Because It's Friday

And because my kids love this:

More Money Than Brains?

Suri Cruise, child of Tom and Katie Holmes-Cruise (Jingleheimer Schmitt), is going to have a custom made pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.

Okay, just hold the phone here a minute. Custom made shoes for a toddler? Good LAWD! Does that Space Ace Katie realize just how fast kids feet grow???

Oh to have money to throw away like that.

Disgusting.

Hours of Entertainment

The kids and I...as elves.

Whadda *hic!* Supprise

Apparently I'm a lush:

83%LUSH

"A Pretty Decent Guy, I Must Say"

Have you heard what Pat Sajak has to say about celebrities and politics?

I suppose anything that gets people engaged in the political process is a good thing, but the idea that a gold record, a top-ten TV show or an Oscar translates into some sort of political wisdom doesn’t make much sense to me. Trust me, one’s view of the world isn’t any clearer from the back seat of a limo.

That Pat Sajak! Ed Grimley had it right:

Shopping

Since I'm going to be sans auto next week (La Tahoe is sloooooowly going to pot on me), I was determined to finish up my Christmas shopping today.

I did very well, but I was pretty disappointed in our local Wal-Mart's toy selection. I found a few things Daughter said she wanted, but not all.

And why does she always want the stuff that costs over $100?

Son, on the other hand, was a breeze this year. All I did was look up "Titanic" and "Avatar" at Amazon and I found a ton of stuff.

As for Husband, I'm off the hook this year; he bought himself a new laptop and it arrived yesterday. He's happier than a pig in mud.

I told him he didn't have to get me anything...but (hint hint) I do have a wishlist over at Amazon, which one could look up using my e-mail address(vam1018@gmail.com).

But I'm just saying....

Snort Worthy

This sounds a lot like....me!

"Buncha crazy-ass Democrats!"

It's, Like, Sickening

Husband called in sick today. He almost never does this, but he still sounds like Barry White hacking up a lung.

The only problem is, he got up to call his boss at 6:20 A.M. and woke up Daughter with his coughing and carrying on. Grrr....

Also, Daughter is now hacking and sounding like mini-Barry.

!!!!

Quiet Riot Just Got Quieter

Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for Quiet Riot, was found dead in his Las Vegas home.

Wow. I mean, Quiet Riot has a permanent place on my "soundtrack of life." Remember when "Cum on Feel the Noize" was popular and we all giggled, speculating whether Dubrow was singing "rock your boys" or "f**k your boys"?

And I myself have very vivid memories of literally banging my head to "Metal Health."

My condolences to Dubrow's family and the remaining members of Quiet Riot.

The Guard ROCKS!

The Air National Guard specifically, but they never seem to get as much mention as Army.

Oh well.

ROCK!!!

(Pssst.....turn up the volume, the levels on this one are kind of low.)

Thankew Glitterati Gossip for posting this....

Home

We got home last night (Saturday); don't tell anyone, but we're playing hooky from church today. Husband is still fighting a cold that makes him sound like Barry White hacking up a lung. Not pretty.

Anyway, so yeah, Thanksgiving. We spent Thursday at my in-law's, and at one point in the day there were, get ready for this one....28 people in the house.

And only ONE BATHROOM!

And just about every family brought their dog(s) with them.

So, it wasn't terrible, just a very looooooong day.

We spent Friday with my folks, which needless to say was much more subdued and less populated.

But I'll tell you that I'm damn glad to be home. I'm spending the day up to my elbows in laundry, resting up before all the crap starts back up tomorrow.

Bragging Rights

Allow me to brag about Son, if I may.

Yesterday he brought home the results from the Reading Achievement Test he took back in October.

Son is "Above Proficient" in all the areas tested. His score was higher than the school's, district's, and STATE averages!

How's that for a brain pan, huh? Huh?

Son inherited his remarkable brain from Husband and me, don't you think? May I also say that at the library today Son checked out everything he could find about Titanic, including adult non-fiction books.

Yeah, I'll be doing some bragging at the in-law's tomorrow.

Giving You The Bird

I've got to make a quick run to the library with the younglings, and then spend the rest of my day packing, so....

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Scowly

I am not Paula Deen. I really don't like to cook.

