Warning ~ long rant post ahead

Okay…remember yesterday when I said that I didn’t have time to talk about my feelings on what’s wrong with our educational system? Well…I’m making time because it’s something that just bothers me to the point of no return!!  And I’m not referring to the school supplies that I ranted about…that’s just a small portion of how things are not being prioritized properly with our school systems!

I’ve spoken with quite a few teachers across this country and have gotten input on many different situations in school environments, but one thing seems to be the same.  Our teacher’s are getting burned out because they are unable to teach!!

I had some wonderful teachers as a child…and all the way through high school…well, until I moved to Texas, but I was lucky I suppose.  However, I thought the schools that I attended in Michigan were incredible and I went from a small dairy farm town to a big city environment.  The contrast between schools was vast but the education that I received was pretty comparable.  The teachers at those schools worked with me when I needed help and yes, we had state testing in certain grades, but we weren’t taught by the guidelines of the testing, we were taught the skills that we needed to have in order to go on to college and make it in the real world.

The schools in Texas were very different however.  The faculty at the three schools I attended there weren’t concerned about education, they were more concerned about fashion.  You read that correctly…fashion.   Now mind you, this was in Garland, TX a city just Northeast of Dallas.  Garland is a nice city, however…things are very different in Texas and any Texan would agree.  I’m a Northern girl, I didn’t grow up embracing southern culture but then again…neither has most Texans because most of them consider themselves seperate from the rest of the South and other states.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that “Texas wants to be their own country”…well, for some Texans that’s very true.

Anyway, back to my story.  I grew up listening to rock-n-roll…not country music.  In fact, at that time in my life I didn’t particularly care for that genre at all…let alone the style of dress for the folks that did like that genre.  I’m not talking about the styles of today…this was the late 80′s early 90′s.  BIG difference in western style for girls/women.  Anyway, I just didn’t care much for it…my choice right?

Well, I soon found out that in this particular high school that those who didn’t dress the country style didn’t exactly go far in the school.  In fact, it states in the student handbook that concert t-shirts are NOT allowed in the school…unless it is of the country genre.  I kid you NOT folks!!  So I tested this rule…because in my old high school in Michigan we were allowed to wear concert shirts as long as they weren’t explicit and didn’t portray profanity. 

So I wore a Queensryche t-shirt to school one day that had the band logo, the same as on this hat and it had some tour dates listed on the back.  No profanity…no name on the shirt…just the logo on the front.  I had a jacket on and you couldn’t even see the back.  No one said a word to me…until I took the jacket off.  Then I was promptly informed that I had to turn my shirt inside out for the remainder of the day or I’d be sent home and suspended for 3 days.   

Okay…well, those who know me I’m sure can guess what my reaction to that was.  I questioned the motives for this and was sent to one of the principal’s (there were SEVEN) office.  This principal told me once again that I wasn’t allowed to wear any concert shirts that were not of the country genre to school and if I did it again I would be suspended.  He said that if I turned my shirt inside out for the remainder of the day that he would just put me in detention for the remainder of the day and call it even this time.

I of course protested this because I just didn’t see the reasoning for punishment of wearing a shirt that had a non threatening logo on it with dates listed on the back…it just wasn’t logical.

Needless to say, I was suspended for 3 days and my mother was called in to pick me up.  She wasn’t upset with me because she knew how I felt about this whole ridiculous situation…but just told me that “things are different here”.  No kidding…ya think???  Other than the fashion issue,  there was also the small matter of lack of knowledge on the teachers part in this particular school.  Mind you, I was a straight A student, in the Honor Society and had been placed in the top 10% of the nation for Math & Science.  English/Literature was one of my favorite subjects however, especially when discussing Shakespear’s works.  As a child I used to read Shakespear for fun.  I didn’t have many friends okay.  

Anyway, the English teacher at this school knew very little about the subject of which she was supposedly teaching…let alone defining the works of Shakespear to her students.  Yes, I got myself into major trouble on that one.  In fact, she failed me for that class.  I’d never failed any subject prior to or after that.  I had to attend summer school to make up that class and passed with 104%.  The summer school teacher was delightful and very knowledgable of the subject and was quite taken with me.  She was shocked that I would be forced to go through summer schooling for this subject or any other subject for that matter.

