is wonderful. The oils rise to the top so you have to mix it with the sugar, but oh...it leaves your skin baby soft. Be careful because it does make the floor of your shower/tub slippery.

The liquid body silk doesn't contain water, just carrier and essential oils with some shea butter in there too. I like how my skin just absorbs the oils immediately...no greasy residue at all. And my skin is very soft and smooth.

The hydrating mist is really nice also. No sting or dryness from alcohol. The high alcohol content in brands like Bath and Body Works turned me off from using their body sprays. I have to be careful not to go overboard with this stuff. A little does truly go a long way.

Does anyone know of any other all natural body care brands out there? Please drop me a line and let me know.

Do I Really Want To Know Everything You're Doing???

2008-10-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

I signed up for Twitter. I have no idea why, except that I was curious about the hype. Do I really want to know what people are doing every nano second?
I have read that some individuals use Twitter to communicate with colleagues. When? About what? How often?

My "tweets" are protected...(ha ha) and I haven't invited anyone to follow me. I am following one individual simply because they are the only person I know who is on Twitter. I have requested to follow another person, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

No matter how electronically connected we are, I still experience loneliness. Just because people "see" me doesn't mean people really see me. The person to person connection is missing. That soul connection, the feeling you experience when someone gets you. Or the feeling you get when someone expresses how they feel and you think, "Hey...I feel exactly the same way. I'm not a freak of nature!"
I don't want to be seen, I want to be felt, to be remembered. One of the worst things in life is to walk on this earth and not have encouraged, comforted, or enjoy your fellow human beings.

I spend a lot of time by myself and I have decided I would rather invest in a solid relationship (friendship, romantic, family) than pour my energies into "vampire" relationships. You know what those are...the people who constantly sap your emotional (and physical) energy to the point you believe you just might have a long term break with reality.

That doesn't mean every interaction is deep, searching, soul moving. In fact, there will probably be more "fluff" and "superficial" interactions than not. However, if we can't move past the surface layer stuff and constantly have to "pretend" to make the relationship work, I can't do that. That gets old. I tried it...bought the T-shirt...didn't like it.

Anyone else have thoughts? What are you doing to "stay connected" to the human race?

My Take On The Financial Crisis

2008-10-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

With the sky falling in the financial world, I am so glad that I decided to get out of debt and get my finances in order.

I read this article by Ken Blackwell and I believe the man has hit the proverbial nail on the head...We can blame Wall Street, greedy CEOs,naive home buyers, but...we need to take a look at the plank in our own eye.

In my discussions with others, when I bring out the point that people took out loans they knew they couldn't afford, the response ususally is, "Yeah, well those people GAVE the money to the people. It's their fault for lending it."

Hold up, wait a minute...Bank refuses to lend money to broke people who can't pay them back...broke people go screaming discrimination...everyone looks at bank, shaking their heads and wagging fingers, tsk tsking at them for not loaning money to broke people who can't pay them back...gets Congress involved to pass legislation....bank loans money, but then sells loan because THEY KNOW THEY WILL NOT SEE THE MONEY...

Okay, maybe I've got it wrong, but what do you expect the bank to do?

In 2004 I created an excel spreadsheet that where I listed my monthly expenses for a six month period. I listed what I paid out monthly and then created a column that listed the average payment for that six month period.

That's all I did. I didn't really change any spending habits at that time. In 2006, I decided to get serious and take a look at where my money was going. Low and behold, I found that I was giving a big chunk of money to Visa, American Express, Sears, and other credit cards. I paid each card in full every month, but I couldn't figure out why I was always broke. In December of 2006, I CUT UP EVERY SINGLE CREDIT CARD I HAD. I was not delinquent nor did I have a balance on any card. I was just sick and tired of giving my money away and NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.
Sure, I had clothes and some cool toys, but I had no savings, no college fund for my daughter, no retirement savings of any kind. Thank God I didn't have any type of emergency that prevented me from working during that time. I would have gone under if anything prevented me from bringing in an income.

Some well meaning people counseled me to keep a credit card "in case of emergencies". I decided to put money in the bank for emergencies and let them pay me for the honor of holding my money. I am very far away from a $100,000 balance, so FDIC insurance will cover me if my bank goes under (which it won't).

Now, flash forward to Fall 2008. My daughter's college fund, ,although started later in her life, is up and running. By the time she graduates from high school, she will have a nice chunk of change to attend a very good in-state public university. She will have to work to supplement, but I can cover the tuition and probably room and board for two or three years. If she wants Princeton, Stanford, or Vanderbilt, she is on her own. Sorry baby, but that is the way it is.

I have three month of living expenses saved up. My goal is to get to six months (I am a single parent and I would feel more comfortable knowing I have at least six months in the bank if something awful happened to me). As a public school teacher, I have a pretty good retirement plan, but you can't count of the government to do anything good for you nowadays. So I am saving up for retirement also.

I make pretty good money. According to the US Census Bureau, the average household income in the US is about $43,000 (single and married). I make much more than that, so I consider myself pretty blessed.
I still drive my POC (piece of crap) 14 year old car. I live in a two bedroom apartment. I only take one vacation trip (maybe) each year. I buy clothes and makeup when they are on sale. I have made commitment to delay my gratification today for something that I want to achieve in the future.

I know that is a hard lesson to learn...but it is well worth it. I am teaching it to my child. Her life will be all the better for it.

image from Google Images

From The Teacher's Desk...

2008-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I am a full-time junior high/high school teacher. I work with students who are often referred to as "at-risk" due to truancy, out-of-control behavior, or kids who are in the foster care system.

As a teacher, I don't relish the idea of having a "showdown" with my students. I would prefer to work in an environment where kids are willing to learn and I am free to teach. But we don't live (or work) in a perfect world. Without going into great detail, there were a few students who decided to test me with negative, distracting behavior. I finally got tired of it and had to throw down the gauntlet (look at definition #3). Using my top secret teacher tactics, I was able to maintain control of the class and save face for the parties involved.

Parents and guardians: Please verbalize the importance of positive behavior in the classroom. Ask your student(s) how the "flow" of their class goes. Ask them how often they answer/ask questions during class. Ask them why they asked the questions they did, or find out why they didn't ask questions. This will give you a good idea about how your student is doing in that subject area.

Let your student(s) know that you expect them to show courtesy to the teacher and their classmates by not talking while instruction in going on and using appropriate language when they are speaking in class. No puts downs are allowed.

This includes preschool through seniors in high school. I know that sometimes, the material can become a little...dry (okay, boring). The quicker we can get through the boring stuff, the more time we will have to complete projects, have class debates, and do FUN stuff.

You would not believe the amount of cussing going on in school rooms today.
When I call kids on their "dirty" mouths, some seem genuinely surprised when I repeat (the edited version of course) of what they just said. A host of kids use the words to "shock" those around them or "one-up" their peers. Others however are in such a habit of using bad language they don't realize when it comes out of their mouths.

Teachers want students to discuss and debate the materials we present. I personally relish it when students "take over" a discussion and I get to sit back gently guide.
However, everyone in the room has to agree to listen respectfully and, sometimes, agree to disagree without making personal attacks on one another.

That's my input from behind....The Teacher's Desk

Incoherent Babblings Due To Lack of Sleep

2008-09-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo tired. I don't know if it is just your run of the mill tiredness or something else, like my thyroid. I don't consume beverages with caffeine (including coffee or sodas). I don't consume energy drinks or take herbal supplements. I just eat and drink water and 100% fruit juices.

Now that I am back in the classroom again full-time, I am dead tired at the end of the day. I haven't noticed any other "signs" something is wrong. My skin is great, my hair is growing like crazy, I haven't put on or lost any weight (boo hoo to the latter).
I probably should go to bed at 10 pm instead of 11:30 pm.

It's probably stems from having to deal with all of the "unique" kids I work with on a daily basis. The immaturity, the cussing, the anger at the world and everything in it...It can drain a person.

I have had more than one student comment,

"You are a special person to come and teach in this environment everyday. I would have lost my mind by the second day of school."

Never mind the fact that the kids telling me this are usually the ones who give me the most grief! I need to participate in one of those "changing places" type deals with these kids. But knowing the home life and backgrounds of some of them, I'll stick with what I got. When I count my blessings, I always tell myself, "It could be worse".

How many days until the next school holiday?????

Personality Politics and Other Political Ramblings

2008-09-03T21:10:00.001-07:00

The election season has really heated up now. I read a lot of blogs from both ends of the political spectrum. I have come to the conclusion that this election season has really brought out what I call personality politics.
I have no problem when people hold genuine convictions regarding politics. I don't have to agree with each point of your party's platform to be your friend. We can agree to disagree.
I can't tell you how many posts I have read that basically said, "If you're not for us, you're against us." If you disagree with ANYTHING on the party's platform (including who is the party's representative running for office), you must be a "closet" _____________ (fill in the blank with democrat, republican, libertarian, marxist, communist...you get the drift).

People are caught up in the personality of the party leaders.
One is viewed as a better public speaker than the other. One is perceived to have a wife that is hotter than the others. One is viewed as a "pretty boy" with no substance and has followers who are brainless robots. The other is seen as a senile, KKK card carrying racist who will reinstate slavery and is intent on subjugating women. I have read so-called "quotes" (totally fabricated) attributed to each candidate (or their wives) which supposedly revealed their "racist" inner workings.
Of course these are all generalizations. But how many of us have taken these caricatures and used them as the bases for our selection of the future leaders of America? What has our political discourse devolved into?
When can we debate about ideas? I am tired of reading/hearing about the great dress Michelle Obama wore and how that shows how intelligent she is versus how ugly/dowdy/out of date Cindy McCain's clothing is and how that "obviously" shows her lack of basic common sense. I've had someone try to convince me of that!

I have been on the receiving end of government assistance in the form of food stamps, cash aid, childcare subsidies, college grants, and other forms of assistance tha I probably can't remember right now. All of these things lasted less than three years total. I was very grateful for the help. That is why I do believe that government should provide some (very limited in scope and length) form of assistance for those who truly need it. However, I am not in favor of huge chunks of money being taken from me and distributed without my input. I worked my tushhka off for too long to have someone come in and take my hard earned money. That is one of the reasons why I worked so hard in school...to have money! I am not ashamed to say it. I like (notice I said like...don't try to misquote scripture talkin' about money is the root of all evil...) money and I want to keep as much of it as possible IN MY WALLET.

I have another co-worker who advocates the government taking money from everyone and distributing it to help "those less fortunate". I am all for helping others. But throwing money at people without asking anything from them in return (change in behavior and lifestyle choices) is a disaster waiting to happen. This co-worker assumes I am a cold hearted individual. Here is an idea I've been mulling over for a couple of days. It is the idea of false compassion. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines compassion as "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it". I assert that I am not indifferent to those who are hurting and need help. Helping people takes TIME as well as money. Actually, it is my personal belief that it takes a zillion hours of people time for every $50 you give (okay, that is just a tad exaggerated, but you get the point).And time is the one area where many people are not willing to make a sacrifice.

"Just take some money from me so I can tell people I actually did something for someone else (and also relieve my guilt for being selfish)."

I actually had someone tell me (with a straight face no less) that they did not make charitable contributions to any organization, religious or secular, because they believed that it was the governments job to enact programs to help needy individuals! That was the saddest excuse I had ever heard. So basically this person was saying "I refuse to help even though I have the time, talent, or money to do so."
Ask anyone who operates a non-profit organization and they will tell you what they need more than money is PEOPLE, willing workers who will be consistent and who will INTERACT with not-so-lovable people.
So please, rather than complaining about the what the government is NOT doing to help those less fortunate, GET OFF YOUR SORRY BOOTIES AND GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING!!!!

A Work Still In Progress

2008-09-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog I was very excited. I am a subscriber to over 20 blogs myself and I wanted to be apart of the great "blogosphere" in cyberspace, sharing my thoughts and insights into what is going on in the world.

What I found out is that I prefer reading blogs to writing my own. I wanted to post everyday, even three or four times a day like many of the blogs I subscribe to. But I didn't want to post about the same things everyone else was yabbering about. I don't want to get caught up in the demeaning, negative, backbiting posts that I often see. I have made a commitment to myself to keep the subject matter positive because there are gazillions of blogs and websites out there that can give you snarky writing if that is what you desire.
I also don't want to be chained to my computer for hours on end.

So I have decided to post once or twice each week. I have yet to decide what day(s) will work best in my schedule.
Thanks to all of you who have hung in there with me as I work my way about in cyberspace. You have been very supportive.

Here We Go...

2008-09-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I have been gone for over a month. My daughter commented on the fact that I haven't not posted for a while. I had to agree. Now that summer is officially over with the onset of Labor Day, my life has gone back into its regular routine.
What did I do this summer? Nothing of great importance. I did not take any out of state trips this year.

What I did do was read. I read a lot of different blogs and websites. I read a lot of magazines, periodicals, and work related journals. I read lots of christian "chick literature". One book that I just finished reading is called "Playing God" written by Michelle McKinney Hammond. It is her second fiction novel.

My sister purchased this one and what caught my attention was one of the main characters shares my name. This character is a successful therapist who is currently single and serving the Lord, but at a point in her life where she is frustrated because she believes God has forgotten about her (or ignored her) regarding certain areas of her life. This character goes through a struggle with herself, and with God, regarding who is really going to be in charge of her life.
There are other characters in the book who also have struggles and crisis of faith that others can relate to.
Michelle's books have been categorized at "edgy" christian fiction. I guess people think it's edgy because it covers real life issues and struggles as opposed to "non edgy" christian fiction. I really like it because Michelle shows us how God can meet us wherever we are, in any circumstance.