Somehow the Bible study group I'm in decided to host a soup exchange, and I've got to make literally gallons of soup. The recipe I chose (tomato soup with basil) really isn't that difficult, I just didn't make enough damn soup today! (You see, we freeze the stuff and then exchange it. Get it?)

So tomorrow I've got to hurry up and whip up another batch so I can get it into the freezer.

Did I mention that I also have to pack for myself and the kids so we can make that g**damn trip to see our families?

I'm much unhappy about that. If it isn't life shattering drama (and all those damn dogs) at the in-laws, it's massive guilt trips from my mother.

Add to that the nagging problem of the fan for the heater not always working in La Tahoe, and you can pretty much figure out why I bought a case of beer for myself today.

Oh. Mmkay....

Madonna has canceled Christmas.

Okay. I will admit that I'd be more than happy to not have to worry about shopping, baking, writing cards....you know, all the stress that seems to fall to us adults at Christmastime.

But...I've got kids, ya see, and while I respect the Jewish faith, I'm Christian and...well, you know what I'm getting at.

So, Madonna, you do your thing, I'll do mine, mmkay?

Yikes!

As you may or may not know, Daughter is in pre-school four mornings a week. She rides the bus to and from school, and I always meet the bus. I have to, actually.

So today I see that it's 12:14 and start putting on my shoes so I can head down to wait for the bus. I took a book with me, since the time the bus shows up varies from one day to the next. Yesterday I waited until 12:40!

Off La Tahoe and I go, down the verra long driveway, and as soon as I start down the slope I see this sitting at the end of my driveway:

"Aw shit!"

I raced to the bus, as Daughter watched, and wondered why in the bloody hell the bus was here at 12:15!

"Oh, we had, like, no kids on today, so we're really early. Didn't the school call you?" the bus driver (not our usual driver) asked me.

Why, no.

I felt like total crap, but the driver assured me that they hadn't waited long, that she would have even driven up my driveway, but she didn't know what was at the end. I told her it's just our house and that there's plenty of room to turn around. I mentioned that I don't leave the house until 12:15 to wait, and that Daughter's usual arrival time is usually closer to 12:30.

See, I can't see the road from my house; I have no idea what's going on down there, which is why I can be found sitting down there for up to a half hour waiting for my kids to get off the bus.

Gawd.

And, yeah, the school did call....at the exact time I was pulling out of my garage (according to the timestamp on my answering machine).

Back To School

For those of you who are keeping track, my kids returned to school this morning. The teachers, while busy putting their rooms back together, were very happy to be back.

On This Day In History

Today is November 19, do you know what happened on this date?

Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Battlefield Cemetery.

If you've never been to Gettysburg and the Battlefield Cemetery, I highly recommend making the trip.

My Swooner Has Problems

Bravo to Ewan "Swooner Dreamboat" McGregor for owning up to his drinking problem.

You Jump, I Jump, Right?

Can someone please tell me why my eight-year-old Son is fascinated with the Titanic?

He's devouring books, drawing pictures, and last night had to watch Titanic on TNT.

Son did, however, get a bit freaked out when the water started pouring in on Kate and Leo...I mean, Rose and Jack.

I couldn't sit through it again myself, so I changed the channel and found (a-ha!) a program on History Channel International about....Titanic! Hey, they found the bilge keel!

To say that Son was riveted would be a gross understatement.

Back To School

The teachers have, in fact, voted to end the strike.

The teachers haven't voted on this tentative agreement yet; if I heard correctly, that vote has to come 48 hours after the agreement has been reached.

As always, here is another person's view, and it's spot on, as far as I'm concerned. And being one of "those parents," I do feel remorse for my actions.

That's Nice

George Clooney is going to take time away from yelling about Darfur and give money to actors hit by the writers' strike.

That's nice, George, and I mean that.

How about, oh I don't know, sharing that with Edison Local to save our district and the education of our children???

Sonofa.....!!!! It's a sorry comment on our nation when the majority is more concerned about...impeaching President Bush, genocide in Darfur, torturous treatment of our enemies.....than the future of America's children.

Oh, I know! Maybe if our kids become actors they'll get some financial help!

Over!

