New School Year

I love my new school. I love my new team. I am overwhelmed, as every new school year brings lots of stress, but I am not scared all the time. I am confident in my work. I am appreciated for what I do. I am not sure I can ever go back to working in a site based program.

I love to put quotes on my post, from time to time. I had a great one this week that came from a student. She said that she could tell that I have only been a teacher for 2 or 3 years. When I asked her why, she said "because you still act like you like it". I hope that I always act like I like it.

TTFN

Back from Florida

I just got back from Florida, last night around 3am. It is so great to be home. It was wonderful being with family. I caught up with relatives I haven't seen in years. Namely, Uncle John and Aunt Gail. My cousins Donna, Vicki, Bobby, Joseph, etc. Becca went with me.

On Sunday, we had a great big southern feast, complete with southern fried chicken, banana pudding and macaroni and cheese. We also ate some Puerto Rican specialties from my cousin, Donna. It was so great to just eat and talk. That's exactly what we did. We ate and sat around talking for FIVE hours. I thought Becca was gonna die of boredom. I have to say, I loved it. It reminded me of who I am and where I come from. It was good to show Becca who she is and where she comes from. We talked about memories of Granny and Uncle Jim. There was quite a hole missing, both at the table and in our hearts, where Uncle Jim should have been.

Tammie took Becca and I out to Siesta Key. I LOVE THE OCEAN!!!! It was beautiful. We watched the sunset and collected shells. So peaceful and so beautiful. Tammie and Jim took us to an Amish restaurant in Sarasota where the food was absolutely yummy.


We went to Sea World and we like the Beluga Whales the best. One seemed to come to Josh when he put his hands on the glass. We caught up with Brittany and Ashley. Brittany's baby is due in November. Josh has grown into a handsome young man. We are all so proud of him.

It was good to see Jenny and the kids. Michael is a young man now. Eric stayed with us the whole time and thought that he had moved into the condo "aka tondo" with us. What a joy he was. Haley is walking and is an independent little one year old who keeps everybody on their toes. She is a chubby little thing with gorgeous blue eyes and dark hair. She is such a cutie.

I visited Granny Day. She is ninety five and still very sharp, mentally. Her body has not kept up. She can't move her legs to stand and she looked like she is retaining fluid. As I left her, I was aware that I may be saying goodbye for the last time. I kissed her and told her I loved her. She told me that she loved me too. Enough said.

My dad has lost weight and he looks terrible. He also continues to smoke and not do what the doctor says to do. It's frustrating, but I love him still. I just wish he could see how much better he could be.

I visited Daniel. He has the cutest little house from the 1920s that he just moved into. He continues to do lawn work. I looked at him and thought about what a nice looking man he has become and what a huge heart he has. He cares for his girlfriends disabled daughter, in their home, and he never complains. He is quiet, but speaks volumes in his willingness to help out those around him. He takes care of my parent's yard, which is no small task in sunny Florida.

Our flight was late getting in last night, so we arrived home around 3am. I think I am going to go take a nap.

TTFN

Summer Time

I am so enjoying the summer. Each day I get up and think "I don't have to go to work today and I am getting my house, life and family back in order". It feels good I tell ya.

We bought a new camera. Now I just need to figure out how to upload pictures and I hope to post some pictures of our lives and garden, this summer. My garden is in and plants are up. I got it in earlier than last year, so I hope to get more veggies from it. It has rained for the last two days, so everything has had a nice soaking.

We went to the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus last Friday night. Becca loved it and Laura didn't. Laura said that it was geared to children younger than her. Ah, she really is growing up. I suppose that since we only go to the circus every 10 years or so, the next time will be with our grandkids. Yikes!!!!

Laura started hockey. She and I are getting along a lot better. I think I am learning to give her her independence and she is learning that sometimes, I am right. Ha ha. Becca will start voice lessons in a couple of weeks. Both are doing camp this summer and I am hoping to squeeze in a trip to Florida to see my folks, with Becca. I am so proud of both my girls. Laura finished the year with a 4.0 grade average. Becca got several awards for her "Battle of the Books" success.

I am getting really excited about my new job. I have been leveling my children's books and putting my lesson plans in order. I can't wait to begin, though there is a part of me that is a little scared of the unknown. I don't know the kids. I don't know the staff. I have been so focused on "behavior" type lessons, I am a little concerned about being able to now teach academics. This is what I have wanted to boost on my resume, so I will give it my best shot. I think I am really going to like it.