I recommend this book. Obviously the targeted audience is women (sorry guys) and although many of the characters are African American, women of all races, ages, and backgrounds will enjoy this book.

2008-07-08T15:04:00.001-07:00

I posted my first video to You Tube today. I have figured something out...I like watching the videos much more than I do making them.
The technology part doesn't bother me. I can make a pretty decent video, edit it and whatnot. The hard part is trying be entertaining for a minimum of three or four minutes. That get exhausting!
So for now, I'll stay on the consumer side of You Tube...Steven Spielberg I am not!

Memories...

2008-07-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Someone gave me and my daughter two used beach cruiser bicycles. They are a little rusty, one needs a new pedal, and the smaller one needs a new seat (not enough cushion for the tooshie), but overall they are pretty decent.
I took them for a spin around the neighborhood and wow...I had my childhood rush right back in full effect!
The wind in my hair, standing up to climb up hills (no gears to shift on a cruiser), the creaking of the seat. All the carefree days of being young (at least they are carefree now when I look back as an adult. They didn't feel carefree then).
Being able to ride a bike gave me a lot of freedom as a child. I went everywhere on my bike...to school, to the library, to the park, to my friends house. I didn't think twice about riding my bike (except when the Santa Ana winds kicked up). Looking back, I see how much trust my parents put in me, allowing me to ride my bike all over town. They were probably happy to see me actually riding ANY bike since I balked at learning the first time my dad tried to teach me (long story). I will tell you my most memorable bike riding story.

I received a two wheel bike for my sixth birthday. It was sky blue with a white basket with plastic flowers on the front. Hence the picture above. I loved it. It came with the requisite training wheels that were promptly discarded after my father determined I didn't need them anymore. That's where the problem came in. After falling what seemed like a zillion times, I gave up on riding that thing. It sat in the garage for...a long time (at least in my mind. In reality it was about a month and a half). One day, I became determined to conquer that thing. I marched out into the garage, ready for a showdown. I backed it out of the garage, walked it down the driveway (I had to get my courage up somehow), threw my leg over and took off down the block.

The first few feet were wobbly, but I became more steady. When I reached the end of the block, I dismounted (I hadn't figured out the finer points of actually turning a corner), turned the bike around, remounted and started riding again! Success! I was so proud of myself.

Here is the kicker to the story: my mom was outside, talking to our next door neighbor. I was so proud of my accomplishment that I wanted to do something extra special to impress her. I decided to ride my bike up the driveway, into the garage. What a feat! My mom and the neighbor were cheering me on and nothing could go wrong. Well...almost nothing.

We were a two car family in the late seventies. My mom drove the nicer car (1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, candy apple red). My dad drove the beater car (some unknown year rusted out Datsun 310, off white, with only ONE front seat...don't ask).We had a two car garage and my dad's car was parked in the driveway on the right hand side. I planned to go up the driveway on the left hand side and park my bike. Remember earlier when I said I had not perfected the art of turning corners? Well, that came back to haunt me.

As I approached the driveway, my turn was waaaaaaay too wide. I was headed straight for the rear end of the Datsun! There was nothing I could do but brace myself for the impact and hope we had enough band aids to cover the damage. I closed my eyes (I didn't want to see it coming) and felt the impact. I waited for the falling sensation and the punishing pavement to meet my face. Then...nothing happened. I opened one eye, then the other. My mother was LYING ON THE GRASS, ROLLING AROUND LAUGHING!

Why?

My front tire had caught under the rear bumper (they were still metal then) of the Datsun and I was stuck sitting upright on the bike! I was so humiliated that I jumped off the bike, yanked it from under the bumper, wheeled it up into the garage and stormed my way into the house. I took about four Fred Flintsone vitamins (I thought you took them when you were tired to give you energy...plus they were as close to candy as I could get) and sulked in front of the tv. My mom, even up until she passed away, could not re-tell that story without laughing hysterically. After 30 years, I still don't see what is so funny (okay, I do chuckle when I think of it).

My daughter was not too enthused to see the bikes, but ecstatic to hear the story . Ha, ha, ha!
I will have to start her off slow, not biking too far or on terrain too taxing. She'll quit if I try to push too hard. We'll start off in around our neighborhood. She can experience the same feelings of freedom I did when riding a bike. We'll see...

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

I proudly say today that I am glad that I live in the United States of America. There are other wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family, but I am glad that God, in His wisdom, allowed me to live here at such a time as this. The USA is not perfect, nor will it ever be simply because human beings are in it! But I am glad that I have freedoms here to worship God, express my unique abilities, and share with others the great things God has done. Truly, for those who worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, everyday is Independence Day.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Plotting My Next Move...

2008-07-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

I am a teacher for those of you who may not know. I teach kids in grades 7-12 in an alternative education setting. I love to learn and share what I have learned with others, so I guess this is the profession for me.
I have been plotting my next move professionally. I have a masters degree in education administration and leadership. I am eligible for an administrative certificate if I decide to go that route. I have decided to remain in the classroom one more year...I just felt led to do so, rather than seek out a "desk" job.
I am considering seeking national board certification. According to the official website:

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards improves teaching and student learning. National Board Certified Teachers are highly accomplished educators who meet high and rigorous standards.

Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. NBPTS offers 25 certificates that cover a variety of subject areas and student developmental levels.

Since 1987 nearly 64,000 teachers have achieved National Board Certification. These teachers prepare America’s diverse student population with the skills it needs to compete in the 21st century workplace.

Teachers who seek this certification prepare a portfolio that demonstrates their expertise in their particular area and how they are reflective and adaptive instructors. The state I live in gives teachers with this certification $20,000 incentive pay for teaching in a high priority school, paid in $5,000 installments for four consecutive years.
Here is the kicker: the process costs $2500.00! And...you are not guaranteed to earn this certification after you go through the process! So, you could go through this very intensive program, gather all required artifacts and videos, take the test and STILL NOT PASS! $250o.00 down the drain!
But...I think I am going to go for it. I am currently seeking out funds to pay for at least 90% of the $2500.00. I know it is out there somewhere...I have checked websites and so far I am only eligible for one or two scholarships. Feel free to donate money to this cause. I take cash, money orders, and cashier checks. I have Paypal, so if you would like to send money that way, I can hook you up!

If anyone is out there who has gone through this process, I would love to talk to you!
Please drop me an email at tdb7297@gmail.com. I am considering a generalist certification in middle adolescence. Thanks in advance.

I'm Back From My Staycation (In the State)

2008-06-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tye Tribbett and GA-- Stand Out, from album titled "Stand Out"

Byron Cage--I Will Bless The Lord, from album titled "An Invitation to Worship"

I just got back from a trip to San Diego. It is a nice city...lots to do, good weather. I went to the San Diego County Fair to see Ty Tribbett and Bryon Cage in concert. I ate waaaaaaaay too much junk food. I will have to work triple time at the Y to work off the chocolate chip funnel cake I ate. It was good too...

It was gospel music day at the fair and they had gospel acts at the various stages around the fairgrounds. All the acts were free with paid admission into the fairgrounds.

I had a really good time AND...I got an autograph from Ty Tribbett and I got to "sing" on stage with members of Sound Check (the band) and Greater Anointing (GA--the choir). It was well worth the five hour drive from my part of the state.
Byron Cage was on point, as usual. That man and his back up singers sang the entire set! I don't remember them taking a break not once. I was tired for them...They did a great job. I was disappointed that he didn't do a "meet and greet".

Tye Tribbett and members of GA must have ADHD or something. Those people were jumping around, climbing lighting structures, and still singing...in the correct key! But truth be told, I was singing and jumping around right along with them. I love it when I know all the songs on the album and can sing along!

Two points Ty brought out during his concert that resonated with me (my pastor has been preaching about these things for months now): [1]

1. Worship is not a slow song...that is called a ballad. Worship requires sacrifice, something has to die. Your attitudes, your habits, your selfishness...gotta go!

2. The anger or lust or greed or hatred or self centeredness or (fill in the blank) that is in you can be drawn out by what you allow yourself to watch on tv or listen to musically. Be aware of what you allow yourself to be exposed to (the old folks used to say that "deep calls to deep") [2]

The crowd at the concerts didn't seem to know much about Ty's new album. And during a couple of the Bryon Cage songs, there was a lot of mumbling going on. Don't people listen to the CD? Don't worry Byron, I knew all of your songs...

While we were waiting in line to get our autograph, singles off of the latest album were playing. A gentleman in front of me asked, "Who is this singing right now?"

Umm...the group who you are standing in line to meet!....Wow, just a little out of touch are we?

We purchased Stand Out the day after it dropped! Without hearing one single on it! It is worth the money. No bootlegging in this household (anymore). I guess we are true gospel music connoisseurs.

[1] I always find it amazing that you can tell someone something everyday for 100 years, then someone else comes along and says THE SAME EXACT THING, and viola! The light bulb goes on and suddenly that person "sees the light".

[2] As Pastor G says, "What's was in you before you got saved is still there...your old spirit man died and you are now a new creation in Christ, but your flesh (physical body) is still here on this earth. Keep that rascal in subjection!

I'm Gonna Get One!

2008-06-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am believing the hype...I am going to purchase the new iPhone 2 when it debuts on July 11.
Yes, I plan to stand in line for countless hours to make sure I get one on the day they are released.
Yes, I know that Apple and ATT are just hyping up the phone to increase sales.
Yes, I know that a better phone will hit the market in less than a year and make this phone look like a dollar store reject...

Why am I doing this? Because I have saved up my money and planned to purchase one earlier this year. When Steve Jobs himself confirmed that a newer model was coming out this summer, I decided to wait. And I am so glad that I did. More bells and whistles, GPS capability, and a cheaper price! My dream phone!
Will any phone ever be "perfect"? No, of course not...but will this one meet my needs and also give me a few bells and whistles to play with? Definitely!

I can't help but relate this to other areas of my life. I have seen many of my friends (and enemies) get married, purchase homes, go on wonderful vacations and just seem to have a much "better" life than I do. I have been tempted to just give in and not wait for the right man, the right job, or the right home. But I know that if I continue to wait, I will get exactly what my heart has desired. I have matured to the point where I know that no man, house, or job will fulfill my deepest longing and desires. Only Jesus can do that. And I have to make sure that the things I pour my life into align with the plan that God has for my life. It is so tempting to "jump the gun" at times that I have to really rein myself in.
I think of the story of Saul and Samuel in I Samuel 13. Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifices. Saul became impatient and stepped out of his appointed role. Then when he was confronted about it...well, it didn't go well. As a result he suffered for the remainder of his time as king and his relationship with Samuel was never the same. I don't want to step out of God's timing in my life...not only can it hinder my relationship with Christ, but with others who are important in my life as well. It is not worth it.
It is not easy to wait when it seems everyone around you moving in the direction you believe you should be going. But I am encouraged by Job 14:14 "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes".
In the meantime, I better stock up on my snacks for my long wait in line on July 10-11.

Fitness 2008 Update

2008-06-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

I am still attending the body conditioning class at the local YMCA. My daughter now attends the class with me. I have noticed that my endurance has increased. I can go on the elliptical machine for 30 minutes straight (on the interval level no less) without the need to call an ambulance afterward.
Since I am on summer vacation, I can really focus on strength training...I want to be able to lift the big cereal boxes off the shelf without straining myself...LOL
I want to try the water aerobics class too...I just want to get out of the house and meet more people. Life is just too short to stay in my little cocoon.

What Is On My Mind...

2008-06-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I heard some very good things about mercy and kindness last week that really got me thinking. I was listening to my local christian talk radio station and Family Life Today came on. They had some man (can't remember his name) on talking about mercy and kindness, two aspects of life that I constantly ask for and yet I have a hard time turning around and dispensing. As I was working on updating student transcripts last week, (not the most fun job in the world), I was so inspired by what I heard I just starting jotting down some of the points that came up.

Be kind over being right.
Give kindness and encouragement, give a smile.
Don't always try to "fix" people and/or their problems right away and then expect them to move on with life. Stop and meet people where they are in that moment and listen to them. (I'm guilty of this one... a lot...)
Mercy does not change the need to speak the truth; it does transform our motivation from a desire to win battles to a desire to represent Christ.
Mercy does not excuse us from being truth tellers; mercy influences how and when we speak truth.
Don't live like you have to repay someone for every single infraction committed against you in a relationship.

I believe that practicing these principles in daily life prevents bitterness and self centeredness from creeping in. What do you think?

Summer Is Here...

2008-06-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am back....In the last two days I received more comments from readers of my blog than I have since I started this thing...who would've thunk!

I was gone for over a month. In that time I have turned a year older (and hopefully wiser), and I have made some changes in my career course. This past school year I worked as a type of guidance counselor with my students. I don't have an actual PPS credential, so I couldn't take the official title of counselor. It was a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) position and technically I was still a teacher.
However, I was out of the classroom for an entire school year, and I have to admit there were times when I missed interacting with the kids. I DID NOT miss the constant discipline issues teachers have to face. Due to the budget cuts in my glorious state of California, teachers had to be laid off and positions consolidated. My position was on the chopping block and I decided to return to the classroom for the 2008-2009 school year. I had a lot of loose ends to tie up, so that kept me busy, hence no new posts.