"Edison teachers will return to their classrooms on Monday, November 19th

Thank you all for your prayers and good vibes....and for putting up with my rants and ramblings on this here blog!

Crack Is Whack

Of course, if I looked like Heidi Klum I'd wear this everyday!

Tentative Agreement

I got word that a tentative agreement has been reached, and that the teachers will be getting together tonight to vote on it.

Keep those good thoughts coming! It's working!

"Progress Made"

So far, this is what we're getting from the local TV news.

Hopefully all will be settled soon.

Hey, I Got The Same Thing!

Um.....who is this guy again?

Thankew Robert The Llama Butcher

No News Yet

As of right now, 8:37 p.m., there hasn't been any news about the talks between the teachers' union and the school board.

Our NBC station has video from their six o'clock newscast, while the CBS station has had this blurb up for most of the day.

I'm hoping against hope that some kind of agreement can be reached. This strike has done more than pit the teachers against the board; there are hard feelings and rifts all over the community.

I've found that strikes, like a death in the family, bring out the best and worst in people. It's kind of sad, really, because this is a time for us as a community to join together for a positive outcome, but instead emotions have gotten stirred up, rumors have been spread....

Hell, I've essentially been called cheap for not voting in the levy! (I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't trust the current administration with that money!)

I just want the kids to get back to school, back the teachers they've come to know, the routines they've gotten used to.

I can't help but wonder, though, what will happen once the smoke clears and the kids are back in school. Will the same parents that have been rallying to support the teachers stay motivated to save the district? Will we have the same passion to direct towards stopping the closure of another building?

If we are truly "united" for our kids, then we have to stop the bickering and sniping and think "big picture." Our district's woes extend far past the teachers.

Request

Today at 4:00 p.m. the board and the teachers are going to meet. Could you please send up at prayer that this strike is resolved fairly?

Thank you!

Question....

Who are you?

'Cause I really wanna know.....who the f**k are you?

(And you've just gotta love Keith Moon!)

Today's Headlines

Once again, we made the local paper.

...it will take an “act of God,” a death in the family or a personal illness to excuse the absence of any student in the Edison Local School District beginning Monday.

Feh.

My Thoughts On This Strike

So, yeah, got that infamous letter from the superintendent today. My first impulse was to call her up and tell her to cram it up her arse, but cooler heads prevailed and I set it aside.

I have no intention of sending my children to school. My kids don't want to see strangers in the classroom, they want their regular teachers back!

But I have had the opportunity to read other views. It's so totally P.C. (and you regular readers know I hate that crap) but how can I consider myself to be educated if I don't see or read these things for myself? Hmmm???

There are those who seem to be pointing fingers and saying "Oh you dumbass! How could you not vote in the levy? How can you hate the board of education?"

For the record, it takes a lot for me to hate someone, and I don't even know these people on the board, how can I hate them? No, I just don't trust them. I've only lived here for 3 1/2 years, but all I hear is how no one trusts the board. Why? What, in the last 30 years, has been happening in this district?

But I'm getting a headache. I'm so sick of rumor upon rumor upon rumor anymore. The bus drivers are saying this! The superintendent is saying this!

I guess my emotions got stirred up Monday when I, against all good judgment, go in a deputy sheriff's face. I was wrong, but DAMMIT!! I just want to shake someone. I'm so frustrated! How do I explain this to the younglings, especially Daughter. How would you tell a four-year-old why she can't go to school?

I guess what this boils down to is this: I'm pissed off and frustrated. I'm thisclose to yanking my kids out, but I don't want to take them away from teachers they've come to know and appreciate.

Crap. Crappity crap crap crap.....

I'm done rambling. I've got a fookin' headache.

Yeah! What He Said!

Piss off, Ford!

Daytime Swooner Picture Post

Snort Worthy

Adam Sandler has changed.

That's a big BEARD!

Random Ewan McGregor Picture Post

Just because I haven't posted any Swooner Dreamboat pictures in a while...

Strike Day 6

The superintendent is now going to pull the intimidation card and try to force us to send our children back to school.

I say OH NO YOU DIDN'T!

More here.

I personally don't think I should have to try to excuse my kids' absence, but if I have to write excuses, both of my kids will have had a "personal illness."