Well, things settled down the following year for me.  I promised my mother that I wouldn’t “start anything” or challenge any of the school faculty in regards to their rules or regulations, well…that is until I got pregnant…but that’s a whole other story.  I was captain of the debate team that year and the head soloist in the choir and in concert/marching band.  However, I still struggled with the lack of knowledge displayed in the classrooms.  Not saying that the teachers didn’t have the knowledge, but the students weren’t being taught enough.

I see similar things happening in the schools that my children attend.  Too much emphasis on having them pass these state tests…and not enough on education itself.  I understand that the state testing is designed so that education can be monitored, however…when all education revolves around these tests, I don’t feel that’s good enough for our children.

When my daughter comes to me while in the 4th grade and is just beginning to learn her times tables…that’s not good enough.

When they haven’t begun learning fractions until the 6th grade…that’s not good enough.

When my daughter comes to me while going into 6th grade and doesn’t know the months of the year…that’s not good enough.

After dealing with my oldest daughter, who has ADD…and addressing issues with her teachers that responded with, “well, you need to work with her on these things at home”.  I started doing just that because it obviously isn’t going to be taught to her at school!  Not here anyway.  So, since that time I’ve been prying into what she does and doesn’t know so that I may work with her on those areas that she’s needs improvement.

Jason and I both are aware of what we are now having to do with our children due to the lack of education they receive in the school systems.  However, many families do not have parents that are able to make up for that at home.  It’s those children that wind up graduating or not graduating high school barely equipped with a 7th grade education but were forced through the system.

Prime example…I wanted to hold my oldest daughter back this year because I don’t feel she is prepared for 7th grade.  She doesn’t possess the skills that she should for advancing into 7th grade (she failed all of her core classes) and I was told by the school counselor that (and I quote) “we don’t feel that it would be in her best interest socially to be held back a grade…she is too physically developed and therefore it could affect her in a negative manner emotionally”.  OOOHHHH yes, they said they wouldn’t hold her back a grade due to her being “physically developed“!!

So basically, it’s OK that she isn’t mentally or academically prepared to go on to 7th grade and that it will hurt her in the long…but as long run as she’s socially acceptable by her peers…then it’s OK.  Umm…I’m sorry, but what a load of BULLSHIT!!

However, I decided that since I’m obviously not going to receive the addtional support that one would expect from the school systems, that I would take matters into my own hands and I will make sure that she throroughly understands her subjects from here on out so that she IS mentally & academically prepared to advance at the end of this school year and every year following. 

Now I’m NOT attempting in any way here to put down teachers…that’s not my intent.  Hell, my husband is studying to become a teacher so I wouldn’t do that.  However, I am stating my opinions regarding the problems with the educational system…and that’s what this post is all about.

One thing is for certain…the educational system in this country may be failing my child…but I sure as hell won’t!

Schools…a Baby…& a Wedding

Well…Caleb met his teachers and his therapists and feels right at home in his classrooms now!   It was nice to see him exploring things in the rooms and all.  I’m very glad that I had a chance to take him over there to do that.  I think that it will help him a great deal next week…and the teachers as well.

Everyone at this school seems to be very nice and helpful…I think that we’re going to like it there, which is very comforting for me and a bit of a relief.

I know that I told you all that my best friend Eric (the one I visited at WDW in May) is going to be a Daddy.  I did tell you that right? Umm…hmmm…I can’t remember if I did or not.  Well…anyway, he IS and the baby is due January 26, 2005!!! I’ve even got a picture of the new little family member!

 

I’m very excited for him and his girlfriend…err…I mean fiancee.  Yup…they’re getting married!!

Not only are they getting married, but they’re getting married in two weeks!!!   August 24th to be exact…which also just happens to be my eldest daughter’s (Dora) birthday! Yeah…that’s my Eric…always associating things back to me somehow.   He says, “this way you won’t ever forget my anniversary…well, and neither will I”.  That doofus!!  Spoken like a true man eh?

Now…because of the wedding being so soon, not many people are going to be able to attend…including myself.   In fact, I think only his and Kippie’s (the bride) parents are going to be able to make it out there.  I think that’s good though, at least they will be there for the ceremony. 

I feel bad that I can’t be there for Eric on his wedding day.  He and I had talked about the wedding while I was there…and he hadn’t even talked to Kippie about it yet at that time.  He didn’t purpose to her until about a week or so ago.  I know…last minute everything!!  Anyway, when we talked about what he wanted for the wedding…one thing was he wanted me to stand up with him.  I know, not traditional…but hey, we’ve been best friends since high school and we’ve gone through a lot of crap together.  Besides, he would’ve been at my wedding had he been able to get time off of work…but at that time the was in Dallas, TX and working for ABC Radio…things were going downhill for their department and the boss said no more time off.  So…he didn’t make it to Vegas for our nuptials…but we had Wil there and it was still a perfect day.

Oh man…I got a bit distracted there…sorry.

Well…I just hope that I get a chance to see the baby after the baby is born.  Eric’s parents are planning on spending a lot of time out in Florida to help out for the first few months…so there won’t be much room in the apartment for guests.  However, I may wind up having to get a hotel room or something…but I want to see that baby…end of story.   Ya know?

Okay…I’m babbling now.  I’ll visit you soon…have a great day!!

OH…and don’t forget Miracle Run comes on again tonight at 9pm est/pst (7pm mst) on Lifetime if you missed it.

So…did anyone watch Miracle Run on Monday night?

If you missed it, it plays again tomorrow night at 9pm est/pst (7pm mst).

I watched it…and felt almost every emotion possible while doing so.  It was definitely a kleenex movie for me.  While watching the end, I had Caleb sitting with me on my bed cuddling up for bedtime.  I just held him and thanked God that he is who he is and that I have him.  

While watching one part of the movie where the public school is telling Corrine (the mom) that they won’t be able to teach her sons and that she should have them attend outpatient treatment through a mental health institute, Jason turned to me and said, “they can’t do that legally ya know”.  Well no, legally the school doesn’t have the right to deny those children an education.  However, it happens all of the time…especially with autistic children.

Most people hear the word autism and think mental retardation.  So they over estimate the needs for the child’s developments.  Their ignorance, unfortunately, then contributes to thousands of autistic children not receiving the vital support that they so desperately need at a young age.

Anyway, it sparked quite the conversation with us considering Jason is going into education.

I’m lucky that I was able to find the correct people to work with Caleb at an early age and have continued to work with him throughout the years.  I know that some states have done away with programs that are necessary for autistic children to get that kind of help.  Although, I hope that with the new funding that has been granted…these programs (or better ones) will be reinstated throughout the U.S. 

Well…I suppose that I’ve gotten on my little soapbox again.  What I really wanted to say was that if you missed seeing the movie on Monday, please…make an effort to see it tomorrow night.  Thanks!

On another note…

I met with Jonah’s teacher yesterday and let Jonah get familiar with the school and his new classroom.  She evaluated him a bit while I filled out yet more paperwork.  Ugghh…I’m so sick of school paperwork and unfortunately I’m not done yet because I meet with Caleb’s teacher tomorrow morning along with his therapists. 

That will be good though, because it will give Caleb a chance to become a bit familiar with some of the people that will be working with him this year.  He has a new group of therapists this year, so it will take a bit of time for him to warm up to all of them. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses this year.  I hope that he does as well as he’s been doing the past couple of years.  I’m sure there will be a bit of slow time though due to the new people in his life there, but I hope it doesn’t slow things down too much.

Anyway, Jason and I went “school supply shopping” yesterday afternoon!  OMG…Target was a madhouse!!!  The store was out of a LOT of items…so we just substituted for what we could.  The schools are just going to have to deal with it.

We spent well over $100 on the supplies…but it was better than what I’d thought it would be originally.  I thought that we’d wind up spending that much on each child with the items that they had listed. 

Let me give you an example…they all had the basic items of crayons, markers, pencils, water paints, erasers etc…but then they also had items like this:

That’s just to name a few.  Ever feel as if you’re supplying the teacher’s lounge?  I do.  I mean c’mon, why in the world are my 5 year olds using rubber cement?  They have glue and glue sticks…why do they need rubber cement? That stuff is friggin’ toxic to little lungs.

Anyway, that’s a whole other issue for me so I’m going to hush on it for now.  I honestly don’t have time to go off on it right now…I’ve got too much work to do.

So yeah…have a Happy Hump Day!! I’ll visit you when I get a break!

Don’t you wish this was always the case ladies?

Good thing I’m married and I don’t have to worry about the whole falsification…errr…exaggeration of size issue anymore.

Now before I get the guys all upset…that statement wasn’t to say that all men do that…just most of you!   Oh c’mon…you know it’s true!  