Also, I just got tired of the negative things going on around me. It was driving me crazy! As a coping mechanism, I simply stopped posting on my blog. When I started this, I didn't realize how much time I had to spend on the computer. I wanted to be like some of the daily blogs I read that are so informative and thought provoking. But that takes more effort than I am willing to put out. I will stop trying to be a wonder :)

I did get rid of the old floor model RCA tv! My house is much more peaceful now without the gab box in here.
So...on with the show!

Is There Any Good News Out There?

2008-05-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

Woman Says Joyriding Grandson, 7, Beat Her Up
Boy Taken For Mental Evaluation After Incident

LAKE PARK, Fla. -- A 7-year-old boy who took his grandmother's car on a joyride last month has been taken for a mental health evaluation after he allegedly beat her up inside a South Florida Wal-Mart, WPBF News 25 reported.
Latarian Milton told WPBF on April 28 that he took his grandmother's Dodge Durango on a joyride because he was mad at his mother and because he enjoyed doing "bad things."
"I wanted to do it because it's fun. It's fun to do bad things," Milton said. "I wanted to do hood-rat stuff for my friend."
Police said the boy and a friend drove several miles through Lake Park and Palm Beach Gardens on April 27 during rush hour before finally coming to a crashing halt.
Along the way, police said Milton ran over two mailboxes, hit two parked cars in a Costco parking lot and struck two moving cars near a Wal-Mart. Milton could have faced grand theft charges, but police said last week that they would not charge the boy. (Source)

It Has Been Awhile...

2008-05-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

image courtesy of Google images

I haven't posted for about a month now. It is a very busy time of year in schools, with state testing, preparing for graduation and finals. Add to that the fact that we are in the height of allergy season. I take meds for my allergies, but that stuff just makes me feel so sluggish. I just haven't had the energy to really put together something. But I will make a better effort to posting on a regular basis again.

I have a lot of things swirling in my mind about what is going on in our world today. This one thing I do know.... I am tired of politics!
I am sick of hearing about Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, John Edwards, Jeremiah Wright, and anyone else in the news. I am tired of the blogs about politics and the above mentioned people. I am sick of state and local elections and the nastiness surrounding those contests. I have actually stopped going to some blogs because I am tired of them ranting and raving over the same thing over and over and over and over...

I need some good news...Does anyone have any good news out there? Please!

A Grateful Heart

2008-04-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

I am not pro or anti war...I am just a teacher who tries her best to meet all the kids needs...

I am a teacher. It is my calling. I work in the public school system in California. I spoke with my colleague today and he told me between 14,000-18,000 teachers in the public school system throughout the state received pink slips. I am right in the middle of the totem pole in terms of seniority, so my job was pretty safe.

My heart goes out to these individuals who have spent their time and energy teaching our kids. Becoming a teacher requires a big heart. Where are these people going to find jobs? Everyone, public and private sector, are letting people go.
Some will leave the profession in order to find work that will put food on the table and keep the lights on. Some will return when things settle down, others will never return, forever burned by the negative experience.

I have another colleague who, unfortunately, was let go due to budget constraints. He is so discouraged he talked about leaving teaching for good. I begged him not to. He is too creative, smart, and caring. I know in the last few years he has touched the lives of the kids in a way he will never know. But I understand...Teachers have other dreams, goals, and ambitions outside of the classroom. If the profession is not going to help achieve those goals, serious consideration has to be made regarding the duration of a career in education.

My prayers are with those who are faced with any job loss at this time. God can, and will, provide.

I've Been Silent For Awhile...

2008-04-17T18:48:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted for over a week. I really didn't have much to say to be honest. My mind has just been numb from information overload this past week. But I have found something that got my attention.

I subscribe to a weekly email newsletter from BlackNews.com. It has snippets of articles by, for and about blacks in America. I usually take a quick glance at the articles, click on one or two and then delete the email. I was about to delete this week's email when this headline got my attention: Shepards Leading The Sheep To the Slaughter

Okay....that got my attention. When I clicked on the link, I read this article regarding the support and endorsement of Barack Obama by the Black Philadelphia Clergy Association. At the end of the article was a link to the Blackgenocide.org website.
What I found there was statistics and stories confirming what I have been shouting about all along....abortion kills more blacks than gang violence, AIDS, stroke or heart disease. ABORTION!

The black blogosphere is beginning to rally as their numbers increase, thus giving them a very powerful voice. Why are we silent on this issue? When we talk about uplifting our people, why aren't these numbers ever cited? Do people disagree with these statistics? Are they skewed? If so, how and in what direction?

I have been thinking long and hard about what it takes to be a parent. I've come to this conclusion:

It doesn't take a lot of money. Notice I said a lot. I don't advocate people having kids when they cannot provide basic needs. But I also know that your child(ren) don't need $5000.00 birthday parties. Let's just get real...they don't need $500.00 birthday parties! They don't need brand new designer clothes every six months. They don't need all the latest technological gadgets. They do need TIME. Time with THEIR PARENTS. Most parents have more time than they think, trust me.

Parenting is a learned skill. No one is born with an innate sense of good parenting. You have to practice being a parent in order to get better at it!

Parents need to be students of their children, and not just when they are little babies and toddlers. When was the last time you studied your 10 year old? Your 14 year old?

Yes it is true...peers become a much larger influence on your kids as they enter and navigate the teen years. But as a teacher for the past 8 years I'm here to tell ya'...kids know what side their bread is buttered on. When I am teaching and they disagree with a statement I make, the first thing I hear out of their mouths: "But that's not how my mom/dad/family does it and they're always right". When I ask them if they are referring to the same mom/dad/family that they cussed out and called a stupid @#$%! because the parent wouldn't let their runaway friend sleep on the couch the night before, I get a blank stare as an answer.

I don't have all the answers and I know there are always "exceptions" out there. But this is ridiculous people! When are we going to stop throwing our children away because we are too selfish? The quickest way to "find yourself" is to take the focus off yourself and put your time and energy into something greater than yourself. That includes raising the next generation.

I'm done...for now

Dunbar Village Update

2008-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

All the information on Dunbar Village was copied from the wonderful blog, Black Women Vote!
SheCodes, the author of the Black Women Vote! blog, has been a vigilant crusader in getting the needs and demands of black women and children out to the world. I admire her intelligence, her shrewdness, and her ability to get to the heart of the matter without a lot a "drama". Please take a moment to peruse her site.

Goal: We wanted both Al Sharpton and the NAACP to reverse their irresponsible statements that advocated bail for the alleged rapists/torturers of the Dunbar Village Atrocity.

Victory: Both Al Sharpton and the NAACP have expressed some form of regret for their recent involvement in the Dunbar Village case. They have also both made commitments to assist the true victims of this crime.

While both agencies made a bizarre attempt to impeach our assessment of the facts, we were publicly vindicated by the mainstream media due to the overwhelming evidence of videotape, reports from eyewitness mainstream media representatives, the testimony of civilian eyewitnesses, and because of pictures of the documentation that was passed out at the gathering.

Our integrity remains intact.

Goal: We wanted both the NAACP and the National Action Network to cease downgrading the gang rape/torture/atrocity of the Dunbar Village by making faulty and inappropriate comparisons to an unrelated gang rape.

Victory: The NAACP apologized for their attempt to compare these two cases. Al Sharpton also admitted on his radio show that mistakes were made on his part. Although Mr. Sharpton has not specifically apologized for this comparison, he made very strong statements criticizing the civil rights movement for failing to come to the aid of black women who are the victims of black on black crime.

Goal: We wanted to see some movement toward the apprehension and prosecution of the remaining six attackers in the Dunbar Village Atrocity.

This weekend, the police requested warrants for two more suspects in the Dunbar Village case. We can not claim responsibility for the timing of these warrants, but we should be very glad to see this kind of progress. It does take many individuals and agencies working together to raise awareness and resources for dealing with crime in any neighborhood.

Goal: We declared that we hoped to see an upsurge of genuine victim advocacy for the true victims in the Dunbar Village Atrocity.

Victory: Al Sharpton, made a public commitment to uphold his previous promise to advocate for the residents of the Dunbar Village housing complex. (Previously, Al Sharpton had canceled three meetings to assist the residents of Dunbar Village after months of persistent appeals for help from a resident in the complex.)

This past weekend, the NAACP met with the prosecutors of the case, in which they voiced “some very, very strong interest and concern in supporting the victims of the Dunbar case, they were completely focused on the victims."

While we have accomplished our initiative, the full Dunbar Village story is not yet complete. We should continue to do our best to assist the victims, promote the call for justice, and to address the conditions that promote this kind of barbarism in our society.

Everything that was mentioned in this post happened in two weeks -- which is an astounding rate of speed for this 180 degree turnaround. I almost have whiplash from it. This campaign is evidence that black women have a tremendously deep well of untapped power, and that we actually do have the ability to make this country a more hospitable place for ourselves.

(((HEAVY SIGH))))

2008-04-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Props to Duane over at The Black Informant for posting this piece from the Wall Street Journal on how mortuary owners, particularly black owned mortuaries, have to hire security for funeral services they conduct due to an increase in violence perpetrated during and immediately after funeral services .

I don't have the answers...someone explain to me WHY?

Violence Roils Black Funeral Parlors

Bad Neighbor Part Deux

2008-03-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

It is official...I am the worst neighbor in the Western Hemisphere! I want to hide in a corner.
My next door neighbor is moving. Our apartments (I prefer to think they are condos) are two story. She has health issues and is moving to a one story place not far from where we are now. I spoke with her briefly this afternoon and she mentioned hospice and how they suggested the move. HOSPICE???!!!

I know what hospice is. I also know that everyone who receives hospice care isn't necessarily terminally ill. But the majority are. I feel soooooo bad. How could my next door neighbor be in such need and I didn't know it? Where in the world was my head? Granted, I go to work everyday and she is homebound; I know she sleeps a lot during the day. But good googa mooga!

She told me today that she is supposed to be out tomorrow, but she still has a few things to move and cleaning to do. I have noticed an army of people moving her stuff this past weekend. Since my 10 year old "diva" goes back to school this week, I will stop by after I drop the kid off and see what else she needs help with. I don't want to come off like I am doing this out of guilt, but I am trying be a better neighbor, a better witness for Christ. I am definitely coming out of my comfort zone with this one y'all.

Some Good News...

2008-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

In this undated family photo supplied by the Rubin family, Kobe Lee, left, joins his mother, Tiffany Rubin, for a photo shortly before Kobe was abducted by his father in August 2007. Kobe was just repatriated to the United States after his father, a South Korean native, abducted him and took him to South Korea. Tiffany Rubin, enlisted the aid of 'The American Association of Lost Children Inc.,' located Kobe in South Korea and spirited him to the U.S. Embassy so they can return home.
(AP Photo/Rubin Family Photo)

By CLARE TRAPASSO, Associated Press Writer Fri Mar 28, 3:44 AM ET

NEW YORK - Tiffany Rubin had all but given up hope of ever seeing her abducted child again when she received an anonymous tip through her MySpace page. Someone had spotted her 7-year-old son and her ex-boyfriend in South Korea.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Queens special education teacher caught a 15-hour flight to South Korea on Sunday. She sneaked into her son's school, found Kobe Lee in a classroom, disguised him with a wig and sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy before bringing him home Wednesday.

"It's great," Rubin said. "I never thought this day would come."

Her ordeal began on Aug. 21, after her ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Salko disappeared with their child after a visit.

At the time, he had joint custody of their son but was facing up to six months in jail for not paying child support. The boy lived with his mother and saw his father on alternate weekends.

Kobe's court-appointed law guardian, Joseph Fredericks, had recommended Rubin receive sole custody.

"They were constantly at war over this child," Fredericks said of the parents, who separated when Kobe was 4 months old.

After Salko disappeared with her child, Rubin was afraid her ex, born in South Korea, had taken the boy abroad.

"I was just basically panicking," said Rubin, 30. "I was hoping they were still in the United States."

Her fears were realized when she hacked into Salko's e-mail account, she said. She discovered an e-mail he had sent to a friend saying he was flying to South Korea — and wasn't coming back.

Mark Miller, founder of the American Association for Lost Children Inc., a Christian charity that recovers missing children, persuaded her to put him on the case.

"She was so distraught," Miller said. "Her whole world was taken from her."

The FBI issued a warrant for Salko's arrest, but Rubin didn't get her big break until January.

She received a message on her MySpace page from someone who had seen her son and knew where he went to school. Shortly after, she received a phone call from Kobe telling her he missed her — and Salko was listening in. Rubin said her son wasn't aware he had been kidnapped.

Shortly after, she flew to South Korea with Miller and Bazzel Baz, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Association for the Recovery of Children, to recover Kobe.

The men surveyed the school while Rubin waited in a hotel. Security appeared to be lax, Rubin said, and the next day she went to her son's classroom and called his name.

"I was like, oh my God," Kobe said. "I can't believe she's here."

Rubin explained who she was to her son's teacher and said she needed a minute to speak with him. Then mother and son walked out of the building and hailed a cab to the American embassy.

As a precaution, she made Kobe wear a wig, so anyone looking for them would think he was a girl.

The following day, mother and son returned home.

"He's doing good, watching cartoons and wanting to play video games," Rubin said. But "he's a little worried that his dad's going to take him again."