I suppose that's the lastest for now. Just cleaning and enjoying the summer.

TTFN

Summer

So much life has happened over the last month. I have not posted for a while as I was hesitant to do so until I switched jobs. Yes folks, these blogs get checked out, so don't put anything on them that you would not want the world to see. Anyway, I am back.

First off, my girls both continued on to higher learning. Becca to middle school and Laura to high school. I can't believe they are so big. Where in the world did the time go? Both of them got academic awards and both are excited about moving up.

Laura will start summer break on Wednesday. Becca was on break as of Friday. Laura is off to camp Elim later in the summer and Becca will be off to Camp Salvation. Next week, both girls will be rehearsing with the drama team at church for VBS the next week. Busy, busy, busy.

As for me, life has also taken a turn. After quite the search, I was offered a job in D38 at an elementary school. I will be a SPED Resource teacher. I know that this job was God given and I can't wait to get started. I will be teaching more academics and less behavior management. Thank you lord for my new job. Oh yeah, it's only 10 minutes away from the house.

It was hard leaving MRES. I will miss my students. I will miss the staff. I fear that I won't have the wonderful relationship with staff and administration that I had at MRES. I also know that God called me to move on and that he gave me this new position. On to new things.

I leave you today with a story from one of my student's last day of school. One of my fifth grade students approached me on his way out. He was crying. He put his head on my shoulder and said "Mrs. Russell, I will never forget you." I said "I am so proud of you. Keep your car in the road." He and I both knew that this meant he is to worry about himself and not perseverate on all the things around him. Be aware, but "drive your own car". He said "Mrs. Russell, I will remember that for the rest of my life". What more could a teacher ask for?

Learning to wait.

As you can tell from the title, I am still in limbo concerning the job situation. I was told on Tuesday that I was not selected for the position at the high school. On Friday I was told that I was actually the candidate the SPED team wanted and that the person they offered the job to was considering not taking it. Long story that I cannot write about publicly, but I am still in limbo and considering the position. In the mean time, I have a couple interviews coming up at schools in D20. My current position continues to be a struggle. Mostly in supervising six paraprofessionals. It is hard to make six women, who work together in the same room, seven including myself, get along. It's more than hard. It's down right impossible. That, I will not miss. Continue the prayers as to my job hunt. I just need clarity from above concerning the choices I am to make. For now, God just seems to tell me "wait". That is sooooo hard for me.

I am so proud of Becca and her Battle of the Books. Her team took first place in the district and were one of the top ten in regionals. The kiddos worked so hard. One of the students in my class participated and it was great to see him thrive in a stressful, yet normal environment.

Laura got her hair dyed this week. She now has blond streaks in her dark brown hair. I was so scared of what it was going to look like, I couldn't even go into the salon afterwards. I was a chicken and I sent Tom in. When I saw her in the car, she looked beautiful. It was one of those moments where you look at your daughter and you see a beautiful young woman emerging. Now, I hear her in the bathroom, in the mornings, blow drying her hair. For those of you who know my Laura, this is quite an accomplishment.

The weather here in Colorado is hot and cold, rainy, snowy, sunny all in the same day. Right now it is beautiful outside and not too hot. A great day to get outside and enjoy Spring.

Peace

Just an update. I found out, yesterday, that I am one of two people the folks at Palmer Ridge High School are considering for the job. Not bad considering they started with 30 applicants. Now the hard part. Waiting to see if I am chosen. I am struggling with feelings of doubt and hope, all at the same time. I really want what God has chosen for me, but man that big picture is so hard to focus on sometimes. There are new positions posted in D20, so it's not like there aren't other jobs to consider. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers

Waiting is hard.

Spring Break is officially over. It was nice and I felt eager to go back. I think this was because I know that in seven weeks, it will all be over for the year. There are other concerns going on too.

I have been praying hard about my job, next year. It turns out that I think it will be up and running next year. I am not sure I want to work in such a roller coaster environment again next year. I applied for a job in District 38. Out of 30 applicants, I was one of five chosen for an interview. I went to the interview on Thursday, and I loved it. I am second guessing all the things I should have done during the interview, but overall, I think it went very well. I am hoping for a call on Monday or Tuesday. Now I just wait. I have also applied for a position in D20, at Liberty High School. The job closes on Tuesday, so I am hoping for an interview call. God is so good. He knows that the last two years have been super tough. I feel like now that school is over, well almost (one more class), I can move on to where he really wants me to go. Not sure Autism is it. I still struggle with leaving my students, but I am realizing that parents also have to step up to the plate and take some responsibility.

