Zelda,
I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I'm also sorry for the crass and thoughtless comments I've heard you've received.
People who would make such comments are beneath your contempt and your decision to put aside your social media accounts is wise...beyond your years.
Please, as you heal, try to remember the strengths your dad had. Yes, he made us laugh. But there was much more to him than that. He, along with a precious few others, knew how to make us laugh while also touching us deeply. We could often identify with the characters. When we laughed we laughed at ourselves.
Depression is a terrible, terrible thing and virtually no one is completely immune. I can only imagine the depth of the pain your dad was experiencing and please know that his actions were not meant to hurt you or your family.
In time, you will be able to remember him for his greatness and some of the pain may subside.
Don't be afraid to talk frankly to a close friend. Be open. Your dad would want you to be happy and avoid the pain he felt.
Much love to you and your family...
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
FedEx delivery from heck.
Ok, here's the deal.
First off - it took forever to get logged on to this blog since I haven't done so in a while and Google has changed their logon procedure since my last.
This is probably a good thing since it gave me time to cool off...a bit.
So, I'm supposed to get a new phone via FedEx. (You probably already know where this is going.)
I figured, "no problem, they never get to my house until after I'm home anyway."
Ha.
The one time I have to actually sign for the package they get there at, like, noon.
So I thought "I'll just call and arrange to pick it up at the FedEx location."
Again, Ha.
The phone automatron made it clear that the package had to be signed for at the delivery location specified and that they would try again the next day.
Well, I won't be there tomorrow either! It felt like an eerie combination of Catch 22 and Groundhog Day.
Finally reaching a human (who did his best to replicate the English language) and already at a frustration level of which I am not proud, I managed to explain my predicament to the gentleman who contacted the local FedEx facility (whilst I waited on hold) and finally assured me that I could, with enough ID to board an international flight, get my phone if I was willing to wait until near closing time.
In retrospect, why didn't I arrange to have the package delivered to my school? Nah, that would have made WAY too much sense.
First off - it took forever to get logged on to this blog since I haven't done so in a while and Google has changed their logon procedure since my last.
This is probably a good thing since it gave me time to cool off...a bit.
So, I'm supposed to get a new phone via FedEx. (You probably already know where this is going.)
I figured, "no problem, they never get to my house until after I'm home anyway."
Ha.
The one time I have to actually sign for the package they get there at, like, noon.
So I thought "I'll just call and arrange to pick it up at the FedEx location."
Again, Ha.
The phone automatron made it clear that the package had to be signed for at the delivery location specified and that they would try again the next day.
Well, I won't be there tomorrow either! It felt like an eerie combination of Catch 22 and Groundhog Day.
Finally reaching a human (who did his best to replicate the English language) and already at a frustration level of which I am not proud, I managed to explain my predicament to the gentleman who contacted the local FedEx facility (whilst I waited on hold) and finally assured me that I could, with enough ID to board an international flight, get my phone if I was willing to wait until near closing time.
In retrospect, why didn't I arrange to have the package delivered to my school? Nah, that would have made WAY too much sense.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Further Devalued?
The educational system already has been given a black eye by the guvmint. OK, while it's true that there truly are those teachers that should be doing something else, the profession - as a whole - is an honorable one.
The new evaluation system(s) put 100% of the learning onus upon teachers while, in fact, 90% of it should be upon the student and his/her support system. (We used to call that "parents" but what the heck does that mean anymore?)
It's oft been said, "You can lead a horse to water..." etc. A student who cannot, or will not, learn unfortunately reflects poorly upon the educator - even if that teacher is wholly engaged, learned, compassionate, and driven.
An oncologist is going to lose a certain number of his/her patients; that is a given. In this fallen world - full of the cancer of apathy, greed, drugs, in short, sin - even the best educator is incapable of being 100% effective. Certainly there are those who are fortunate enough to teach in an "educational Disneyland" but most are in schools that lack adequate facilities and are filled with marginally motivated students with parents that care but seem incapable of helping light an educational fire. Yes, there are those incredible success stories of those who seem to be able to teach the unteachable. Those stories are rare - and what isn't shared is the toll it takes upon their families, if they have them, and the burnout that inevitably results.
Teaching is not a job, it is a calling - and not for the faint of heart. It can be quite enjoyable much of the time (there are still those days I can't believe they pay me to do what I do; then, of course, there are other days). However, to take what was once an honorable profession and denigrate it to the point that morale is virtually non-existent, then while said morale is already low the "powers that be" want to further gut-kick educators, is unconscionable.
The article "Downgraded by Evaluation Reforms" outlines the further degradation of the profession.
The new evaluation system(s) put 100% of the learning onus upon teachers while, in fact, 90% of it should be upon the student and his/her support system. (We used to call that "parents" but what the heck does that mean anymore?)
It's oft been said, "You can lead a horse to water..." etc. A student who cannot, or will not, learn unfortunately reflects poorly upon the educator - even if that teacher is wholly engaged, learned, compassionate, and driven.
An oncologist is going to lose a certain number of his/her patients; that is a given. In this fallen world - full of the cancer of apathy, greed, drugs, in short, sin - even the best educator is incapable of being 100% effective. Certainly there are those who are fortunate enough to teach in an "educational Disneyland" but most are in schools that lack adequate facilities and are filled with marginally motivated students with parents that care but seem incapable of helping light an educational fire. Yes, there are those incredible success stories of those who seem to be able to teach the unteachable. Those stories are rare - and what isn't shared is the toll it takes upon their families, if they have them, and the burnout that inevitably results.
Teaching is not a job, it is a calling - and not for the faint of heart. It can be quite enjoyable much of the time (there are still those days I can't believe they pay me to do what I do; then, of course, there are other days). However, to take what was once an honorable profession and denigrate it to the point that morale is virtually non-existent, then while said morale is already low the "powers that be" want to further gut-kick educators, is unconscionable.
The article "Downgraded by Evaluation Reforms" outlines the further degradation of the profession.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
16 and 17?
17 Years and a voice like this? Kinda scary. The two sound great together - Jonathan is just not right. This kind of voice and talent doesn't come around all that often. Blessings upon them both!
Friday, December 23, 2011
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