FBI spokesman Matthew Bertron said the bureau was trying to work with South Korea to secure Salko's arrest and extradition. Calls to his family Thursday went unanswered.

Almost 800,000 children are reported missing each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. About one-quarter of them are abducted by family members.

Open Letter 3/28/2008 Update: A New Underground Railroad is Born

2008-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Subject: The Dunbar Village Atrocity

Synopsis:

In the past week, a rapidly-moving viral email campaign was launched, and thousands of concerned black citizens spread the word about a shocking crime against a Black woman and her 12 year old son, in which crimes against nature were committed. (read more details of the crime here)

This email, entitled “Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women,” described a stunning betrayal in which the NAACP and Al Sharpton held a press conference and demanded bail consideration for three suspects in custody for the crime. (source1) (source2)

Concerned Black citizens all around the country were outraged by the actions of the NAACP and Al Sharpton, and many vowed to withdraw volunteering and financial support from these agencies “until they make the safety of Black women and children a priority.”

On March 24, 2008 an NAACP memo that attempted to defend this betrayal was sent to Beverly Neal, who is the Director of the NAACP’s Florida State Conference. The memo claims that the NAACP was brought into this fray by Rev. Al Sharpton. Moreover, the memo was written by Maude Ford Lee, who is President of the West Palm Beach Branch of the NAACP. (read the memo here)

On March 27,2008, activist Al Sharpton went on the air to clarify his position on the treatment of the Dunbar Village Suspects. He invited writer Tonyaa Weathersbee and blogger Arlene Fenton to his show, to discuss the matter. Rev. Sharpton claimed that he never said that the Dunbar Village suspects were being treated unfairly, and that he did not want bail for the suspects in question.

Ms Weathersbee and Ms Fenton said that their research indicated otherwise, as indicated by video footage, eyewitness accounts, and the reporting from the Florida Sun Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post.

At the end of the radio show, Al Sharpton strongly condemned any activity that would promote bail consideration for the suspects in question. Rev. Sharpton admitted that “if the suspects were white, he would have been there sooner.” He stated that this is a problem with many black civil rights organizations. He apologized and vowed to uphold his prior promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village. He also challenged all activists, bloggers, and writers to be accountable to each other.

To date, the NAACP has not made an official statement denouncing the Dunbar Village Atrocity, nor have they officially expressed regret to the victim. The NAACP also has not officially retracted their statement requesting bail consideration for the alleged rapists/torturers. To our understanding, neither agency has contributed to the Victim’s Assistance Fund or created a reward program geared toward the apprehension of the remaining rapists/torturers.


Conclusion

WE ARE SATISFIED with Al Sharpton’s qualifying statements that he made on his radio show on 3/27/2008. We will watch to see if he fulfills his promise to advocate for the residents of Dunbar Village, and we are willing to assist any effort that promotes safer black neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, FL.


WE ARE NOT CONTENT with the reckless, irresponsible actions of the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter). We continue to urge all black people, women especially, to refrain from volunteering or giving financially to this organization until they take our safety seriously.


WHAT WE WANT

We want law enforcement to make a concerted, sustained effort to apprehend the remaining suspects. We want to see a genuine reward system in place to encourage members of the community to come forward with the knowledge of the whereabouts of the remaining suspects.

We want the NAACP (West Palm Beach chapter) to reverse their position that the alleged rapists/torturers of this case should be considered for bail.

We want both the NAACP and the National Action Network to cease downgrading the gang rape/torture/atrocity of the Dunbar Village by comparing it to an unrelated gang rape, in which guns, maiming, and forced incest were not involved.

We want to see genuine victim advocacy in the form of financial support for the relocation, medical expenses, and mental therapy for the true victims in this case.


The Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund

Individuals who would like to donate money to the victims can go to any Wachovia Bank and donate to the St. Ann’s Victim’s Assistance Fund. Donations will go directly to the mother and her son.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church will also accept donations. Checks can be made payable to the "Dunbar Village Victim Assistance Fund - St. Ann’s".

Donations can be mailed to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 310 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

2008-03-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

I got the following in an email...normally I just delete this kind of stuff, but as a hardcore bibliophile I had to find out more about this.
This is interesting to say the least...I have included a link to some interesting thoughts and insights into this phenomenon:

http://www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/~mattd/Cmabrigde/

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Worth The Price of Admission

2008-03-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was gone for a few days to So Cal. Growing up in Ventura County, I went to all the southland theme parks. I hadn't been to Knott's Berry Farm in a long time and my daughter had never been. They are by far the cheapest theme park in the So. Cal area. A lot has changed. Apparently they are vying for thrill coaster dominance. I went on the Ghost Rider roller coaster.....oooooowwheeee! The ride was worth the price of admission. I can't say that for the other coasters I went on. Montezuma's Revenge was pretty good...
I didn't go on the Xcelerator...lines too long and we didn't have enough time. I wanted to get on as many rides as possible. Plus I had to build up my nerve. According to Wikipedia, this ride is the 9th fastest ride in the world. Going from zero to 82 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds takes nerve.

If I had time I would have gone back on it a second time. That ride was awesome! My step mom says she can get us discounted tickets to Disneyland in May. I want to go on the revamped Space Mountain. We are going to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California in June. And I plan to get back to Knott's before the year is out. I hear that Xcelerator calling my name!

Someone Has To Be In Charge...

2008-03-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

My beautiful current and future leader...

Nationwide study shows majority of youths uninterested, girls more fearful (source)

A new nationwide survey of girls and boys found that a majority of children and youths in the United States have little or no interest with achieving leadership roles when they become adults, ranking "being a leader" behind other goals such as "fitting in," "making a lot of money" and "helping animals or the environment."

The study commissioned by the Girl Scouts of the USA and released today determined that three-quarters of African American girls and boys and Hispanic girls surveyed already identify themselves as leaders, a much larger group than white youths, about half of whom think of themselves this way.

African American and Hispanic girls are considerably less likely than white girls to worry about their capabilities. Adults who work with girls suggested several reasons for that. Young minority females tend to have more responsibilities than whites at home and in their communities, experts said.

Many African American girls play major roles at church and in youth-serving organizations. Eighteen years after Boys Clubs became Boys & Girls Clubs, for example, 45 percent of the members are female, President Roxanne Spillett said. The clubs serve mainly minority youth, and many of the top positions are held by young women. "We had to do a lot of training around creating an environment where girls and boys were treated with equal respect and were held to similar expectations," she said.

I am glad that black and hispanic girls are confident in their leadership abilities. I am glad the study recognizes the positive impact that churches and other organizations have on molding our children in a positive way.
My 10 year old daughter's teacher even made that comment at her teacher conference earlier in the school year. She said my daughter (a 5th grader at a private catholic school) exhibits a confidence and natural leadership ability that the other kids look to. We are by no means rich. She attends the school on a very generous scholarship. She is the only little chocolate chip in her class (okay, she was the only one in her whole school until this year when another little chocolate chip, a first grader, showed up.)

What I am hesitant about is the impact it has on encouraging (or discouraging) our males, particularly our young black males, in taking a positive leadership role. After reading this post over at The Black Informant today, I don't know how to process this study. Why would males, especially black males, step up and take the lead when these very competent, capable, and confident young ladies will do it all? I think the uneasiness I have comes in when we have issues like the Dunbar Village atrocity. Who is stepping up to defend and speak up for black women from violent acts like this? As I have been surfing the black blogosphere I see more men coming out and speaking on behalf of this awful situation, but it did take awhile. All women want to feel safe and secure. Okay, all women and men want to fill safe and secure. But who is teaching our men about being protectors and providers?

And there is this disconnect between the study by the Girl Scouts and the now infamous study about 1 out of 4 teen girls having an STD.
How can girls with so much ability and confidence get wrapped up in drama like that? Aren't they smarter than that? I am not naive to believe my own daughter is immune to foolish mistakes in the arena of male/female relationships. But I refuse to sit by and say, "Well, I made my mistakes,she'll have to make hers. There is nothing I can do anyway. She is going to do whatever she wants."
How can I parlay that confidence and self esteem into her future relationships with men? (okay I won't start hyperventilating now)
Here is what I have been teaching her even at the age of 10:

1. No one human being can be your "everything". Don't look to any man on earth to fill your need to be complete. Not your daddy, your granddaddy, your husband,your uncles, your goddaddy, your pastor...they love and care for you, but they can't fill those deep places in your heart...it's not fair to put so much pressure on them. Men are strong protectors and providers, but they have insecurities, weaknesses, and lapses of judgment just like women. They will always fall short, no matter how good their intentions are.

2. Guard your heart...that doesn't mean you are an ice queen, frigid, cold, uncaring. It's just the opposite. That just means you recognize that you a caring, sensitive,passionate individual. It is not a requirement to share your deepest feelings with every man you encounter. The more emotionally involved young women get, the more physically involved they get. Save those things for your future husband, not just someone you date for 4 months. Proverbs 31:12 says a wife brings her husband good and not harm all the days of her life. Think about all the baggage people bring to relationships...is this truly bringing good? This is where self discipline and discernment come in...Delayed gratification is a wonderful character trait to instill in young people. Don't give your heart away to every man that smiles at you and tells you how pretty you are. Yes, we know they are right, but compliments should be given and received freely. Don't feel obligated to "give" something away with every boy you meet.

Those are just some of my thoughts...people can take them or leave them

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!

2008-03-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Stop Al Sharpton and the NAACP from endangering Black Women!Right-thinking black people everywhere are stunned by the recent betrayal of Al Sharpton and the NAACP in a situation that is just too outrageous to ignore.

This is a painful story to tell, but it’s important for the moral, law-abiding majority of black Americans to understand exactly why Al Sharpton and the NAACP must be immediately stopped.

On June 18, 2007, a black woman was gang raped by 10 youths and forced at gunpoint to have sex with her own 12 year old son in a housing complex called Dunbar Village in West Palm Beach, Florida. The young men not only viciously punched, kicked and sliced this sister and her son with glass objects, but they also blinded her boy by pouring nail polish remover into his eyes.

The young men forced this sister and son to lay naked in a bathtub together, and attempted to set them on fire (they could not find matches). The youths boldly took cell phone pictures so that they could enjoy their violent, immoral and sadistic acts at a later time. The violence continued for more than three hours, and although this sister’s neighbors heard her screams, no one called the police or came to her aid.

This sister and her son had to walk a mile to the hospital, because the assailants stole her car, and threatened to kill her and her family if she told the authorities.

Only four of the young men have been apprehended, while the remaining six are on the loose, doing Lord knows what in our communities. There is no manhunt for the remaining suspects.

As devastating as this story is, what the NAACP and Al Sharpton have done about it will simply take your breath away:Not only did the NAACP ignore hundreds of requests to assist this woman because it was 'outside the scope of their mission', but they joined forces with Al Sharpton, and sent their lawyers to speak out IN SUPPORT OF THE RAPISTS.

You heard me right.

Even though there is conclusive DNA evidence and signed confessions, the NAACP and Al Sharpton are saying that it is 'unfair' to not offer bail to these four alleged rapists. They even had a press release about it.

IT IS TIME FOR SENSIBLE BLACK PEOPLE TO STOP THIS KIND OF NONSENSE ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Al Sharpton and the NAACP are banking on the belief that you and I will be just like this black woman’s neighbors. Join me by saying NOT THIS TIME. We will not turn a deaf ear to when we hear calls for help from one of our sisters and brothers who are being victimized.

Stop the NAACP and Al Sharpton’s National Action Network from committing this disgrace in our community. Just this once, let’s stand up and be counted by saying that we demand safe neighborhoods for our women and children.Here is what you can do:

1. Spread the word. Forward this email if your conscience and concern have been raised. Send it to every concerned black citizen that you know.

2. Demand an explanation from your local NAACP chapter about this case. Cancel your membership to these organizations, and write a letter explaining that you will return when they prioritize the public safety needs of black women and children.

3. If you do not belong to these organizations, call and write them to tell them of your outrage and displeasure:

NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
Toll Free: (877) NAACP-98
Local: (410) 580-5777

National Action Network
Rev. Al Sharpton
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, New York 10039
212-690-3070
877-NAN-HOJ14.

If you know an African American reporter or a black radio talk show host, forward this story to them and ask them to follow up on it.

DO NOT LET THIS GO. Let us start working for safer neighborhoods in black communities.

Read the history of the Dunbar Village problem here:http://www.dunbarvillage.blogspot.com/
Check out the blog every Friday for updates on the situation.

I Refuse to Give Into the Dark Side....

2008-03-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

Here in California, pink slips are flying!
State law says that districts must inform certificated teachers by March 15 if their contracts will not be renewed the following school year.

Thousands of layoff notices are expected to go out across California this week as school districts began to brace for cuts in next year’s budget, amid the state’s worst fiscal crisis since the 2003-04 school year.

The California Teachers Association estimates that more than 14,000 teachers alone have received “pink slips” because of an expected deficit of more than $16 billion in the fiscal 2009 state budget.
Layoff's Loom Amid California's Fiscal Crisis Education Week, print edition, March 19, 2008

My school was not immune to these cuts. I understand that you have to cut people because you simply can't pay them. What I don't understand is the convoluted, cockamamie ways districts go about letting people go. If they are hardworking, competent people, tell them truth. Don't lie and say they aren't team players, they don't fit into the organization, then turn around and give them great evaluations.
Treat people like people!