The girls are fantastic. Laura made 6 As and 2 Bs on her last report card (3.75 grade average). I am pleased as punch. Becca worked here ) booty off over Spring Break, reading for Battle of the Books. She has read 33 meaty books since September. She will have her first District 49 battle on Tuesday and her city battle on Thursday at Colorado College. On Thursday, our school will battle against 610 other kids. I have taken that day off to go see her and the team. A battle consists of an adult reading a question from one of the books on the list they had to read. The team debates and one person answers. If they answer correctly, they get a point. If they don't the other team gets a chance to answer the question. It is so much fun and I am so proud of my little book worm.

I think that's the latest at the Russell house. I hope you and yours are doing well and enjoying warm weather. We actually had a snow day last week.

TTFN

Mid Spring Break

Laura came home on Saturday. She matured a lot during the last week. She knows and we know that this is so. We could see it in the way she told us about her adventures. We could tell that this trip was life changing for her as she told us about the people she served and how much fun she thought San Diego was. It was truly a trip that was all her own. He own adventure and her own time to walk a little closer to God. Here is a link to the blog that was kept daily by the Youth Pastor. Some of it is plain teenage funny, but mostly it is proof that God worked in the lives of these kids. Thank you all for you support and prayers.
http://segwaysdmissiontrip.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-one-continued.html

My knee is a little better. I ended up going back to the doctor today. Her advice was for me to lose weight and do these quadricep exercises. Getting old stinks sometimes. Overall, I think I pulled a ligament and it will take a while to heal.

I applied for the high school position in D38. Now I just weight to see if I will be granted an interview. Speaking of schools, I got Becca signed up for middle school at Discovery Canyon Campus. I can't believe she is off to junior high. Where has the time gone? She wants to play in the orchestra, so there is hope that I will be able to pass my violin along after all. She asked me to teach her violin, again. I made her promise that she would LET me teach her and not get all offensive when I correct her or make her practice. We shall see how that goes.

One thing I like about my school district is the two week fall and spring break. This is week 2. When I go back to school on Monday, I will only have 8 more Mondays left before summer break. Not that I am counting.

TTFN.

Spring Break

I am so glad that Spring Break is here. I am having a tough time though. I am nursing a very sore right knee. I am pretty sure that it is due to a student kicking me in the shins. It's just one more reminder that I need to move to another job. I have found a job posting in District 38. It would be a resource teacher at a local High School. I think I would enjoy it, but I don't know if I would be qualified as my experience has been in elementary school. I think I will do it just to gain some interview experience.

My Uncle Jim, indeed passed away. His funeral was last Thursday. I will miss him so much. It was a shock to our family. It has reminded all of us that life is precious and you never know when God will call us home.

Laura left for San Diego last Saturday morning. It was hard to watch her go, but I know she will enjoy and treasure this experience. So far, we have learned that she has served in a soup kitchen, done prayer walks in the city of San Diego, led worship, and has helped to lead people to Christ. Not bad for a 13 year old. I am so proud of her and I can't wait for her to get home and tell us all about it.

Uncle Jim

Today I write with a heavy heart as we are saying goodbye to my Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim is the younger brother of my mother. He lived with us a little while, when I was a girl. He moved to a very small house near us and I always knew he was there. He took me to my first baseball game. He and I took many trips to my grandmother's house, two hours away. Uncle Jim was truly one of my biggest fans. I always knew he loved me. He told me so, just two weeks ago. He had a major heart attack that caused holes in his heart. He was air lifted to Shand's Hospital in Florida where he underwent a 12 hour operation to patch the holes. He has never regained consciousness. He is slowly dying as I write this. The doctors have given him less than a 10 percent chance to live and he has gone down hill from there.

Uncle Jim has always been in my life. I remember the stormy night my grandpa (Paw Paw), put me in his old Chevy truck and we went to Uncle Jim's house. We got there and Uncle Jim was devastated. His wife had left him and had taken their two year old son with her. I will never forget seeing my Uncle and my Grandpa both cry at the same time. Later that year, Uncle Jim moved to Bradenton, to live with us, until he could find a job and get on his feet.

Uncle Jim always spoke aloud to traffic. If other drivers or pedestrians were not doing what he thought they ought to do, he would yell "Go home Yankee!!!". This was done whether he thought they were from the South or not. The people couldn't hear him, but they did one time. My sister, Tammie, was in the car. Uncle Jim was yelling at people crossing the street. Tammie rolled the window down and yelled "Go blow your nose Yankee!!!". It's funny now. Not so much for poor Uncle Jim, at the time. He learned about how little eyes were watching him.

I remember one evening, when my mom would give me charge over my first patient. There is a part of me that wonders if the incident spurred my nursing career. Uncle Jim had gone into a convenience store. He left the motor running on his car (you could do that then) . When he got out of the car, his leg hit the gear shift. The car went into reverse and Uncle Jim's right leg wasn't out of the car yet. He was dragged down a parking lot. He had burns all over his upper body and arms. My mom had me spend the night with him and care for him. I think I was in about the fifth grade.

When I found out I was pregnant with Laura, I called Uncle Jim and Aunt Jill. Tom and I waited nine years to have children. I remember Uncle Jim yelling "Yahoo", as if he were becoming a grandpa. When I gave birth to Laura, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jill were at my house in Colorado, two days later.

Uncle Jim was a man of great patience. He loved sports. He loved family. Best of all, Uncle Jim loved the Lord. We know that in the next few days, Uncle Jim will go home to be with the Lord. I am proud to say that I loved him and knew him. I am so grateful that he was a part of my life. He will be greatly missed.

Still no news on the job front. My administration doesn't want me to leave, but I think I need to keep all of my options open. I know I have to be true to myself and my family. No postings in District 20, yet, but I know God is in control and has perfect timing. Thanks for the card, Jen. You are right. Faith is trusting and knowing that God has me in the palm of his hand, safe and sound.

The Journey

We lost a staff member this week. She was 29, had cancer and a 16 month old baby. I must put family first. I was reminded that we only get one chance at life and I only get one chance to be with my family. One of my first graders looked at me this week and said "Mrs. Russell, I needed you". All my students needed me, but my work is coming to an end. Budget cuts will be announced on Tuesday. All first year teachers are being let go (I am a second year). My program is secure for one more year but will be no more at this time next year. All Vice Principals are being dismissed as well as all Literacy Coaches. Our IB coordinator will be half time. No more Spanish teachers. I have to move on. The workload will be unbearable and I will spend next year preparing my students for programs that will not be what they need. My heart breaks for them, but my Social Communications program is a sinking ship. I prayed for guidance and I guess I got it this week.

I am looking for positions in District 20. I am hoping to start interviewing over Spring Break. As Mr. Rogers said "In order for change to happen, you have to leave something behind". I leave behind the fact that I started a program and did a super job. I leave behind the fact that for two years I GOT to be with some wonderful children and make a difference in their lives. Please pray for me as I move on in this crazy journey.

Thinking Hard

Last week, at school, was alright. The kiddos were themselves and I had to hold a child for two hours one day. It's hard, but the next two days with that kiddo were beautiful. Still no word on the job situation, though I have been thinking and praying hard about it. I am seeing that the changes may not come until the summer. By then, it is too late to look for another position. I asked Becca what she thought I should do, as my family has to put up with me working so far away. Becca said "Mom, if you were closer, we could spend more time together". Enough said about that. I am looking in D20 and praying for guidance.

The most amazing thing happened on Saturday. Laura, Becca, and I went shopping and we had fun. That has NEVER happened and I know it may not happen again, but it was great. I wasn't feeling well, as I have yet another cold, but the time was priceless. We went to Kohl's looking for an outfit for Becca, as she has pictures to be taken at school, tomorrow. Laura wanted a haircut, so I told her she had to go with us and that we would get the haircut after Kohl's. Laura started looking at the clothes and I swear I saw her light up. She said "I think I need to dress a little more like a girl". The clouds parted and I heard angels singing. She, well I, bought four shirts and a pair of jeans. Go Laura. With the haircut she is going to look really cute. She told me that she has to think of what she is going to wear for her formal eight grade dance (she graduates and moves on to high school in May). That will be interesting. I don't want her to be something she's not. I love her just the way she is, but I think what thrilled me is that LAURA liked how she looked in those clothes. I could tell that Laura wanted to look nice. That filled my heart.

Well, today is President's day, so I have no school. Deb Harnly and I are off to a much needed girl lunch and trip to Goodwill. Yipee doo.

TTFN

One step at a time.

The last week was a little better. I sent an email to the principal at Discovery Canyon in D20. I was inquiring about a position there. I did not apply for it, but they sent my application straight to the upper administration of SPED in District 20. I am flattered, but it is bitter sweet. When I told one of my parents that I might be moving out of their district, her reply was "no worries, we will just choice to wherever you are". I am humbled by that.

We had a great weekend. I had class on Saturday. Only four more classes to go. Casey came over Saturday afternoon and Saturday night I went to a Temple Grandin movie party. I had a great time hanging out with other Special Ed teachers. Temple Grandin is a woman who has defied the odds of Autism. The HBO movie was her life story and I encourage everyone to watch it. It makes me very proud to serve my students. Who knows who and what they will become. I would like to think I am making a positive difference in their lives.

As I write this, we are hoping and praying for a snow day tomorrow. The girls and I want a day to just relax and be together. We didn't do the snow dance, but maybe we will get it anyway.

TTFN.

Transitions

My heart is so heavy with the situation at school. My students continue to amaze me. One of my parents wrote an email to the director of Elementary Education in our district and told her that I needed some sort of recognition for the work I have done with her son. I am humbled. The thing is, I don't see it as doing much. I have brought him consistency in a world where he has none. This is the little guy that was homeless over Christmas. I have loved him when he was out of control. I hold him until he calms down. I still love him. I love them all and that is the problem. I truly believe God is telling me that I must leave and apply for positions closer to home. I truly believe that because of my new qualifications, I will be transferred to another school that is even further away from home. For those of you who have lived in Colorado in the winter, this can be really tricky. The heaviness comes when I think of leaving these beautiful children. So many people have given up on them.

I had a meeting with my principal concerning the possibilities of me transferring to another school. I told her that if I could stay in my current position, at my current school, I would stay. She looked at me and said "start applying in your district". Well, that hit me like a wet blanket.

I got a call last week from my neighbor. She specifically called to make sure I was applying for positions in the district close to our home so that she could come and work for me. This was the second call of this nature in one weekend. I get it that I have options and that I am wanted in other places. I know I will succeed, but I just can't get past leaving the kiddos and families I currently serve. I saw an opening at Discovery Canyon, the school closest to where I live. I met every single requirement, except that I can't start until August. I know I will get a job somewhere else.

Most of you know that I am a Christian and truly believe in prayer. Believe me, I have been praying like crazy over this. Here is what has happened this week. I opened my devotional study book yesterday and it was talking about how God told the people to circle the walls of Jericho seven times and then stop. Just stop and let God be God. I realized that I have not been doing this. I circle those walls at least 100 times a day. I need to just circle a couple of times (fret over this) and then trust that God is God and things will be as they are truly supposed to be.

One of the people that I truly hope to meet when I get to heaven is Fred Rogers. Mister Rogers spoke to me as a child. I would like to think that it was partly his wisdom that led me to this career teaching these special children. I have often thought of the things he used to say on his show as I teach. I use some of his expressions. Last Friday night, I went grocery shopping after school. I can't resist the discount book bin. I looked in and there on top was a book that caught my eye. "Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers - Things to Remember Along the Way". I opened it up and I started to cry, right there in the store. This is what it said on the page I opened to. "Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind." Enough said.

Decisions

This week was much better. Still busy, but I like it that way. I had an IEP meeting and our school was observed to receive our IB accreditation. I think we did just fine. My IEP meeting went smoothly. I used to really freak out about these meetings. They are legal documents and I am responsible for planning each child's educational and behavioral goals for the next year. Big responsibility. I make it and then present it to the parents. It's getting easier.

Something spectacular happened this week. One of my kiddos has been in a Spanish class, at school, for the last three years. He doesn't say very much. He has significantly progressed over the last couple of years. He is different and everyone knows it. He knows it. Last week, he was in his Spanish class and the teacher asked who would like to come to the front of the room and converse in Spanish with her puppet. My little guy never volunteers, but last week he did. The teacher called on him and expected him to just stand there or not say much. Instead, he had a full conversation with the puppet, in Spanish. The teacher couldn't believe it. The teacher cried tears of hope and amazement. The teacher emailed his Mom and thanked me for making such a difference in the life of these children. I am humbled that God chose me to teach these special little ones.

I am so torn. We have made progress. I have been blessed by these children. I feel like I built the barn to watch it burn, if the board is serious about closing my classroom. The district is 7 million dollars short next year. The state has cut budgets as never before. They say they don't want the children to suffer, but they will. We don't have enough money for the basics at our school. I am just sad that my classroom may be cut short or changed. I fear that the progress, in these students, will be cut short. I feel guilty looking for a job in another district, but unsure as to whether mine will be renewed, in my district, next year. Please pray for me and my students. We all face an uncertain future.

Work, work, work

I am sick because I worked too much, last week. I put in over 55 hours last week and I am just plain pooped. I am working in IEPs, going to board meetings about my job, I had a class, etc.. I knew last week was going to be bad, I just didn't know how bad. Now I am paying for it with a cold. I think the Lord is forcing me to slow down a bit.

There was a highlight that I want to mention. One of the parents of my students went to the school board meeting and specifically praised my program and class. I was proud as punch. The parent thanked me for all that I have done for their child. There. It's all worth it.

Happy day all.

Keep Going

Last week was one tough week. I knew it would be. I had no idea it would be quite as bad as it really was.

I will spare you with all the details, but basically, one of my paras is a big bully. She constantly complains about things and she is rough with my students. Rough meaning loud and not real loving. Sometimes, this works. Most of the time, it just doesn't . We are working with kids, not prisoners. She called me three times one evening. I was afraid to be alone with her after school because I thought she would berate and yell at me as she did one of my other paras. Yes, my principal is very involved. I love my principal. She is the very best and a great leader. She supports me all the way. I have spent so much time with her this last week. I can't just fire this para. It doesn't work that way. She needs to do something that is grossly negligent. I don't want to fire her. Well, yes I do, but I would like to help her gain some social skills. I teach children social skills. The problems is, she needs to be open to learning. Don't we all? Somehow, we have to get beyond the accusing, denying and get down to the learning. I would love to help her, but I don't know if it is possible. Please pray for the situation. It is driving me nuts, but I am hoping that some good will come out of it.

Now for the good stuff. I worked out three times last week. All of my students are at school, including the little guy that spent 6 days in foster care. Laura and I are doing better, thanks to a counselor. Becca is studying hard to prepare for "Battle of the Books". Tom is doing well at work. He got a special award for a project that he did. LIFE IS GOOD!!! GOD IS FAITHFUL!! I have to keep reminding myself of these truths and just keep going.

Love to all.

Getting over it.

I tell you, some days, I absolutely hate working with adult women. Bring on the kids. Bring on their disabilities. Just let me be with them, teach them, love them. Let me not have to supervise catty women.

The para I mentioned, confronted another para today. She then called me at home, wanting to rag on the para she confronted. I told her to take her problems to the principal. The principal is well aware of what is happening. I am done with the cat fighting. Just let me be a teacher.

On a much better topic. Becca passed her swimming test at the YMCA, last Sunday night. She was not supposed to be swimming in the lanes unless she had passed the test. The Life Guard saw her swim and said "take the test". She did and passed. No time to be nervous. I am so proud of her, but more importantly, she is proud of herself.

Take care all.

Just Plain Mad.

I am just plain mad tonight. I got a call from one of my paraprofessionals that said another one of my paraprofessionals was complaining about my program, publicly, in front of a bunch of other paras in the district. The complaining one is known to stir trouble. I was totally unaware of some of her accusations. She is just stirring trouble. She complained about our dress code at school (no jeans). She wants it taken to the head of SPED for the district, instead of talking to our principal about her concerns. The principal made the rule. Why didn't she talk to her? I just need to vent. I LOVE the kids, but I swear I hate being the supervisor of adults who refuse to grow up. It really got my dander up.

On another note, my Dad is not doing well. He is currently on a ventilator at a local hospital. He has fluid build up in his lungs. Currently, he is stable.

Please say a prayer for me and another for my Dad.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

Hopes for 2010.

Well, tomorrow I am back to work. I miss my students.

This new year should be very interesting. I am thinking that my program will probably be no more, or look very different, so that means out to look for a new job, for me. I am hoping and working for weight loss this year. I am praying for more communication in our family. Laura and I have struggled lately, in this area. I am dreaming about better pay for Tom.

Most of all, I hope for peace. World peace, family peace, but most of all, peace within myself.

Happy New Year to all of you.