From our NBC affiliate (and, IMHO, tool of the school board) more surveillance video has been released.

Way to not show bias, WTOV.

And the blurb from our CBS station, who interviewed students on the air (YAY!!) today.

Our local paper had this to say: "Edison Strike Enters Second Week."

I have a headache; it's just one damn thing after another! Last week the superintendent told us that, as long as we sent something in writing, our kids' absences would be excused. Now, because she's looking bad (and really, why shouldn't she?) she's trying to force our hands by intimidation.

Piss on that, I say. Don't mess with me or my kids!

Union And School Board Going To The Table

Here's what the local news folks are reporting:

"Edison Local Union, School Board Prepare To Negotiate"

"Striking Teachers Heading Back to Bargaining Table at Edison"

Note the dollar amounts cited in the first link. These "scabs" are making more per day than the usual district substitutes, while our teachers are applying for loans for the holiday season.

Shame on you, Lisa Carmichael! This strike never should have happened!

How in the bloody hell is imposing a contract on someone considered fair labor practice?

Snort Worthy

A wonderful bumper sticker.

Thankew Wyatt Earp

Updates From The Front Lines

Here are the updates, up until yesterday that is, from the front lines.

And:

Stanton Elementary School

100 parents and students showed up to rally. Lisa called the Saline Township Police to have them removed from the lawn.

Yours truly was one of those one hundred. Yep, RebelVic and her big, damn mouth.

More Of The Same About Edison

Here's what our CBS affiliate had to say on their website.

I wish 7 News had the video from their noon newscast online. They actually went out to one of the elementary schools and talked to not only a teacher (who thanked the parents for keeping the kids home), but an actual parent as well!

Nicely done! Now just head out to the other schools!

Strike Day 5

Here's what the local NBC station sees fit to discuss, and here's the editorial from yesterday's paper.

I'm just a wee bit disgusted by some things, the first being the coverage this strike is receiving. Am I wrong in thinking most of it is unfairly biased against the teachers?

And that editorial really chaps me. The sheriff is now coming under fire for being too biased in this situation. The man was there at the rally Friday, of course he's going to tell the truth! How is that taking sides?

Of course, I'm probably wrong in being upset. I usually am, right? Last night at Bible study, a woman who doesn't even live in this district weighed in and sort of ticked me off...but I took a deep breath and reminded myself that everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether I agree or not.

And I confessed to those ladies what I had done yesterday and how awful I felt (and still feel) about my actions. There is no excuse for what I did.

I realize that mine is not the only school district going through difficult times, but it burns me that certain people in this nation are more concerned over the torture techniques used at Gitmo than they are about educating this nation's children!

That is inexcusable!

(Yeah, I'm still pretty emotional, but I'm staying away from the schools.)

Touring?

Can it be true? Will Led Zeppelin actually go on tour?

Jimmy Page also says "...he has plans to record a new Led Zeppelin album, their first studio release since 1979's In Through The Out Door."

If the three remaining members went on tour (it would cost at least $1000/ticket) it would be a dream come true for me! I've already seen Page and Plant in concert (1998) but John Paul Jones too? YAY!

Am I too old to be a groupie?

Strike News

I spent most of the afternoon out at the elementary school, and I can honestly say that there was no violence, cursing, or inappropriate behavior.

Most of the time, the teachers were trying to keep themselves entertained!

I walked around, got something to eat from the generous members of the community, talked to the teachers...it was almost like a picnic.

And at NO TIME did anyone yell when the kids were around. In fact, I don't even think the teachers yelled at the scabs. Most of the "action" I saw today was at the school where the district office is housed, and yes, the parents rallied, and yes, I got a little out of my head.

I'm not proud of my behavior, and I wish I hadn't done it. That's not me; I don't go around disrespecting those in authority. But that damn superintendent calls out the sheriff because we're "threatening" her. We were 50 feet away from the building!

I don't know how those teachers stand out on the lines all day. I'm wiped out!

All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally

So, today I went to the district office and....I swear I was channeling my inner protester.

Folks, I got in a deputy's face! Rebel Vic! I yelled! I pointed at him! I called him "Barney"!

I'm such a bad girl.

Later he apologized to me, and I apologized to him as well. I told him "You're doing your job, your kids are in this district, I was out of line."