I’m sure that’s not what they are really referring to on that advertisement though.

Okay…in all fairness since I posted that for the women…well guys…here’s a little pussy for you!

Not what you were expecting?

Oh well…you can’t please everyone!

Have a great Monday!!

UPDATE

A fellow Xangan has brought it to my attention that the Lifetime channel is going to be playing an orignal movie (based on a true story) about autism titled Miracle Run!!

It will be broadcasting on Monday, Aug. 9th @ 9pm et/pt (7pm mst).

I encourage all of my readers to see it if you can.  Maybe it will give an insight as to what autism is and what I go through on a daily basis with my son and the struggles that many have with society, education etc.

 

Hello, my name is Maria…and I’m an ebayaholic

WARNING – graphic intense post

I admit…I’m an addict.  The upside is that I don’t purchase everything that I’d like to have….if I did, OMG Jason would so kill me!!  

However, I know for a fact that I could furnish an entire home through ebay for under 2k…really I could!  I’ve been looking at items on there that I’d like to have as decor or furniture in my home for quite some time…and all at lovely prices.   I tell you…it would be a breeze.

Take this lovely wall sconce…isn’t it beautiful?  Simple…yet elegant.  Yes…I would like this very much…and they even have the matching small sconces.

See what I mean?

I love this kind of stuff!!  I love simple lines with elegant patterns.  Basic colors…with natural backgrounds.

Nothing overly fru-fruish.  Ya know?

 

Take these canisters for example…they are colorful…but yet simple.  I like the grape design and the style of the canisters, it reminds me of Italy.

Someday, I would like to have a home that is simple, but rich in color and style.  Something that resembles the old venetian or napoli style.  That’s something that I’ve always found to be a soothing comfort for me.  I guess it’s because it reminds me of my dad and my heritage.

That’s not to say that I don’t like some contemporary styles…but I think that if done correctly, the two can merge very nicely.

Like this leaning bookcase…it still has the nice simple lines…but is a contemporary twist to the old fashioned bookcases.

Or this lovely shelf.  See what I mean?

I love these styles…just LOVE them!

I look at these sort of things on ebay all of the time.  I price them…see what other similar items are available…see which one I like more. 

I could sit and look at these types of items for HOURS and have done so on many occasions I might add.

Yes, I’m a true addict, but at least I know where to find exactly what it is that I’m looking for right?

Someday…when I finally get the home that I so deeply want, I will be able to put the items that I adore so much into it.  Make it my own and God help the person (or persons for that matter) who messes it up!!

Would you like to see a few more of the items I’d like to purchase someday? (see…a…d…d…i…c…t)

Like this corner dinette set…simple…but very practical.  I would of course stain it to a darker…more richer color though.  And that Mangia Mangia sign…that’s a must for my kitchen!!  Oh yes…and the wine clock…I love that as well.

I know…you’re thinking, “it’s a lot of grapes”…I guess so, but I like that for my kitchen.  Maybe it’s because I like wine…I don’t know.  I’m not huge on the grapes…but these items I like.  Go figure?

And what about these little guys eh?

Too cute right??

Okay…okay…I’m sure you’ve just about had it with me by now going on and on about stuff.  But see what I mean about being addicted?

I find this whole obsession a bit odd considering I’m not normally one who likes to shop.  Really…I don’t like shopping much at all.  The whole going to the mall or department store experience just really isn’t for me.

And yet, I can sit at my computer and window shop on ebay for hours and hours.  Hmm….  I’m thinking that maybe ebay should change their name to StuffMart…’cuz all you need is …lots…more…stuff!

Well…have a great weekend everyone!!

Life Lessons…

Yesterday I learned that one of my co-workers has cancer that has spread across the right side of her brain.  She didn’t say anything, but she had a doctors appointment in the morning and when she returned…well, it was obvious that she wasn’t her self. 

She had gone in for chemo & radiation treatment…so her eyes said it all…along with the discoloration of her skin.  She has a history of brain cancer and it had been in remission for a few years now…but a couple of weeks ago she learned that it had returned.  I took one look at her yesterday and just knew.  I’ve had many friends that have died from cancer and I know that look they all get right after treatment.  It’s awful.

You’d think that she’d be emotional about this whole ordeal (hell, I would)…but you know what she said to me?  She looked right at me, smiled and said, “It’s okay…it’ll go back into remission.  I only have 4 more treatments left and then I’m done.” 

One thing about her is that she has a contagious personality.  She is always in a good mood and being around her will uplift anyone’s spirit.  She’s one of the happiest people that I know…and she’s genuine.  No pretending…no putting on a show, with her it’s the real deal.  That’s what I like most about her!

I know for a fact that if I were in her place, there’s no way that I could have the same attitude towards it all.   But not her…no way, she’s facing this with a complete positive attitude.  A “conquer them all” attitude that is not only commendable…but entirely honorable.

I’m in awe of her in that regard…the ability to look death in the face and say, “you know what…you just aren’t going to win!”…in other words

Yes…she is truly remarkable and so are all of those who do the same every day.  

 

Barenaked & Barely Breathing

Now anyone who has ever gone to an event out at Red Rocks Amphitheater knows that in order to get into the venue, you first have to hike up the side of this enormous rock.  We’re talking a very steep incline that takes you up the side and around into the seating area. 

I know that I’m not in the best shape…hell, I’m fat people!  But even I have never had a terrible time getting up into Red Rocks.  However, last night was a different story altogether.

I was doing just fine going up the first portion of the ramp until about half way and then couldn’t catch my breathe…at all.  So I stopped at the platform (there’s three along the way) to attempt to get my breathe back before moving on.  It wound up being a bigger struggle than I imagined…in fact, it was extremely difficult for me. 

I figured it was just because I haven’t been at that altitude in a while nor have I been extremely active.  Like I said, I’m not exactly in shape.

I had to stop several more times before reaching the main level for seating.  Of course, we were in the 51st row which meant I had a lot more stairs to climb in order to reach my final seating destination.

We eventually got there, but I was exhausted!!

Jason went to get us some refreshments while I sat, rested and enjoyed the view of natural beauty that surrounded me…and of course, people watched!  After a few minutes I was feeling much better and had settled down a bit.  We sat and waited for the opening act to begin.

A gentleman, whose name was Mark something or other…began to play his guitar on center stage.  He didn’t even introduce himself until after his first song.  I thought this a bit strange, but hey…who am I right?

While he’s playing his diddy, I’m paying attention to the skies above us.  It had been raining off and on for over 2 hours or so and the cloud cover was still quite thick.  The wind had kicked up a bit and was cooling me down quite nicely after my hike from the parking lot.

It sprinkled a bit here and there, but fortunately for us the weather was being generous that evening.

 After about 4 songs the opening act was complete and the stage crew finished setting up for Alanis.  When she finally came on she did so with enthusiasm and vigor!

Her show was very energetic and quite entertaining!  I don’t know a great number of her songs, but I know a few.  There were quite a few people however, mostly women, that knew every word to every song that she played and sang them loud, proud and passionately.

Before singing her final song, she invited the boys from Barenaked Ladies on the stage to join her.  It was fun to see them all singing together and interacting on stage.  They all seem to enjoy each other’s company and looked like that were having a wonderful time.

After the song ended, Steve and Ed from BNL stayed on stage a moment to tell everyone that they’d be back out to play in about 30 minutes.  The crowd was displeased with that news…seeing that we’d have to wait another half an hour to see them, but they said, “hey…they need to set up our drums and such before we can play you guys”.

Yes…they did a complete change out of stage decor and just as they’d said, after about 30 minutes BNL took the stage.  The crowd were on their feet and cheering!

They played for over 2 hours.  Many songs from their new album…but a number of old favorites as well.  One thing that they didn’t do was play the two songs that have had radio airplay recently.  I read somewhere that they like to play songs that most people aren’t as familiar with while on tour…something about they want to give the crowds more than just their hits.  That’s cool and the show was incredible!!

Steve and Ed were quite entertaining by themselves and I think they may have missed their calling as comedians, but the concert overall is one of the best that I’ve been to in a long time.  If they come to your city and you enjoy their music…go see them!!  You won’t be sorry that you did…I guarantee it!

Barenaked On The Rocks…

So last month, for my birthday, Jason asked me what I wanted…and I really didn’t have an answer.  Then he found out that Barenaked Ladies were going to be playing with Alanis Morissette at Red Rock Amphitheatre tonight.  So guess where I’ll be this evening eh?

You betcha!! I’ll be with my hubby watching Alanis get Barenaked at Red Rocks!! Woohoo!!

To me…that’s a great way to end a Monday…don’t you think?