I had an opportunity to go to the "dark side" (ie administration) this past school year. I have learned a lot about public education, but more importantly, I have learned a lot about myself, my expectations as a leader, and the path I want my career to take.

1. My leadership capabilities are best utilized in a classroom setting or working in curriculum and staff development. I understand that being a principal is challenging in the 21st century. I also know that improvement cannot be made without great risk and sacrifice. I know, because I have lived that last line. I am unwilling to sit back and go with the status quo in terms of being a principal. Most principals manage a school. there are lots of things to manage in a school. Schools do need to be managed.
But that is all they do. They just...manage. As a teacher I can think outside of the box more, take more risks. I can shut my door and do pretty much whatever I want (as long as the kids don't rat me out LOL)
There is more money in administration, but there is more horse doodie to deal with too. Trying to keep EVERYONE happy...the superintendent, the teachers, the school board...the union...the district office...the state department of education...

2. I ain't even tryin' to keep everyone happy. Not even the students...not every kid comes to school eager to learn. I am not naive about that. My mantra as a teacher is "I am trying to not only teach you how to make a living, but how to live in this day and age, no matter what job you take or career path you're on. No matter what color your skin is, how much money your parent had or didn't have. Sure, I work on creating engaging, relevant, standards based lessons. I strive to connect with each student on some level. Most of the time I succeed, but sometimes I don't. I am grateful for my colleagues who share the burden and pick up the slack when I just plain miss it. If I don't connect, someone else is there for that kid.

3. As a result of #2, I have stopped feeling guilty because each kid in my class does not dramatically change their lives for the better during the one year they are in my class. Jaime Escalate and Erin Gruwell I am not...and I am perfectly okay with that!Unfortunately, some students actually go from bad to worse in terms of their behavior, their criminal activity, their drug use and/or mental illness. I do not neglect or mistreat any student when they enter my classroom, but not every kid leaves having experienced an epiphany after being taught by me either. Very few of them do. And it never had anything to do with me exclusively. The student came to a time in their life when they were ready to change. And they did! I was just there, cheering them on while they changed their path. Some water, some plant, but only God brings the increase....

4. I see my future in education in curriculum development and instruction. I see myself as an instructional leader.I want to work with teachers on becoming better teachers. I want to help them integrate technology into their daily activities. I want to help them plan, reflect, and revise their daily lessons to become better teachers. That is what I want for myself. I love my organization, but honestly, we have no true instructional leader. And that bugs the beejubus out of me! How can we get test scores up if no one has a plan on how to teach? I don't even think its on the radar! Administration has "bigger" issues to worry about. That's okay. Just stay outta my business and let me do my thing. And no, you can't bring people to gawk at me when you see the great things I'm doing in my classroom. 'Cause they'll start asking questions and I KNOW you won't like what my answers to them will be.
That is my biggest gripe about my organization.

((((HUGE exhale))))

Okay, I've relieved a bit of steam...

My Money!!!!!!

2008-03-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

The Feds cut a key interest rate by three quarters of a percentage point.
When I had credit cards, student loans, and a car payment, I would be very happy to hear that.
Now that I have no payments (except monthly bills) and I am trying to build my savings, this really stinks. The good thing is I have my money in online based accounts where the annual percentage yield is higher than brick and mortar banks.
I work my tushka off to get out of debt and then this!!!
Well, at least now I have money to pay for higher food and gas.

Online Savings Accounts Still Attractive...
Will the Interest Rate Cut Affect Me?

I Have Been Saying This All Along...

2008-03-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is why I will only have ONE television in my home...in the living room...and I don't have cable or satellite either.

From the New York Times:

Here’s one simple way to keep your children healthy: Ban the bedroom TV.
By some estimates, half of American children have a television in their bedroom; one study of third graders put the number at 70 percent. And a growing body of research shows strong associations between TV in the bedroom and numerous health and educational problems. (more)

Quotes of the Day

2008-03-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Courage is the strength to face pain, act under pressure, and maintain one's values in the face of opposition.
--ELEANORE ROOSEVELT

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.
--THOMAS JEFFERSON

But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.
--THOMAS JEFFERSON, First Inaugural Address, 1881

That Woman Kicked My Tushka!

2008-03-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have signed my daughter and myself up for a family membership at the local YMCA.
This is after YEARS of irregular activity. I did this for a couple of reasons.

To increase our strength and flexibility
To increase our endurance
To have something to do together
To encourage a lifelong habit of a healthy lifestyle

and the last reason that is important to me...

I am trying to get ONE particular man to notice me and he has been working out for over a year...and he looks GOOD! If I want to catch his eye, I better get on the ball.

I went to a Body Conditioning class. After that class I couldn't walk upstairs to my room. God help me! But the instructor, she was really nice. Encouraging and patient while I laid on the floor moaning in pain. We used free weights, one of those big "birthing" balls, and a mat. I read somewhere that your body weight is the ideal when weight training. Well, honey let me tell ya'....I got PLENTY of body weight. I should look like Schwarzenegger by the end of the year!

The class fits into my schedule and it will definitely help me meet my fitness goals. My goals focus more on making my body stronger and more flexible, not making it look better.

My Personal Fitness Goals
As of March 2008

By December 31, 2008 I will:

Increase the free weights I use in the Body Conditioning class from 5 pounds to 10 pounds.
Increase my endurance and complete 4 sets of walking lunges across the gym without stopping and/or passing out.
Increase my flexibility so that I can do a modified split (I cannot do ANY type of split now) LOL
Complete a 30 minute aerobic activity a minimum of 4 days per week (does not have to be exclusively at the gym. Walking during lunch or after work is acceptable)

These are subject to modification (of course). The YMCA is a great organization. They provide much more than a place to work out. They have after school programs for children, community resources for seniors, they provide jobs for teens...there is something for everyone. I recommend checking out the local Y...if you have charitable giving in your budget, consider making a contribution. Because the Y is a non profit organization, they don't turn people away if they have an inability to pay.

I know my health will benefit immensely from these fitness goals. And I hope my "romantic" endeavors will benefit also! Let's wait and see.

God Have Mercy On Us...

2008-03-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Over at Booker Rising I found this article that shook me at my core. The following quote in a post titled "Pro Life leader: African Americans Must Wake Up" made me cry:

According to Dr. Clenard H. Childress Jr. of BlackGenocide.org, about one-third of all abortions in the U.S. are performed on black women even though black women represent only 6% to 7% of the U.S. population. The abortion ratio for black women is 2.9 times higher than the ratio for white women. Nearly 50% of all pregnancies among black women end in abortion while just 16% of pregnancies among white women end in abortion.

What is going on? Why have we lost hope? I understand how hard it is raising a child as a single parent. Something is just not right...

From the website Black Womens Health Project:

Of the approximately 3.04 million unintended pregnancies each year, 47% end in abortion. American women have an abortion rate two times higher than other Western democracies. Forty-three percent of American women will have at least one abortion by age 45. (Ack! 43% ????). That is a lot of hurting women out there!

Women who are most likely to have an abortion are Black women aged 18-24 who are either separated or unmarried and have an annual income of less than $15,000, or have Medicaid. These women are twice as likely to have abortions compared to the general population.

Women of color are approximately twice as likely to have an abortion as White women. (emphasis mine)

Of the unplanned pregnancies that end in abortion, there has been in increase among women aged 20 and older. Rates among teenagers have decreased; they are more likely than older women to continue an unplanned pregnancy.(emphasis mine)

I have no idea what to say...what has happened to black pride? What happened to passing down our hopes, dreams and aspirations to the next generation? What happened to leaving a legacy for future generations, something to point them toward (even if we as the elder generation didn't live to see it)?

Father God, please have mercy on us. We have forsaken Your ways to follow our own shallow wisdom that leads to emptiness and death. Teach us to discernment to reach out to those who are hurting, to comfort and not condemn. As you had unmeasurable compassion and mercy on the woman caught in adultery, You loved her so much that You also called her out on her sin. We cannot truly be free until we acknowledge our sin against YOU. Thank You for restoring our hearts and minds. Thank you for allowing us to be a conduit in the restoration process.

A Challenge To My Readers...The Few of You Out There

2008-03-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

I am not a person anyone would consider a "pack rat". I don't keep a lot of "stuff" around my house. I am a minimalist when it comes to home decorating (i.e. almost bare walls, no knick knacks). When I heard about this organization on Christian radio I knew it was something right up my alley.
Bare Your Bookshelf is a campaign from Christian Resources International. Many homes have numerous Bibles just lying around, unused (but that is another post at another time). Upon your request, CRI sends the you the name, address and specific info on someone in an African, Asian, or Latin American country who has asked for a Bible and Bible study literature. They provide directions on how and what to ship. You as the donor do not communicate directly with the recipient. CRI handles that for you. The donor does not have to worry about anyone calling them directly seeking financial assistance.
There is a fee to ship the package internationally, about $33.00. You can ship up to 20 pounds for that rate, so it is a pretty good bargain.
I shipped five or six Bibles in January 2008 to a man in Ghana, West Africa. He requested only one or two, but I had more than that available.
I now have two Bibles...A New King James version I take to church and a New Living Translation Life Application Bible I use for daily reading. I plan to request another name and address from CRI and send those two Bibles to them. I am considering purchasing the One Year Chronological Bible (New Living Translation) for my daily readings and a New American Standard Version Life Application Bible to take to church. But I am having a hard time parting with my old Bibles. You know how it is when you have something for so long...
But this is for a great cause. I challenge all who visit this site to contact CRI and gather your unused Bibles to share with others who are so happy to receive God's written Word.

No, I Won't Be Silent Anymore...

2008-03-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

When I saw this, I knew I had to post it...

Let's Get Ready to Rumble...

2008-03-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

40 years ago in 1968, the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois.
This convention was marked by strife and violence in the streets.
This August the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver, Colorado. Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton are vying for the Democratic nomination.
I have to admit....I cannot wait until August 2008. I predict there will be a smack down (literally) between the Obama camp and the Clinton camp. It will make 1968 look like a grade school spitball fight.
The young, college educated backers of Obama will fight the older, less wealthy (who average $50,000 or less per year annual income) Clinton supporters. One of the two sides will cry foul and claim to represent the "disenfranchised" (the side who didn't win).

This is the going to be the best summer yet...To quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-03-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

My heart belongs to You

I'll never give myself to another

My heart belongs to You

My heart belongs to You

Lexi--A Praise in the Valley

Beware of the Ides of March....

2008-03-06T17:07:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again...the dreaded pink slips.
In the state of California school districts have until March 15 to inform teachers that their contracts are not going to be renewed for the following school year. As a permanent (or tenured) teacher, and one who is actually in the middle of the seniority rankings, this rarely affects my actual job security. What it does wreck havoc on is the balance of our school sites. Teachers, aides, counselors, probation officers are all shuffled around to accommodate our "new reality". I understand it is not the school districts fault...they are at the mercy of the state legislature and the governor. I also know administrators HATE letting people (often times very good people) go. It is the nature of the public employee beast. Especially in economically shaky times, no one wants to see hardworking people unemployed.
I certainly didn't enter teaching to make money. And it is not a stress free job. I feel a deep calling to teaching (one I have tried to run away from).
(((SIGH)))
Economic downturns stink!

The New March Madness....

2008-03-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

I received the monthly publication from NEA (National Education Association)in the mail today. Although I don't always agree with the official platform the NEA endorses, I read the publication to find out what other teachers in the nations classrooms are up to. In the March 2008 issue, on page 14, there is an article titled "Teachers Crank That Soulja Boy". The article says in part:

Teachers have been quick to take advantage of the dance's popularity. Russell Shedd, a music teacher at Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego, California, cranks that Soulja Boy on two You Tube videos.

Look at this teacher do the dance IN HER CLASSROOM WITH HER STUDENTS!

It is very obvious that this teacher has NO IDEA what these lyrics mean. I imagine some of her students are not only laughing at the teacher's dance antics, but at the fact that she really has no clue what is being said in the song. For the uninitiated, check out the definition at urban dictionary.com to get the sordid truth.

In that same issue there is an article that laments the sexualization of childhood (particularly young girls) and how educators can combat this issue in the classroom!

Someone over at the NEA headquarters needs to be slapped! How can you promote such mess in your monthly publication as helping teachers "connect" with their students? It is obvious that the adults don't listen to word the lyrics say!

And do you want to know what really made me mad? This young man, Soulja Boy, had the nerve to give an interview in November 2007 supposedly debunking the controversy around the lyrical content of his hit song.
His rebuttal?...
“‘Superman,’ ‘Crank That’ [is] old. You can tell whoever wrote that was intending to stop my shine. The way they wrote words…it was professionally typed. Ain’t nobody doing nothing like that. At the end of the day, they just came too late with the rumor.”
WHATTTTTT???? What kind of mess is this? "The way they wrote the words...it was professionally typed". Typed by who? What type of professionals? People who finished high school? This young man better fire his PR firm or hire one because this rebuttal strategy ain't workin' . Even if the word "superman" doesn't mean what EVERYONE says it means, why in the world would a 16 year old boy mention the word "ho" (whore) into his song and doing anything to her?

My daughter attends a private Catholic school in my city. Every January they celebrate "Grandparents Day" in which they have students invite their grandparents to a mass and a picnic lunch. After the lunch they have a "Sock Hop" on the playground. The parent club pays for a DJ to play 40s, 50s, and 60s music. This year the DJ decided to add some music from the 21st century into the mix. Guess what song he played? Yep...of course...you guessed it. I am sure the DJ nor the principal (let alone the poor grandparents) had ANY idea what the lyrical content of the song was. I asked my daughter what the reaction of everyone was when the song came on. She said they just danced around like fools, trying to do the "Soulja Boy" dance.