Campaign Songs

"...hippie book....."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

OMG

This movie is an insult to everyone who has served and is currently serving in our armed forces.

God Bless Our Veterans

In a DEVO Kind Of Mood

I'm just in the mood for DEVO today.

Ahhhh.....memories of middle school....

Attendance At 3% Today

It looks like parents are either 1) afraid because of the slanted video footage they saw on TV last night, or; 2) they're finally getting the idea not to send their kids to school.

"...only 80 out of more than 2,300 students went to school Friday."

Also:

Carmichael said she hopes the two sides can meet early next week with a federal mediator so the two sides can hopefully reach an agreement.

The poop on the street is that she wants to resolve this before the school board meeting Thursday night (Nov. 15) so she won't be faced with a lot of angry parents and have to actually (gasp!) answer questions.

Had To See For Myself

Well, today the kids and I went to see for ourselves just what's happening at the elementary school they attend.

It was, in a word, boring.

And cold, but that's another word.

If you clicked on the link in my previous post, the video footage that that news channel provided was completely biased. I knew this last night when I watched it, but after having seen what's going on and talking to teachers out at the elementary school, I know that this is not happening where there are young kids. Most of the footage was from the high school.

Not that that excuses anything, but still, we all know how video can be edited to slant stories one way or another.

The teachers were genuinely happy to see my kids; Son's teacher came up and gave him a big hug, and was so glad to see a supportive face.

I still believe the teachers are in the right and that the Superintendent is full of crap. I just had to go see for myself, because if I rely on the Liberal Media to give me the full story, I'd be missing out on something.

There was also a rally this morning; at least 100 parents and students showed up to support the teachers.

Heating Up

The school board released surveillance video from the strike thus far; you can view it here.

'I can just imagine what the students are thinking to see their teachers behaving in such a fashion. It's inexcusable, inexcusable,' said Superintendent Lisa Carmichael.

You want to know what's "inexcusable" Lisa Carmichael? That you won't even meet with the teachers and attempt to end this crap. That you're more interested in scaring us, the parents, by threatening to close more school buildings and eliminate bus routes. That money, MONEY, means more to you and the board than the future of the children of the OH Valley.

You tell my two kids why they can't go back to school and see their friends. You explain to them why their mom has to try to keep their education going at home by finding stuff on the Internet, by practically raiding a home school mom's curriculum stores.

You explain to my children why they won't be going back to Edison next school year, and possibly not even this school year.

I'm not stupid enough to think that strikes settle quickly, that they aren't ugly, but this is only day three. What in the bloody hell is going to be happening in another week?

Hey Kids! Reading Is Fundamental!

Thankew Wyatt Earp

Strike - Day 2

Yep, the teachers are still on strike, and who knows when the board will agree to sit down with the teachers again.

News from our NBC affiliate, and from our CBS station.

In the meantime, I've been trying to keep the kids entertained (without leaving the house, as gas prices are ri-goddamn-diculous) and somewhat educated with stuff I've found online. Just for future reference, Daughter was not thrilled with the Hooked on Phonics ABC's package.

Here's the website for the Education Association; there's info from yesterday, as well as contact info for our Board and Superintendent. Make a call! Tell them to talk to the teachers! Do it for GroovyVic's kids!

UPDATE: Financial state "bleak"

Snort Worthy

Send us a video of you performing to a favorite Duran Duran song -- you can lip-synch, dance, or sing a capella. Do whatever you want, just make it fun and creative!

Yeah, maybe if I was 14 again this might appeal to me!

Getting Ugly

No, I'm not referring to how I look today, I'm talking about the teacher strike.

The kids' bus driver called me to tell me some of the stuff that had gone on this morning, leaving me in tears. Then my friend calls this afternoon to report on what really happened at the one elementary school she went to to join the picket line.

She basically said it's ugly. There was yelling. She almost got run over. She also told me that I didn't have to join her tomorrow if I didn't think I could handle it.

And truthfully, I don't think I could. Does that make me a chicken? I support the teachers, but I have to admit that yelling at the bus drivers goes a hair over the line. Oh, I'd yell at the scabs, but I draw the line at yelling when there are kids around. That's just me.

