budget cuts and other things that suck

Texas is in the process of cutting educational funding.  Being a teacher and coming from a long line of educators, this is close to my heart.  I am certain that there are other things that could be cut.  Completely certain.  My main question is this.  How exactly are we supposed to "build a better tomorrow" if we cut educational funding?  This will certainly hurt children.  Ummm, last time I checked THEY ARE OUR FUTURE. 

There is talk of cutting pre kindergarten.  Yeah, let's send kids to kindergarten even less prepared, so they fall farther behind.  Seems like a fabulous idea.  (insert sarcasm here)

There is talk of cutting vocational spending. Vocational includes agriculture, home ec, wood shop, etc.  Those classes are the sole reason that many of my high school students drag their butts out of bed in the morning and come to school. 

People reading this might make people think "oh she's only whining and complaining about this because she is a vocational teacher".  WRONG.  Yes, my degree is in ag.  I am an ENGLISH TEACHER, though.

Has it occurred to anyone to cut the athletic budget?  I don't mean get rid of athletics, because I know that that is some student's only opportunity to shine.  I mean cut some funding. 

I know that every school does not turn out a pro ball player every year.  Yes, some do, but some NEVER do.  I am sure that most schools DO turn out welders, carpenters, and girls who go on to be wives that use the skills aquired in home economics classes.  This is especially true in rural areas. 

I am not crying that the sky is falling. 

It's not. 

Texas will get through this.  I am certain of it.

 I am also certain that there will be children and parents hurt by this.  

Class sizes are bound to go up.  I've had a class with almost 30 students in it before.  It is difficult to serve every student and do your best with them if you are stretched that far.

This is a time when everyone needs to step forward and throw in their educated two cents.  I don't mean piss and moan and whine and then vote Perry into yet another term.  I mean come up with some real ideas.  Helpful ones.  Ones that are feasible. 

And for goodness sakes, educate your children on how to make good choices that will benefit their future.

soapbox

I am an avid news reader.  The first places I go to on my computer every morning are news sites.  I love CNN news.  I hate Fox news.  I think that Fox news is a Republican based news channel.  I am not a supporter of every single things that the Democrats do, but I refuse to have someone else's beliefs shoved down my throat at every turn. 

I digress. 

This post really has little to do with the above, but that's where it began.

This morning when I was doing my stroll through the new articles I came across Michele Bachmann (a potential Republican presidential candidate) blasting Michelle Obama for supporting breasfeeding.  Really?!?!?!

Number 1- does this really have anything to do with a presidential campaign?

Number 2- does MB have any idea how healthy it is to breastfeed?

Number 3- does MB have any idea how asinine she sounds for griping about this?

What a ridiculous thing to discuss.  Really.

hand, foot, and mouth disease= UGHHHH

Jos is sick AGAIN.

Yes, you read that right. 

My child hasn't been sick very much in her whole lifetime.  Since January 1st, she has been sick almost constantly.  The doctor says her immune system is just so weak since she's been sick so much.  The latest illness is hand, foot, and mouth disease.  My little toot is running fever and her skin hurts.  This is one of those things that's "viral", so we just have to wait it out.

Have I mentioned that I HATE "viral"?

"Viral" means that your kid is sick and feeling awful and is grumpy as heck, but they don't give any meds to help bc there's nothing that will fix it. 

It really sucks. 

Really, really sucks.

Today is a half day at school due to MORE ice.  I'm not sure when they moved Madison county to the arctic circle, but it has clearly happened. 

Snow day pics

Here is Josey all bundled up to brave the weather.  She's pretty fond of her "cubberalls".

 She wasn't too sure what she thought about her "park" being covered in snow.  She's a warm weather gal like her mama. 

 This is the one and only pic I got of her standing in the snow looking at me.  Little hard headed rascal. 

 Josey and Mommy- of course I took this with my arm held straight out in front of us, so I cut off part of my face.  Thus is life. 

 We checked cows in the snow.  I thought the windmill looked pretty awesome, but I'll think it's more awesome when it's surrounded by green grass this summer. 

 Poor cold cattle.  That heifer there with the heart in her face is destined to wear Josey's brand.  Josey claimed her and her mama is a hell of a cow, so I don't blame her one bit. 

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snow in Texas= no school!

Today we're home all day.  It's snowing, and in Madison county, that means no school.  Lately it seems like they've moved Madison county to the arctic circle.  I dislike it.  I prefer 100 degree summer days when everyone is whining about sweating profusely.  Josey and I will brave the snow later.  Pictures to follow. 

the flu and dogs

Josey and I are home with the her having the flu. 

It's Tuesday.  She was diagnosed Friday morning. 

We have been in the house quarantined since Friday. 

I'm only going slightly crazy.

To add to our crazy life, yesterday we got a new puppy.  We were coming home from dumping trash last night and he was wandering in the road.  I hate people who dump dogs.  I've never been able to resist picking them up, which is a fact that my mom will certainly attest to.  Drover is our new puppy's name and Josey is already very in love with him.  As I type this I am sitting on the couch and she is laying underneath my feet curled up on a blanket playing with him.  He's a doll.  He reminds me so much of Lori, a dog I rescued in college that we had to put down last year.  He's marked like her, all the way down to the white tip on his tail.  Lori was a once in a lifetime dog and she loved me more than most people are ever loved.  The feeling was totally mutual.  Drover also reminds me of Moe, a dog that I had only 4 short years, but who was like my child before Josey was born.  He is the only cowdog that I've ever known that would sit, lay, and shake.  He was legendary with my ex-husband's fellow day-cowboys for two reasons.  One- he was an amazing cowdog and would work all day tirelessly.  Two- he minded me better than the ex and his friends thought this hilarious.  With these traits, Drover has already found a spot in my heart, despite the fact that I REALLY do not need another dog. 

I hope the flu leaves us soon.  My kids take their TAKS test one month from today and they need me.