(((Heavy Sigh)))

Malcom is crying on the inside....

From The Lips of Children And Infants...Matthew 21:16

2008-03-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

This video was toooooooo cute.....Sang (yes, I know that's NOT how you spell it) little mama!
My own daughter plays this CD all the time. The song is "Never Would Have Made It" by Marvin Sapp on his latest release titled "Thirsty".

Now isn't this much better than having a child sing something stupid like "Crank Dat Soulja Boy" or whatever kinds of mess is out there right now??!!!!

Information Overload

2008-03-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I have felt totally...overwhelmed with information. Information from the internet, information from the radio, information from newspapers and magazines. Information from books, brochures, pamphlets, billboards and the like.

I probably need to take a break from so much information. An information "fast". I have at least three books I'm trying to read, countless magazines come in the mail each day. On top of that I have gobs of blog subscriptions that I can't keep up with. Something has got to give...

BUT...I am such a bibliophile (click on link for a definition).
We'll have to see how that goes. I don't know how long I can go without reading something. I'm the same kid who would read the cereal box nutrition label while eating breakfast (I know, how sad...).
Like all good self improvement projects, I'll start...tomorrow!

Wheeeeee!!!!!

2008-03-01T21:22:00.001-08:00

A view from The Sky Tower of the newly painted X².

I am aaaaaaallllll over this! This is the revamped roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California (about 35-45 minutes from LAX). I grew up in Oxnard (Ventura County), California, which is about 55 minutes from Magic Mountain. I love to go on roller coasters. I enjoy the anticipation as I wait in line (sometimes up to 3 hours). I love the view of the park as the train makes it ascent to the towards the first peak. I love how my stomach flip flops as the train cars swoop and dip, twist and turn....
Not many people share my love of roller coasters.
I wasn't always that way. I was a timid little girl. The site of a roller coaster was enough to make my blood run cold. But I got on my first roller coaster in my teens and I became hooked.
There are a couple of theme parks in the Southern California area. The most famous of course is Disneyland in Anaheim. There is Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park,Raging Waters in San Dimas, and Universal Studios right outside of Hollywood. I've been to all them countless times. But Magic Mountain has always been my favorite. I don't know why. They just have the coolest rides. Then in the early 1990's, people starting acting a fool out there, rioting and fighting. The Six Flags corporation had to clamp down and now...well, let's just say it's different.

I have found there are two types of roller coaster people...those who love it and those who don't.
I am not going to try to convince the "haters" to join those of us who relish the thrill of being hurled around like a sack of potatoes...some things just have to be experienced.
I plan to make my way down to Magic Mountain sometime this year...I guarantee it.

And the Oscar Goes To...

2008-02-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

I work with an amazing teacher named Shelly. The kids have figured out they can't push her buttons. Believe me, they have tried countless times. She won't raise her voice, she doesn't get flustered, she won't run from the room screaming...
I admire her for her intellectual ability, but I admire her more for her calm demeanor with the kids. But don't mistake calm for boring...Shelly is NOT a boring Ben Stein lecturer. She has engaging, relevant lessons. I look forward to learning from her myself.

Me?...I am faaaaaaar from calm. When I teach, I have been know to stand on chairs, fall on the floor, use cartoon voice, break out in song and dance. And that is just within the first 10 minutes! I truly love to teach. But there are times I want to be known among my colleagues as the "calm one". My current moniker is "Energizer Bunny". Maybe that is why I am so exhausted when the kids leave for the day.

But I don't think it is in my nature to be the calm and steady one. But I am going to work on it...stay tuned.

This Is Too Funny...

2008-02-28T22:15:00.000-08:00

I wish I had thought of that when I was baptized...
Did you notice how the pastor "embraced" him after he wiped his Bible off?

Babbling Rants

2008-02-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to rant about a few things:

Why do the links to my pictures always seem to break somehow?
Why can't I remember the great blog topics I want to post when I sit in front of the computer?
Why is it that my friends who said they would read my blog, don't!

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-02-26T17:06:00.002-08:00

Great is the Lord

He is great to praised

In the mountain of His holiness

I will lift up my voice

I will sing to the Lord

I will open my eyes

I will dance in His light

Great Is the Lord--composer and lyricist unknown (at least to me)

If The House Needs Painting...

2008-02-26T17:06:00.001-08:00

I have a not-so-secret passion: Makeup!

I enjoy talking about makeup. I enjoy looking at different makeup brands and various ways to apply makeup. I enjoy wearing makeup.

I started wearing makeup on a regular basis my second year of college. I had a friend who began to sell Mary Kay. To be nice I bought some products from her. When I began to receive compliments on my skin and my makeup application, I was hooked.

I still use Mary Kay (mostly their TimeWise skin care system), but I have branched out to other brands. Currently I am searching for the best foundation. I fall back to Mary Kay when all else fails, but I have tried the Iman line of foundations. Iman has a makeup line specifically for women of color. She has one of the largest range of shades for ethnic skin. So far, so good. The color match is spot on. I have oily skin, prone to lots of breakouts. I am using the Second to None Cream to Powder foundation. It works in the cold winter months, no breakouts. I am looking to find the liquid version to use in the spring and summer.The problem is finding the products. They are definitely not sold anywhere around where I live (2% black population). I have tried online stores, including eBay. I can't find the color I am looking for!!!!! (((ranting over)))

I wear everything: foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick...

I know, I know...It sounds like a lot (it probably is), but that's how I like to look. Now don't get me wrong. I can leave the house without makeup (many times that is exactly what I do). I enjoy the creativity of applying makeup. Making smaller eyes look bigger. Giving the cheeks a hint of color with blush. Bringing out the gold flecks in brown eyes with just the right eyeshadow color combination. Makeup is fun to apply and play with.

My sister doesn't understand my makeup fetish. However, she is the one who is constantly talking about the "buy one, get one 1/2 off" sales for shoes. To each his own!

It has taken years to get a nice look with makeup without looking like Bozo the Clown. I think I do a pretty good job. It is my belief that healthy skin is the key to a polished look. I go to various websites to talk about makeup with other women (and sometimes men I have found!!). That is where I get what the latest products and application methods are.

My daughter will be allowed to wear makeup when she enters the 10th grade. Why? I think by that time she will be motivated enough to take care of her skin properly, she will be 16 years old, and she can purchase the stuff for herself, with her own money.

Okay, let's hear from you in the blogosphere. Ladies, why do you
wear makeup? How much and how often? Men, what is your take on the makeup issue (on the ladies, not on yourselves).

A Teacher's Point of View

2008-02-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

I've been teaching for the past eight years. I substitute taught for three of those years. I've had my teaching certificate since 2003. My teaching experience has been exclusively with at-risk teens in grades 7-12. These are students who rarely have experienced success academically.
I won't go into WHY the situation is the way it is. I don't know why. Some blame the education system, some blame society, some blame the kids. My job is to teach to the best of my ability.

Many parents confide in me that they believe they are not educated enough to assist their children. They are intimidated by the education process because they had bad experiences in the past when they were in school. I tell these parents that you don't need a Harvard education to help your child. You just need to employ some common sense.

Suggestions to parents who want to help their kids succeed in school.

Know the name of your child's teacher
Glance through each textbook your child uses
Attend "Back to School Night" or "Open House"
Attend parent/teacher conferences
Read, sign, return all correspondence from the teacher
Sign your child up for Homework Club or after school tutoring
Have a specific time and place for your child to complete homework
Make homework time non-negotiable.
If your child does not have homework, have them read or draw or practice a musical instrument.

And, most importantly:

Don't wait for the school to contact you. Initiate contact with your child's teacher first.Introduce yourself. Give the teacher (not just the office) your cell phone and/or work number to call if there are any questions or concerns. Give the teacher feedback (positive or not so positive) on the assignments you have seen come home.

If you have any other questions or ideas, drop me an email at tdb7297@gmail.com

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-02-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

To Your heart Lord, I appeal
Please free me from these chains
Of abuse, suicide
Pain from my past
To rob my peace of mind

Chains of divorce
Addiction and fear
Being afraid to die
And afraid to live

Chains of depression
Haven't laughed in awhile
Restore my joy and give me back my smile

...Save me I'm lost
Help me believe what You say

...So now I ask You please
Free me from these (chains)

Chains--Kirk Franklin
From the album "The Fight of My Life"

Something To Think About...

2008-02-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Are there times when you know God is reaching out to say "I love you" ? God spoke right to my heart today when I received the story below in an email (of course it was a forward of a forward of a forward....thank you Uncle Terry and I love you!).

While Jesus acknowledges the hurts and injustices the man in the story experiences, He doesn't allow the man to use those past hurts as excuses to continue in his sin.
I don't know about you, but I've had my feelings hurt and experienced more disappointments than I care to remember. I can choose to hang onto those past hurts and allow them to incubate within me until roots of bitterness take over. I am so grateful to Jesus who, in His loving way, places His arms around me while I cry tears of pain, regret, and sorrow. He rocks me gently and assures me of His grace, reminding me that He has a plan for my life. He then tells me that in order to receive the blessings He has in store for me and my child, I have to forgive and demonstrate His love, especially to those who have hurt me. He reminds me that I can have confidence in His Words, because His Words are ALWAYS true. If it were not so, He would have told me (John 14:2).

My song of the moment is "Chains" from Kirk Franklin's latest release "Fight of My Life". It sums up where I am at right now, this moment.

Let me know what you think about the following story...

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment, and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:

"Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you teach me to do the one thing I cannot do: Teach me to forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.

He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie?" He asked?

The man answered - "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?"

The man answered - "Yes. Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?" Jesus asked .

And the man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?"

The man, crying now, answered - "Yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - "Yes, Lord".

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!

Just A Thought...

2008-02-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

I found this article in the local paper and on the web...More People Tap 401(k) Accounts For Cash.
Please let it be known right off the bat...my degrees are NOT in finance, marketing, business, economics or any other major dealing with money. I am an average, middle class, single working mother. I grew up in a very middle class family. I don't have everything I want, but I do have everything I need.
As I read the article, this particular segment really jumped out at me:

"What we're talking about is people spending their retirement now and lowering their standard of living when they retire ... People aren't willing to make some of the tougher choices in the short-term to make a better future for themselves," said Stuart Ritter, a certified financial planner with T. Rowe Price. (emphasis mine)

When single individuals (particularly single moms) ask me for money advice (okay, they don't always ask. Sometimes I just tell them), this is what I tell them:

It all boils down to self control. You CANNOT have everything you see (at least not at the same time). AVOID MAKING PAYMENTS ON ANYTHING (including cars) AT ALL COSTS. You will always be broke when you have payments!
When you have payments, you are not in control of your life. Your payments are.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.(emphasis mine)

The jobs you take (or don't take) will be dictated by your payments.
Where you live and shop will be dictated by your payments.
The length of time your children are in daycare and the quality of the daycare will be dictated by payments.
What you do for recreation will be dictated by your payments.

That means you may have to sit on the old couch a little longer. You will have to choose between getting your hair done OR getting a new blouse OR getting your nails done OR getting an oil change...
If the price of a tune-up on your car is more than your monthly mortgage/rent, baby something is WRONG. You have too much car!

If there is something you really, really want...SAVE FOR IT!
Find out how much money you owe, stop running from your bills!
Make a budget, and stick to it.
ALWAYS put money into your savings account when you get paid. ALWAYS!
Write down your short term and long term money goals.
It's okay to have "mad money" as long as you budget for it.
Tell others (ones you trust and aren't afraid to ask the tough questions)about your goals to hold you accountable.

That sounds harsh doesn't it. That is because it is harsh when held up next to the mantra of the culture: You deserve it...You'll feel better if you have it...You can have it all...You are truly free when you live this way...There are no limits on what you can do...

The Christian church encourages single men and women to abstain from sexual encounters before marriage. There are a slew of books, DVDs, conferences and the like that give step by step instructions on how not to fall into sexual sin.
When the special gift of sex is opened in a marriage relationship, the joy and fulfillment are worth the temporary frustrations. Millions of individuals can speak of the regret and heartache they experience (and others in their lives) because they abused God's gift to a husband and wife. Yet many churches neglect to tell those same individuals how to avoid falling into financial bondage. In fact, some churches encourage people to "finance the bigger car, the bigger house...charge the exotic vacation (to the Holy Land of course)". Isn't self control the same, no matter the situation? The same Holy Spirit that helps us to keep our skirts down and our pants up can help us resist the lure of the newest model BMW or Lexus SUV. What is the worst that can happen if you don't buy the new house? What is the worst that can happen if you don't go on the 10 day cruise? Will anyone really notice that your daughters are wearing the same dress on Easter that they wore at Christmas? Is bigger really better? Is more really necessary?

That is just something I've been thinking about...

Alone versus Lonliness

2008-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

I don't mind being alone. After awhile, you get used to being by yourself. What I DO mind is being lonely. What is the difference? I'm glad you asked.

Alone is when you are physically apart from others. Sitting in a corner and reading a book, enjoying a movie by yourself, attending a long awaited event solo.

Lonely is when you are emotionally apart from others. There is a lack of connection with another human being. Can you recall a time when you were in a room filled with people and you had no one to talk to? You felt "out of place" and had no clue how to connect with others around you?

I struggle with loneliness A LOT. Sometimes I ache inside because I want to know and be known by others. I want someone to know my favorite color, my favorite ice cream flavor, what makes me laugh. I have friends and family that love me and I appreciate them. But I long to have a regular, on-going connection with at least ONE individual. I have always been a reserved person when it comes to friendships. I've never been one to have a "Best Friend Forever" and I can't say I have a best friend now. I have close, caring friends, but not one "Best Friend". And I will admit that it hurts sometimes.

I know that there are those out there who will tell me, "Get out and meet people". That is fine and dandy. The problem is not the lack of people that I know. I know lots of people. I am friendly with lots of people. I am talking about connecting with people. My personality is naturally more reserved (i.e. shy...yes, I know that can be hard to believe for some of you that know me). I will be kind to you and treat you with respect upon meeting you. But letting you into my "inner circle"? That is going to take some time.

What do I do to combat loneliness? Honestly, I'm still working on that. I try to help others who are in need, to get the focus off of myself. I try to fill my time with activities. But sometimes I can't seem to escape it. It shows up at work, it shows up at home, it even shows up at church. I get frustrated because I don't understand how in the world I feel lonely when I have so many people surrounding me.
Although it is an ongoing battle, I refuse to give up hope and give in. I will continue to seek out others, to connect with them.

The Old Me Wasn't Workin'...

2008-02-17T15:38:00.001-08:00

Now you know I don't look anything like this!!!!

I got a haircut and color on Friday. This is the third time in my life I have cut my hair short. It isn't the shortest it has ever been, but it is definitely shorter than what I usually wear it.
I got tired of the "old" me. My hair usually falls just past my shoulders, all one length. I don't know the exact name of the style (my sister says its a "bob". I don't know if I agree with that or not). I wanted something different, something that people would not expect from me.
I have been contemplating this move for awhile. I went to the beautician who used to do my hair when I was in elementary and junior high school (who lives two and half hours away in my hometown). I knew I could trust her to cut and color my hair the way I would like. I am pleased with the results and I have received compliments. ]

Here is the $60 million question... What am I doing on the inside to change? I don't want to be so focused on the outside that I neglect what needs to be updated, cut away, and "re-colored" on the inside. I am currently reading "Grace Based Parenting" by Tim Kimmel. It has challenged me to re-think how I view grace and how I can begin to extend it first to my daughter, then others around me (my students come to mind). Am I willing to extend the same level of grace, understanding, and patience with those around me that I have come to expect from God? That is something to think about.

You know how I stated I wanted a new look that people would not expect from me? I want a better attitude, a "towel and wash basin" attitude (see John 13:1-12). I want to show grace AND truth (John 1:14) to those I come in contact with. I am stirred to shed my old ways of being a "safe" Christian and I am looking to become a strong Christian. That is where true excitement and fulfillment in Christ await.

My Anchor Holds

2008-02-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is officially over (well, almost. Its 9:30 here in Cali and I'm tired. Its done!)

My daughter, sister and myself went out to our local cafe for fish and chips (10 year old had chili cheeses fries) and took a walk along the local farmers market. Nice evening indeed.

Such sad news lately.

Another college campus shooting. Six dead so far, including the shooter who killed himself.
I learned this morning that a parent of one of my students took her own life yesterday morning. The young man was already fragile emotionally. I am very worried about him.
A 10 year old shoots his younger sister in the face because she wouldn't share some chips with him.
Sex trafficking is on the rise worldwide. Children right here in the US are being sold and traded in the sex market.

It is very easy to get overwhelmed by all the chaos going on around us. I am grateful the anchor Jesus Christ is in a tumultuous world. Storms come and turn our world upside down. It is hard to understand why. But Jesus is right there with us. Thank you Jesus.

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-02-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Will you let go?

(I'll trust you, Lord)

Will you stand on My word?

(I'll trust you, Lord)

Against all odds will you believe what I have said?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

What seems impossible

(I'll trust You, Lord)

Will you believe?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

Every promise that I made will you receive.

(Yes, I will trust You, Lord)

What if it hurts?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

What if you cry?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

What if it doesn't work out the first time that you try?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

What if you call My name

(I'll trust You, Lord)

And don't feel Me near?

(I'll trust You, Lord)

Will you believe in Me or will you fear?

(Yes, I will trust, You Lord)

I'll Trust You Lord

Donnie McClurkin-Live in London and More

Me, Feel Guilty?

2008-02-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Google Images

I have the day off from work!
My daughter and my sister had to go to school and work. I am at home, by myself all day.
It is rare that these moments happen for me. I have a few things planned for myself today. (Sidebar: My financial planner's office called. She is sick today. So my one major appointment for the day is moved to next Monday. Gotta find something else to fill in the time I guess).
I read an interesting article on the CNN website titled, "Taking the kids: Squeezing in some adult time". Every vacation I take, I bring along my 10 year old. Why? Because I want to share the experience with someone. I am not married, nor in a relationship.
I appreciate time by myself. I know how to be "alone". I have no problems with being solo.
However, there are times (more often than not) when I want to share my experience with someone else. Think about how nice it is to recall an experience with someone, to say "Hey remember that time we went to....", or, "That reminds me of that trip we took to..."
I seek human connection, human interaction (ironic since I am posting to this blog. Technology has cut us off from truly interacting. But I digress). Please make no mistake, I don't use my daughter as an adult substitute. I know that can be the trap many single parents fall into. The simple fact is that it is easier to take her along because I don't have to put up with unknown habits and eccentricities that other traveling companions have. I know exactly what I am getting. The girlfriend who is so fun to hang out with while shopping suddenly becomes a psycho monster because you didn't fold your towel just the right way.

Okay, confession time. I don't want it to sound like I would dump my child if I could find a "suitable" adult to travel with. The fact is, I WANT to take my daughter with me. I want her to travel, see the world, experience new things. When I got our passports in 2006, the clerk asked, "What country are you visiting?" I told him, "I don't know, I just want to be prepared when the opportunity arises." We still have yet to use them, but I have a special savings account only for vacation funds. We won't be able to go to Tahiti, but we will be able to go SOMEWHERE!

Nobody Knows the Trouble I See...

2008-02-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Google Images

Disappointment.

We all experience it at one time or another (some of us seem to experience it on a daily basis). I teach at risk kids between the ages of 12 and 18. They know a lot about disappointment. My heart goes out to them. I tell them that while they are in my classroom, they are "my" kids. I may not birthed them and they don't live in my home, but they are mine in the sense that what I instill in them is the same exact thing I teach my 10 year old daughter.

As a parent and a teacher, one of the most important lessons I can teach my kids is how to deal with disappointment. It is not a matter of "if" but of "when". People are going to let you down. Situations are not going to turn out like you want. Circumstances will dictate a negative outcome for you. You have to figure out how you are going to deal with the emotions that flood at times like these. As a Christ Follower, I want my daughter to know that God is still on your side in these times. He has not abadoned you. God is always in control. We can recognize and acknowledge our emotions, but do not allow emotions to dictate your actions. Do not make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.

Not properly adddressing disappointment can lead to bitterness. I have seen friends and family members eaten alive (sometimes literally with cancer) by bitterness. Instead of taking the disappointment to Christ, they feed it. I know, I have been guilty of that sin many times. I wallow in self pity, mad at the world, sometimes mad at God, because I feel invisible, forgotten and unloved. The reality of God's Word says otherwise. But sometimes you want to feel it, you know what I mean?

Yes, I whine and complain (hopefully it is rare compared to earlier in life). Kids remember how you behaved more than what you said. Mamas, I hope you remember mom not whining and brooding.

I tell these things to my students (without the direct references to God; I do teach in a public school after all). It is hard to get through to kids whose furthest thought into the future is Friday afternoon and the party they are going to that night. Some individuals who experience one let down after another begin to believe that this is how life is, why try? Not properly dealing with disappointment leads to discouragement. I see it time and time again. I have worked really hard to keep my word to my students. If I say I am going to do something (good or bad), I do it. I have won the respect of some of the meanest, most close minded kids because of this practice. I can't promise I won't ever disappoint them, but they know that I will use every fiber in my being to follow through with anything I have told them.

How do you deal with disappointment?

How do you teach your kids how to handle disappointment?

You Mean It Isn't Over Yet?

2008-02-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

I am sick of politics. There. I said it!

I am grateful to live in a country where I have the opportunity to express my opinion, whatever it may be, in safety. I am grateful for a country in which people don't slash innocent victims with machetes when their candidate does not win.

I am grateful I can vote in every election without experiencing harrasment and intimidation.

I am also grateful that Super Tuesday is now officially over. Like many people, I was surprised, yet not surprised by the outcomes.

Its not that I don't enjoy politics. I enjoy a good discussion and debate on the issues. I think it is important to get the viewpoints of all involved. It makes me a better thinker and debator in my own right.

I am troubled by how personal people are taking this election cycle. Gina at What About Our Daughters summed it up nicely in this post. There will never be a "perfect" candidate out there. I am not completely satisfied with any particular candidate, but I understand that there are people out there in the world who are not completely satisfied with me either. My dad doesn't agree with me on all my political and social views, but he still loves me and would stand in front of on-coming traffic to protect me (or at least tell me to get my foolish behind out of the way!)

My pastor made a good point last Sunday in the morning service. Those who read and study the Bible know that it teaches about walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit. Pastor Gridiron said that in the flesh, or the natural realm, truth always has two sides to it. Kinda of like the old argument of a glass being half empty or half full. From each perspective that statement is true;each is correct. However, those who are Christ Followers understand that we take our truth not from our perspective, but from God's perspective. That is a difficult thing to accept for people who are dependent on their physical senses and their understanding of the world to determine what truth is.

How does this tie in with the whole election cycle? Lots. So much that I don't have the time or energy to really go into it all. But I will say this: If we are looking to one man or woman to solve our problems and meet our deepest need, we are going to be disappointed. No matter how many government programs you enact, legislation Congress passes, no matter how many executive orders come from the White House, human beings will not find peace in their minds and calmness in their souls. It is important to vote, to participate in our democracy. That is our right and priviledge as citizens of this country. Every voice eligible should be heard. People marched, sat-in, and some even paid with their lives to ensure everyone in this country would have a say.

No single individual this side of Heaven is going to make us love our husband/wife more, or heal marriages destroyed by infidelity and selfishness. No legislation is going to get anyone to read and study their Bibles, restore broken relationships between parents and children, visit the sick and shut in, or extend forgiveness to people who have mistreated them without cause.

No federal mandate is going to cause individuals to grieve their harden hearts, repent, and start the process of digging out the roots of bitterness in their hearts. And as I talk to various people from all walks of life, these are the things that are on the hearts and minds of everyone.

The good news is that it doesn't matter who is in office, which political party controls Congress,or who is on the Supreme Court. We can begin to renew our minds at anytime, anyplace, under any circumstances. God is still the powerful, all knowing, forgiving, and merciful God He always has been since He started Time so long ago.

Are You Willing to Sacrifice For the Cause?

2008-02-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Image from Google Images

The original title of the post was "I Did Not Watch the Super Bowl". But as I was composing this, the title you see came to mind. I had to use it.

I did not watch the Super Bowl. It's not that I don't like football. I do.We do not have cable or satellite in my home. We live in an area that doesn't receive good analog reception, even with an antenna. I cut the satellite for three reasons:

Money--I got tired of paying $60.00 a month. That is $720 a year

My daughter--I got tired of fighting her over how much tv she was watching

Content (or lack thereof)--Are there good things on tv? Yes. But not worth $60.00 a month.

It was easy for my to "cut the cord". My sister and my daughter however went through such serious withdrawals, you would have thought they were coming off of heroine. How do we fill our evenings and weekends? I'm glad you asked. We read more books and magazines. We listen to radio dramas. We participate in more church and community activities. We TALK to each other more.

(Editor's Note)--I am not against watching tv. We enjoy movies and watch tv shows on the internet. TV in of itself is not evil. Just as with food, everything must be in moderation. If you are "fluffy" as my dear co-worker would say, you need to limit your calorie consumption and increase your physical activity. Television is no different. If you find yourself more concerned with who is going to win ABC's "Dance Wars", or Brittany's latest breakdown, but you have no clue that sex trafficking is on the rise worldwide, you have a problem. I am against diets, I believe in "lifestyle changes". It is time for a lifestyle change.

My dear, sweet sister has taken the death of the satellite very hard. Please pray for her. She enrolled in the Blockbuster online program, and to date has rented over 160 movies to watch. When Dish Network called me to entice me back, she was sobbing in the background as I told the lady, "No thank you. We don't want our service back on".
When my daughter goes to visit her grandfather (who has a 52 inch flat screen) she enters a catatonic state as she tries to suck in as much tv as she can.

I have found that the majority of the shows we watched can be viewed on the internet. Why am I paying for cable/satellite when I can watch the darn show on the internet with little or no commercials? That is double dipping in my opinion. I am already paying big money for this internet connection. Why pay more?

Many people lament the content that is on tv now. Especially the negative portrayals of black women. I like the strategy employed by Gina at What About Our Daughters: Hit the advertisers in the wallet. Don't support that mess by not supporting the sponsors. Duane over at The Black Informant posted about how $2.3 billion (yes, with a "b") is spent on advertising aimed at the black consumer. When we really start speaking with our wallets, we will see a change in what is put out on television. But whenever I talk to people about cutting the cord, they either go catatonic or they get really nervous, like I asked them to donate a kidney or borrow $100,000,000. People are hooked on tv.

I have a thought. It probably isn't an original thought, but its an original thought for me. Maybe the reason Debra Lee, Reginald Hudlin, and Philippe Dauman, don't seem to be hearing what people have to say is they know, in the end, people are not going to cut the cord. They can take the protests, the criticisms, and, as my mom used to say, being called everything BUT the child of God. In the end, people will keep paying their bills every month (or splitting the bill for the split cable with their neighbors). We are too addicted to the "boob tube". Some of us need background noise. Some of us have that ONE show we HAVE TO WATCH. Or even better yet, "If I cut the cable, what will my kids do? What is going to occupy their time? They are going to get bored and drive me crazy! That is the only time I get peace and quiet. I will actually have to TALK to them!"

I was worried we would "miss out" what was going on with the world. I have been pleasantly surprised to find out that I haven't missed anything going on in my city, state, or nation, or the world for that matter. I get my news from the internet, the local newspaper, or good, old fashioned word of mouth (although that is the least reliable). I get a more varied look at the issues, something that wouldn't happen if I watch mainstream media.

You know what? I don't miss tv. Are you willing to sacrifice for the cause?

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

I've been given sweet salvation

Forgiveness came and rescued me
I am wrapped up in redemption
I was guilty--now I'm free

I think about the air I breathe
I think about the song I sing
I think of friends and family
I think what I've got I like a lot, it's all I need

Don't let this world trick you into thinking
You need what its got to be happy
Satisfaction comes from something the world cannot provide
BE SATISFIED!

Satisfied
Crystal Lewis--Fearless

The Way of A Fool Seems Right To Him, But a Wise Man Listens to Advice. Proverbs 12:15

2008-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

I just don't understand people...

A motorist who received a ticket for driving through a stop sign and tried to outsmart the system did not count on the traffic commissioner outsmarting him, officials said Thursday. Instead of paying a $215 fine, the driver, Andrew Bamberg, 42, has been sentenced to one year in jail.(source) Bamberg went through a stop sign in Redwood City on March 12, 2004. Under oath, he challenged the ticket by showing a traffic commissioner of San Mateo County Superior Court, Susan Greenberg, photographs he said he had taken of the intersection. No stop sign was visible. The commissioner passes that intersection on her way to work. Bamberg's photographs were of an intersection a block away. He was found guilty of running the stop sign.

Lord, Please Help Me Not to Mess This Kid Up!

2008-02-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

I enjoy listening to my local Christian talk radio station. It features the regulars: Focus on the Family, Money Matters, Jack Hayford and the like. One of my favorite shows is "HomeWord" with Jim Burns. He has a 30 minute program that comes on daily. The topic for his January 30 and 31, 2008 shows: What Will Make Your Kids a Success?
His guest was author Tim Kimmel who has written numerous books on parenting. The book featured on the show is titled "Raising Kids for True Greatness: Redefine Success for You and Your Child".
A couple of points that stood out to me when I listened to the shows were:

It is important to help your child choose:

their mission in life (give your kids a purpose that is bigger than themselves)
the mate for life (life can be very difficult when married to a high maintenance person)
their Master for life (because we all serve something)

The second point that stood out to me was the four things that Jim Burns said should be cultivated in your children from Day One. I think these are covered in the book also. They are:

A humble spirit
A grateful heart
A generous attitude
A servant heart

I have not read the book yet, but I plan on getting it from Amazon.com. Based on what I heard, it sounds like it has solid, biblical, and practical information on how to move away from raising "good, safe" kids to raising "strong, great" kids. Head to the HomeWord website and download the show.

My goal as a parent is to point my child to the arms of Jesus. I do want my child to be healthy, joyful, and fun to be around. I want her to be capable of supporting herself and a family, and be a solid helpmate to a loving, Christian man. I thank God that in spite of my weaknesses and faults, His Holy Spirit can dwell in my child and guide her in Truth even when I "miss" it. I understand that I do have an important part to play, but it is the resurrection power that will take root and take my child from "good" in the eyes of the world to "great" in the sight of God.

Has anyone out there read any books by Tim Kimmel? What are your thoughts?

East Coast versus West Coast?

2008-01-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

Okay...I'll admit it...I put butter and sugar on my rice and grits.
That's just the way I was raised, so don't go hatin' on me!

One of my spiritual mentors has informed me that I have commited a grievous sin by adorning my food in that manner. According to him (who grew up on the East Coast--New York state to be exact) the proper manner to adorn your rice and grits is with salt and pepper.
He claims that indviduals who grew up on the West Coast have not been truly "trained" in the proper art of food garnishing. I respectfully disagree. I know plenty of people who are not native West Coasters who enjoy cinnamon and sugar on their rice and grits.

So my latest poll is this: What do YOU put on your rice and grits? We are, of course, speaking of the white rice variety. You know, the kind you can buy for $10.00 for 80 pounds? The worst stuff on the planet if you're watching your carbohydrate count.

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-01-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Let the words of my mouth
Leave no room for doubt
Because down the years
You've been faithful

When I think it all through
Oh Lord its been You
Who was there all the time
And I'm grateful

Thank You (I Won't Complain)
Fred Hammond--Free to Worship

A Teacher's Point of View

2008-01-29T10:08:00.001-08:00

I am a teacher. I have taught for 8 years in an alternative education program (kids who are expelled, kids who are habitual truants, kids who are involved (sometimes heavily) in the juvenile justice system. Working in alternative education is my only experience in the public education system. I started as a classroom aide, earned my teaching credential (in California you can't get an undergraduate in education, you have to take one extra year to earn a teaching license) and my master's degree in educational leadership and administration. I know a lot of pedagogy and all the latest

I do not teach in an urban setting (actually, its as far from urban as you can get). The majority minority is Hispanic, with a smattering of Asian, and Black kids. I work for a county office of education that is responsible for providing "alternative public education" for students. Most students are white (about 85%). Students who enter our programs are "referred" by the local school districts. I say "referred" because the districts should have a process to help these kids, but when you have to get test scores up and Johnny is in the lowest quartile, you've got to get him outta there somehow. But I digress...

I don't believe the issue being raised about student motivation has anything to do with race. I believe it is a class issue. For so long the focus in education has been race (the achievement gap, the lack of resources, the lack of expectations). I have witnessed the gap between social classes widen even as the gap between various races have closed.
Kids from middle/upper middle class families, even those who struggle like AverageBro did, eventually "get it". (If you don't know about AverageBro, check out his blog--(www.averagebro.com). Its one of my favorites. Back to the students: The light bulb goes off and they decide they are going to do well because they want to.

The kids from lower middle/poorer families struggle so much more. I am still trying to figure out exactly why that is. Their families love them and want to see them succeed. I don't know if the lack of success is because the families don't know about the resources or because they don't believe that anything they do will truly make a difference in the success of their child.
The middle class families seem to take advantage of the resources available to help students who have gotten off track. Even if these resources minimal in nature, I have seen students really turn things around in terms of academics and attendance.

They also seem to understand the idea that effort equals achievement. The middle class understand that it is not how much raw talent and charisma you have, but how much "stick-to-it-ness" a person possesses that ultimately determines how successful a person can be.
I recommend reading "Framework for Understanding Poverty" by Ruby K. Paine. This really helped me understand the class issue much better.

We have been so entrenched in focusing on race (for good reason) that we have been negligent in looking at how the new "ism" facing America today, classism, is tearing our public education system apart. I have gotten in trouble for pointing out the elephant in the room (more times than I care to count). I do believe there is "soft racism" going on in public education. I have also witnessed blatant "classism" and NO ONE says a word.

I know I have been guilty of expecting more (or less) of particular students not because of race (I'm harder on my minority students; They don't like that...too bad), but because of the type of neighborhood or family background they come from. Are they a "prep" and live in the Arbors or does this student come from the "wrong side of the tracks" and live in a trailer park? Are the parents white collar professionals (lawyers, college professors) or blue collar workers (cashier at Kmart or waitress at Dennys)?

I don't know what to do. I don't have all the answers. I myself have to check my own attitudes and stereotypes about class and my expectations.

I would love to start a discussion with anyone interested in this. Please check out Education Week (I have a link under Blogs I Check Out) and search for articles on how separation of social class is affecting public education. Let me know what you think.

Ruby Payne--http://www.ahaprocess.com

Song Lyrics of the Day

2008-01-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

Lord I know better
Use me whenever
But I must see traces of You

Hear what I say...

Lord I believe You
I know you gon' come through
But I must see traces of You

Traces--Joann Rosario
From the album Joyous Salvation

Whose Child Is That?

2008-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have a 10 year old daughter. When most people look at her, they assume she is about 12 or 13 (it's her daddy's genes. He looked 25 when we were 16). She is well spoken for her age and personable. I try to be aware of the fact that people treat her as if she were older than what she is. I have made an effort to "put her in her proper place" by treating her like a 10 year old should be treated. Not disrespectfully, not in a manner that does not recognize her worth or ability to positively contribute to this earth. But there are times she needs to keep her mouth shut!
As an only child, she enjoys and desires to be in conversations with adults. That is not always a bad thing. However there are times when adults need to converse without a child butting in. I get annoyed at her sometimes because she tries to contribute to the conversation, but has no ideas what she is saying. I don't know about other parents, but I can't tolerate that. She gets offended when I tell her to keep her mouth shut (okay, maybe I don't say it that way, but sometimes I do) because she doesn't know what she is talking about. I explain to her that she is a child and to expect to be treated as such. She is not my peer, she is definitely not my friend (but that is another post), she is a 10 year old girl.
Why is it that kids want to "grow up" so quickly? I am afraid that in her quest to be grown up, she'll miss out on experiences that can make childhood so sweet. I believe these stages are important in forming a healthy, well-rounded adult. Skip by them too fast, and you have girls who are just...well, you know what I'm talking about.

Feedback...

How do other parents deal with this situation?
Do you have a specific strategy?
What discipline techniques have you used?

Quote of the Day

2008-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished: If you are alive, it isn't

--Richard Bach

Who Me?

2008-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

I have been dealing with my issue with pride lately. I don't know about you, but I struggle with having waaaaay too much pride. Those around me may not agree. But I know what goes on inside my head.

Why do I get so upset with God when he doesn't fix up my life the way I want Him to, when I want Him to?
Why do I grumble and complain about circumstances in my life, rather than give thanks for the opportunities and blessings I have?
Why do I feel restless and dissatisfied with my life?

Well, I believe it is good, old fashioned pride. Where do I get the idea that I am so great that I deserve "more"? There are billions of people in the world who would love to walk in my shoes, live in my apartment, eat the food I have in my kitchen, wear my clothes, and attend my job everyday...without one word of complaint. That does not mean I should not have aspirations to do better. But when I find myself complaining (even "silently" in my spirit), it is because I think I deserve more than what God has already blessed me with. I get upset because it should be obvious to God (like it is to everyone else) that I deserve....

more money
a better car
a bigger house
a better paying job
a husband
exotic vacation trips
friends who always do what I want to do, when I want to do it.

And the list can keep going. Pride will make me do some pretty foolish things in order to obtain the items on that list...things that will ultimately result in my destruction (literally and spiritually). My friends and family want to support me and encourage me by telling me how hard I work, how smart I am, how well I raise my child. I take in those positive affirmations, but then something dark begins to take hold. I place myself higher than I ought. Then, when life's storms blow, I get indignant because it should not be so for someone of my high caliber (Yeah, right)

It is something that I fight on a daily basis. Taking the focus off of me. One day at a time.

Bad Neighbor

2008-01-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

I am the worst neighbor. I don't play my music loud, the cops don't constantly visit my house. I don't have old furniture or old cars in my yard. In fact, if you asked my neighbors about me, they would probably say nice things about me.

The reason why I say I'm a bad neighbor is because I don't know my neighbors. I don't know their names, the names of their kids, nothing about their lives. I had neighbors who moved and I didn't even know it until I noticed their apartment was being cleaned by maintenance. And they lived three doors over!

I don't have a valid reason to be so...self centered. My neighbors are decent people. I have no evidence to limit my interactions with them. More embarrassing, I don't know the names of most of the people in my apartment complex. Heck, I don't know the name of the neighbor right next door!
I just get a paralyzing fear when I think about reaching out to them. I want to move past a smile and a "hello". I want to get to know them more.

How about you? How well do you know your neighbors? How well do you want to know our neighbors?

Inaugural Post

2008-01-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog post. My closest and longest friend encouraged me to start posting, so here goes...

Invisible But Not Silent

(((trumpets blaring, angels singing)))

There are so many great blogs out there...and a lot of not-so-great blogs. I hope to be a part of the former.

There is so much I want to say, but I don't know where to start.
I am quiet, but that does not mean I have nothing to say. I am not the most vocal in a group, in fact I am working on learning to listen more so when I do speak it will encourage, edify, and uplift everyone I come into contact with. I haven't always been successful in this endeavor (just ask my sister and my daughter), but I am working on it.
The first blog I tried didn't turn out too well, so I deleted it and decided to start over.
Don't you sometimes wish you could do that with some decisions or words you have spoken? Delete them and start over.

I choose to put up the definition of introspection on my blog because that is the primary goal...to take the information I see and read on a daily basis and use it to improve myself and help those around me.

Let's see how this goes...