Say it, go ahead. I'm a chicken shit.

In Full Effect

The teachers went on the picket lines at 5:00 a.m. this morning, although the strike officially began at 12:01 this morning.

Less than an hour in, a teacher at the high school had already been hit twice.

I plan on going over to the elementary school to stand in support of the teachers, but I don't want to take the younglings. If there is a hassle, I don't want them to be a part of it. That's why they're home in the first place!

According to the poop on the street, the Ass Asst. Superintendent said it would take a court order to get the Board of Education back to the negotiating table.

This ain't good, folks.

Please pray that this strike doesn't drag out forever and have negative effects on the kids. I don't want my kids' passion for learning snuffed out!

I'm off to find the workbooks I have, and set up the alphabet software I bought for Daughter.

Cop Killer Caught

John Lewis, killer of Philly Police Officer Charles Cassidy, has been found in Miami. And he was cuffed with Cassidy's handcuffs.

My pal, Wyatt Earp, has the scoopage here, as well as a link to the local news video that he's in!!!

(He's the detective in the blue shirt and khaki pants.)

Handsome!!

Putting It In Writing

Letters from the school Superintendent came in today's mail regarding the teacher strike. Apparently, if we choose not to send our kids to school, we are to call the principal of the school and submit something in writing also.

Well, I've got two letters typed up and signed; I'm off in a few minutes to deliver them and pick up Son.

I can't believe that this is really happening. Today at the polling station someone said that the Superintendent is acting like she doesn't take any of this seriously, like this strike isn't really going to happen.

I've had to try to explain to my kids what's going on, and I don't think they understand. Maybe that's all for the best. Would that I could live in a bit of oblivion for a while.

Snort Worthy

A much needed giggle, courtesy of pal Wyatt Earp.

Freedom Of Voice

Today I sent my letter to the editor of our local paper. They only publish letters once a week, so hopefully this will appear in Sunday's paper:

As a parent in the Edison Local School District, I’m very concerned about the recent developments between the teachers and the Board of Education. Why wouldn’t I be?

I support the teachers one hundred percent, and have no argument whatsoever with their intentions. My issue, rather, is with the Board.

I would like to know, where do the kids figure in to all of this? In the short time I’ve lived in this area, I’ve yet to hear anyone on the Board address any issues regarding actual students in this district.

Superintendent Carmichael, do you comprehend that the elementary years form a basis for a child’s attitude towards school and learning? Both of my children are in elementary school, and they love it. They have an absolute passion for learning! What happens to that passion if you, the Superintendent and the Board, insist on closing more schools in this district? I, for one, do not want my children crammed in like sardines because you have closed more buildings.

What galls me the most is that no matter how many times I, or any other parent in this district, try to speak up, we are ignored, passed aside, or even shunned from attending public school board meetings! My husband and I are both college graduates and are quite capable of adult conversation, yet I have never received answers to my questions or concerns.

My main concern is for my two children and, frankly, all the children in this district. Look around, Supt. Carmichael! Look at this area! Wouldn’t it be better to get your brain in gear and beef up education so that the kids can make a difference as adults? All you and the Board are doing is sabotaging any hope these kids have of succeeding in life. Without these kids, none of the schools in the Edison district would be receiving those “School of Promise” awards year after year!

Ms. Carmichael and Board, instead of blaming the parents and teachers for the problems in this district, instead of playing your game of chess with students, buildings, and teachers, put the kids first for a change!

November 7 Looms

Well, I guess the teachers in my school district are going to strike. The board seems to have no intention of sitting down with the teachers, that the contract they are trying to impose is their "last, best, and final offer."

Offer my ass. They basically said "Here it is! Take it or leave it."

So, who knows, I just may be on the picket lines with the teachers.

IMPEACH!!! IMPEACH THE SCHOOL BOARD!!!

Legend Of The Screen Birthday

I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the birth date of Vivien Leigh, born on this day in 1913.

Just to be clear, I have seen Ms. Leigh in other roles besides the one she's most famous for, but somehow, I keep coming back to Miss Scarlett. She's a character I have to touch base with at least once a year.

Really, read Gone With The Wind. Aside from a great history lesson, you witness the growth of Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton Kennedy Butler.

Happy Birthday Ms. Leigh!!

I Needed That

This is a good laugh:

I Love British Rockers!

YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

What A Crappy Day

I hate time changes. My body is still on "fast time," so I was up at 6:00 a.m. and my body said "Vic! It's seven! Get up NOW!"

Grrr....

And I'm hormonal, which doesn't help.

Today was also my day to work in the nursery. But that's not all! I also had to schlep in the computer and projector because Husband had to work. See, he's in charge of the PowerPoint; we have the lyrics to the songs on a screen, and no one else but he and I seem to know how to set up the equipment. I mean really, male ends go in to female ends, how hard is that?

So, usually I only have one child, a two-year-old, in the nursery, but today a regular visitor came in late and dropped off her infant.

"She's a little sick, so if she's fussy, I'm sorry."

A-whuh? Did I mention that this infant is, like, three months old? And that I'm dead set against foisting infants off to the nursery, especially sick ones.

The two-year-old then started to whine ("I want my mommy!") and I tried to soothe an infant who was extremely gassy and refused to eat.

I thought to myself, what the piss? I could have stayed home and dealt with this horseshit.

Then all the preschool kids, including Daughter, were cranky. Grrrr...

Then! I had to rush back to tear down the projector and computer and pack it up! Everyone else was either gone or gabbing away, and no one had bothered to even attempt to turn anything off. I mean, how hard is it to shut the computer (it hibernates) and turn off a frakkin' projector?

Grrr.....

And I had the mutha' of all headaches.

All this on November 4. What's the deal with November 4? It's the day my father was found, eleven years ago, dead in the garage. So I tend to be a little weepy to begin with.

At least Tombstone was on this afternoon. That was one of my dad's favorite movies; he even grew a "Wyatt Earp" mustache. He was so proud of that.

So, on this crappy damn day, I'm going to bed!

The Truth Will Be Revealed!!!

Oh boy oh boy oh b-o-y!!!

A Little Peace

Since I'll be working in the nursery today, here's one of my favorite songs:

Fired Up Pt. II

I just called the Superintendent's home and left a message.

Really!

I asked where the kids figure in with all these talks, that in the 3 1/2 years I've lived in this district I've never once heard her say anything about the students.

I said more (not crude, but I wanted to), and also left my full name and phone number. Yeah, I shan't hold my hand on my ass waiting for that twat woman to return my call.

"From My Video To My Radio"

Saturday morning memories from the eighties!

Okay! I'll admit it! This was my favorite show!!!

Hey! Anyone recognize Oliver "The Jinx" from The Brady Bunch?????

Rock! Rock! Tacky rock!!

All Fired Up

So, yeah, after getting an "informational" brochure in the mail today regarding the upcoming levy vote, I finally snapped. I've had enough!

I joined a website for the concerned parents in the district (I can't link to it...privacy ya see) and just let loose.

If the school board wants this levy to pass, they'd better pull their heads out of their you-know-whats and start doing something to earn voter trust.

I have lived in this district for 3 1/2 years, and in that time I have
been told repeatedly (in one instance by a respected local
businessman) that the voting public doesn't trust the school board.
Why hasn't the board tried to find out WHY that is?

And hey, I'll vote in a levy when the board can GUARANTEE they won't
be closing anymore buildings and hiding behind that "holy writ" state
audit to justify what they do. Closing more buildings doesn't help my
children at all!

Frankly, I would like to see the school board address THE CHILDREN OF
THIS DISTRICT and explain to them just why buildings have already been
closed, and just why programs are being cut....without placing the
blame on either the teachers or the parents.

Take this under advisement, Carmichael: 'fess up!

But what I really wanted to say was: "Kiss my big, white arse!"

Oh yeah, did I mention the full page ad in yesterday's paper? Oh sure. For $2600, the school board made the teachers look like greedy pigs. And it isn't even so much about the pay or health insurance; what the teachers are fighting for is their seniority!

What chaps my arse is that no one is allowed to ask questions. Gawd, it's like a bunch of damn Libs, trying to force a feckin' nanny state on us.

Grrrrrr......

My Theme Song...??

With my twenty year (gasp!) high school reunion looming on the horizon, this seems more and more appropriate: