The following is an overheard dialogue between a mother and her three to four year old daughter.It was in the dressing room of the JCPenny's where they occupied the room next to mine. The mother was using the dressing room to feed her other infant daughter. I don't know their names so I can't change them. I finished trying clothes on, but couldn't tear myself away from listening so I thought it was worth sharing. What do you do when you hear something like this? I alway feel the urge to say or do something, but I never actually have the courage. It makes me feel like a social action coward.
Daughter: Why aren't there two chairs in here? How come?
Mom: Fine, you want a chair, here. (scuffled movement)
D: But how come this one's different? I don't like this chair. I wish I had that one.
Mom: Just sit in the damn chair, ok? You wanted a chair, I got you a chair.
D: But I didn't want a chair. I don't want to sit down. I just wanted to know how come--
M: Sit down and shut up. Now. I've had it.
D: But I don't want to-
M: (In a very loud voice) SIT DOWN NOW. I'm trying to feed your sister.
D: But I'm hungry. How come I can't have anything to eat?
M: You want something to eat? There are some fruit snacks in the diaper bag.
(Daughter rustles around and gets fruit snacks)
D: But how come there's only one fruit snack. I thought you were bringing three?
M: There were three. You ate one in the truck, one in the food court and now there's one left. That's three.
D: But how come there's not three?
M: There were three. I told you. You ate the other ones.
D: But I thought there were going to be three in here?
M: Just sit down and eat the damn fruit snack.
D: But I don't want to sit down-
M: SIT DOWN and SHUT UP! NOW!
Conversation continues much as above for quite some time and then daughter figures out that she can open the door to the dressing room.
D: I can open this door.
M: Don't open that door.
D: But I can open this door. I just turn here-
M: Shut the damn door and SIT DOWN and SHUT UP.
D: But I can open the door. I know how to open the door. I'm hot in here. Can I open the door?
M: NO.
D: How much longer until I can open the door?
M: Will you please just shut up?
D: What will happen if I open the door?
(The door creaks and then there is a hard slam)
M: You want to know what will happen? You want to know what will happen? They will see me feeding your sister and they will take us away to jail, because you can't do that with the door open. Do you want to go to jail?
D: And then Daddy will have to save us?
M: No, Daddy won't save us. Nobody will save us. We will be in jail. Do you want to be in jail?
D: Why won't Daddy save us?
M: Because Daddy's to busy to save us. He's in California getting trained. Nobody will save us and it will be all your fault that we are in jail. Do you want that to happen?
(Long pause)
D: Mommy? You're upsetting me.
M: Well you've been upsetting me this whole time.
D: Mommy? You're upsetting me saying that Daddy won't save us.
M: Just sit down and be quiet and you better not open that door if you don't want us to go to jail. NOW.
(Daughter sniffles)
7.27.2005
7.26.2005
Orlando
I try to like Orlando. All my Disney issues aside, I really try to like it. Yesterday after taking FRD to the airport in the early morning, I headed up to the land of The Mouse. I decided to give in to the consumer buy buy buy mentality of this town and spend some time shopping for new lawyer type clothes. I thought maybe if I met Orlando on its shopping front we could come to terms. Not so.
The whole mood of I-4 changes as your enter Mouse Land. The signs by the side of the road become bigger, with blinking lights, and slide shows filled with advertisements that tell you repeatedly to "TURN NOW." The traffic also gets worse; I believe Disney hires people to clog up the roads during all times of the day, so that you have plenty of time to watch the slideshow billboards blink their insistent messages.
Since I was looking to shop, I decided to start at an outlet mall near Disney. After parking and hiking to the mall, I realized that if the mall was this crowded at 10:30, this could turn out to be a very long day. Despite the large outdoor layout, I found myself jostled and pushed as I tried to make my way in one direction or another. I can't imagine trying to navigate that crowd with another person in tow. I finally just gave up and decided to slide off the wave of people into whatever store they sent me. After catching my breath, I decided that the trip at this outlet mall would be short indeed.
I focused on the task of finding a pair of cross trainers, as my ankles have been killing me during recent step workouts (yes, La, I am working out despite being away from my workout buddies). I started at the Skechers store, but moved on quickly when the sales guy told me that all of the shoes on a particular shelf were cross trainers and I found several sport clogs on the shelf. I took a deep breath and entered the overbearing Nike store. Apparently, I decided to shop at Nike during the same time as everybody else, including three or four different tour groups from all over the world. I was jostled and pushed as boxes of shoes literally sprang from the shelves. The movement and tempo of the store was pumped up by the fast beating tempo of the music which required people to shout at each other, "Do you want these?" before chucking a box down the aisle at an unsuspecting friend or family member. Families were laden down with packages, looking disturbingly like refuges. Only these families weren't carrying all their belongings, only a days purchases in the ever increasing desire for more, more, MORE. Yes, GWB, consumerism is alive and well in the land of The Mouse.
After picking out several shoes to try on, I looked for a place to do so. No such luck. After cruising the store several time, I finally lucked into a little boy who finished just as a I passed him. I nabbed the seat and slipped into the first pair of shoes. As I stood to look in the mirror, the steady flow of people traffic allowed me to only catch the shoes in glimpses between others legs. When I turned to sit back down, a little girl slid into my seat, calling frantically, "I got a seat. MOM, I got a seat!"
Cross trainers firmly in hand, I decided to head a little farther away from Disney before trying any more shopping. I was reading the everchanging blinking billboards, watching cars weave in and out of three lanes of start and stop again traffic in an effort to get just a little bit farther, just a little bit faster, when I saw another outlet mall. Determined not to stop, I edged beyond it. But then I noticed that there was an Anne Taylor factory store. I mean, who can pass up an Anne Taylor factory store? So I decided to take the next exit. After a dizzying swirl of off or on ramps, I passed within walking distance of the right side of the mall. And then I passed to the front of the mall. And then I passed to the left of the mall. But never with the option to exit. Suddenly, I found myself swept into a toll booth, and paying fifty cents to keep on moving. It was eight miles before I found a plaza where I could turn around and then another eight miles back to the I-4 exit. Can you believe that I had to pay another fifty cents for the privilege of leaving the toll road I never wanted to be on? Does anybody know how little I like to drive?
I made it to Mike's apartment by the time he was done with work with only the cross trainers and a pair of earrings to show for my effort. We spent the evening at various car dealerships but that is another story entirely. Today, he has gone to work, and I am getting ready to head back down to Longboat Key. I was thinking though, perhaps I'll stop for a little shopping on the way.
The whole mood of I-4 changes as your enter Mouse Land. The signs by the side of the road become bigger, with blinking lights, and slide shows filled with advertisements that tell you repeatedly to "TURN NOW." The traffic also gets worse; I believe Disney hires people to clog up the roads during all times of the day, so that you have plenty of time to watch the slideshow billboards blink their insistent messages.
Since I was looking to shop, I decided to start at an outlet mall near Disney. After parking and hiking to the mall, I realized that if the mall was this crowded at 10:30, this could turn out to be a very long day. Despite the large outdoor layout, I found myself jostled and pushed as I tried to make my way in one direction or another. I can't imagine trying to navigate that crowd with another person in tow. I finally just gave up and decided to slide off the wave of people into whatever store they sent me. After catching my breath, I decided that the trip at this outlet mall would be short indeed.
I focused on the task of finding a pair of cross trainers, as my ankles have been killing me during recent step workouts (yes, La, I am working out despite being away from my workout buddies). I started at the Skechers store, but moved on quickly when the sales guy told me that all of the shoes on a particular shelf were cross trainers and I found several sport clogs on the shelf. I took a deep breath and entered the overbearing Nike store. Apparently, I decided to shop at Nike during the same time as everybody else, including three or four different tour groups from all over the world. I was jostled and pushed as boxes of shoes literally sprang from the shelves. The movement and tempo of the store was pumped up by the fast beating tempo of the music which required people to shout at each other, "Do you want these?" before chucking a box down the aisle at an unsuspecting friend or family member. Families were laden down with packages, looking disturbingly like refuges. Only these families weren't carrying all their belongings, only a days purchases in the ever increasing desire for more, more, MORE. Yes, GWB, consumerism is alive and well in the land of The Mouse.
After picking out several shoes to try on, I looked for a place to do so. No such luck. After cruising the store several time, I finally lucked into a little boy who finished just as a I passed him. I nabbed the seat and slipped into the first pair of shoes. As I stood to look in the mirror, the steady flow of people traffic allowed me to only catch the shoes in glimpses between others legs. When I turned to sit back down, a little girl slid into my seat, calling frantically, "I got a seat. MOM, I got a seat!"
Cross trainers firmly in hand, I decided to head a little farther away from Disney before trying any more shopping. I was reading the everchanging blinking billboards, watching cars weave in and out of three lanes of start and stop again traffic in an effort to get just a little bit farther, just a little bit faster, when I saw another outlet mall. Determined not to stop, I edged beyond it. But then I noticed that there was an Anne Taylor factory store. I mean, who can pass up an Anne Taylor factory store? So I decided to take the next exit. After a dizzying swirl of off or on ramps, I passed within walking distance of the right side of the mall. And then I passed to the front of the mall. And then I passed to the left of the mall. But never with the option to exit. Suddenly, I found myself swept into a toll booth, and paying fifty cents to keep on moving. It was eight miles before I found a plaza where I could turn around and then another eight miles back to the I-4 exit. Can you believe that I had to pay another fifty cents for the privilege of leaving the toll road I never wanted to be on? Does anybody know how little I like to drive?
I made it to Mike's apartment by the time he was done with work with only the cross trainers and a pair of earrings to show for my effort. We spent the evening at various car dealerships but that is another story entirely. Today, he has gone to work, and I am getting ready to head back down to Longboat Key. I was thinking though, perhaps I'll stop for a little shopping on the way.
7.24.2005
What a weekend!
Dad celebrated his sixtieth birthday for two days. I suppose he's allowed. First, on Saturday, we traveled to Honeymoon Island for an afternoon of swimming and recreating. Today, we stayed at the beachhouse and sailed the Hobie, kayaked, snorkeled and floated in the waves. The water was an amazing shade of aqua green.
I had some fabulous beach time with Baby Rachel while her parents were sailing. We stood in the water and cried "weeeee" as we jumped each wave. She also particularly enjoyed watching me pack a bucket full of sand and turn it over into a castle. Then she would crash it with her hand and wait for me to do it again. Strangely, I don't remember the buckets having castle tops when I was a child. Later in the day, she actually reached for me to take her back in the water while Mom was watching her. Score one for Aunt Anne. Since it is the first time, though, I'll try not to let it go to my head.
During a long lunch we ate cake and continued the Rummikub saga. Today, in a desperate attempt to end his unlucky streak, Mike convinced Christina and Teenage Aerin to switch their tiles around. I was left holding 132 points. Ouch. Having Mike here for the weekend more than made up for the loss though. Although everybody ate cake, nobody enjoyed it quite as much as Baby Rachel.
I had some fabulous beach time with Baby Rachel while her parents were sailing. We stood in the water and cried "weeeee" as we jumped each wave. She also particularly enjoyed watching me pack a bucket full of sand and turn it over into a castle. Then she would crash it with her hand and wait for me to do it again. Strangely, I don't remember the buckets having castle tops when I was a child. Later in the day, she actually reached for me to take her back in the water while Mom was watching her. Score one for Aunt Anne. Since it is the first time, though, I'll try not to let it go to my head.
During a long lunch we ate cake and continued the Rummikub saga. Today, in a desperate attempt to end his unlucky streak, Mike convinced Christina and Teenage Aerin to switch their tiles around. I was left holding 132 points. Ouch. Having Mike here for the weekend more than made up for the loss though. Although everybody ate cake, nobody enjoyed it quite as much as Baby Rachel.
7.23.2005
7.21.2005
Dreaming
Lately I've been having the strangest dreams. They all involve Templeton or the house and something I forgot to do, or gave away, or left undone. Last night I dreamt that Rise called me to get back some binders she had loaned me. I realized that I had given them to other teachers right before leaving. I tried to tell her who had them, but she was just furious with me. A couple of nights ago, I dreamt that I forgot to clean out one of the closets at the house before the closing and that my favorite t-shirt was in there. I think that things were so crazy at the end, that I made so many quick decisions and gave away so much, that my mind is just now wrapping itself around it all now as I prepare to begin again.
7.20.2005
Random Late Night Thoughts
FRD slept until 12:30 this afternoon. Now he wants to stay up all night. Is he really this close to being a teenager?
Baby Rachel slept on the beach today, while we snorkeled in the clear green water.
Teenage Aerin beat our butts at Rumikub this eve, although at least my score wasn't negative tonight.
Soon the summer will be over and I will be a law student.
Baby Rachel slept on the beach today, while we snorkeled in the clear green water.
Teenage Aerin beat our butts at Rumikub this eve, although at least my score wasn't negative tonight.
Soon the summer will be over and I will be a law student.
7.19.2005
Cousins Reunited
I drove up to Orlando last night and truly meant to blog, but got sidetracked by a mouthwatering, non-weightwatchers, fajita burrito accompanied by chips and salsa. The reason I drove to Orlando was that I had to pick FRD up at the airport in Tampa this morning. Now, for anybody that doesn't know their Florida geography, I basically drove four hours out of my way to go to Orlando last night. And that four hours actually became six, because I hit Orlando during rush hour traffic. Worried about the traffic, I left extra early to drive the 1 1/2 hours to Tampa to pick up FRD this morning. And I made excellent time. I arrived in Tampa for his 10:50 flight at 10:00. I figured with parking and what not, I would be ok. And then the cell rang. Apparently they were still sitting on the runway in Indy, because the couldn't achieve cabin pressure. Expected time of arrival pushed forward to 12:15. Two plus hours in Tampa, so I hit some random mall by the airport.
I finally got FRD around 12:30 and we had a leisurely drive back to Longboat while we caught up on everything and everybody. Of course, he had to do more talking than me because he has read this blog. In fact, as a I hoped, he is chomping at the bit to make his own blog. Which is where I head now.
FRD, Teenage Aerin, and Baby Rachel are reunited at the Longboat Beach house.
I finally got FRD around 12:30 and we had a leisurely drive back to Longboat while we caught up on everything and everybody. Of course, he had to do more talking than me because he has read this blog. In fact, as a I hoped, he is chomping at the bit to make his own blog. Which is where I head now.
FRD, Teenage Aerin, and Baby Rachel are reunited at the Longboat Beach house.
7.17.2005
Red Tide Recedes; Dolphins Arrive
How's this for a cool animal sighting? That's me in the kayak, on the ocean, and that fin next to/behind me is a dolphin. I had my best dolphin/kayaking experience today. There were at least 14 of them, and I saw them leap out of the water three times. They seemed to play with me, swimming a bit down the beach as I paddled against the sea and then when I finally felt that I could go on no more, they would circle back, come near my kayak, float on the surface, and look up at me as they basked in the ocean water. These are truly magnificent creatures. Later in the day the brother and sister-in-law also got a good run on the kayaks as the dolphins returned for an evening swim. I'm hoping they will be out there again tomorrow.
Other exciting news of the day is that the red tide seems to have receded; a big bulldozer and several men with shovels made quick business of ridding the beach of the dead fish, and there don't seem to be any floating nearby. My fingers are crossed that it won't return any time soon. I found several crabs today and two live olive shells. I was also stung by a jelly fish, twice. All of this, added to the first dolphin sighting of the season, makes me feel the ocean is rebirthing itself after a period of death. It is very reassuring.
Since this has been the first full swimming day since Hurricane Dennis swept through, I was amazed to discover the shape of the beach and the sandbars have changed drastically. There is a pooling of water in front of the house, and then a very shallow sandbar a little farther out. In some places, it pops out of the water like a private island and in other areas it can't be found. I met a woman on the beach today and she told me that they had done $550,000 worth of beach renourishment on the south end of the island and 2/3 of it was washed away by Hurricane Dennis. Ouch! It kind of makes you think what those who have money spend it on.
It's amazing how quickly this three bedroom house can become filled with people. The dog/baby/pool debate has become mute, as the p's bought this inflatable pool, and the claws would obviously render it useless. No real face time with Baby Rachel yet, but that's to be expected as six of us vie for her attention.
7.16.2005
Swimming With the Dogs
Molly loves to swim at Happy Tails dog park.
The fun Florida family drama begins. As you can clearly tell, Molly is smitten with the baby pool at the dog park. The parents are buying a baby pool for their human grandchild, Baby Rachel, for the beach house. I was very excited by this news, as now Molly would have a place to swim closer to home. When I voiced my excitement, it was met with silence, followed by a rather pointed look at Molly. Despite the obvious implications and repercussions of choosing favorites amongst the grandchildren, the parents made it quite clear that Molly would, in fact, be UNWELCOME in Baby Rachel's new pool. Despite my lawyer type arguments, they have remained quite firm on the matter. So now I must ask what you think. Should two year old Molly (great with kids) be allowed in one year old Baby Rachel's wading pool? Why or why not?
7.15.2005
Pictures at Last!
Fishheads. . . and bodies too. Anybody up for a swim?
I get it now. It's not so easy to keep a blog updated when you're not sitting alone in a beach house all day. The crew is arriving, the fish are getting fishier, and I haven't even had time to work out today. So here it is, brief, but with pictures. I'll leave you with a happier vision and a promise that I will write more tomorrow.
The P's watch the sunset on their first night of a fish filled vacation.
7.14.2005
Ant Traps and Fish Heads
Kandi tells me that Kenny and Josh also have blogs. Come on Kandi, everybody's doing it. It's so easy! I loved reading Kenny's, especially the day care chronicles. Somehow I still don't have the address for Josh's, but can't wait to read it when I do. One more day till I can add pictures. You know, patience has never been my strength.
I am exhausted today. While I was at the grocery, last night, one of the dogs chewed up an ant trap. I set them down and gave them quite a talking to, trying to discover the culprit, but finally settled on just being worried about all three of them. Truly, I was more worried about Molly and George (Mike's dog), because Maggie is getting so old that she really doesn't get in to anything anymore. Far away are the days of Maggie chewing a couch and a dresser for an afternoon snack. But I digress. I searched the internet using such keywords as "dog" and "ant trap." And while I discovered that many people put ant traps down because their dog's food attracts ants, I found relatively few sites that mentioned dogs actually EATING said ant traps. I did find one, but it spoke of ant traps in general. It said that the most likely effects would be vomiting, but to watch for blockage. Mmmm. Fun.
Still not completely satisfied, I called the Animal Poison Control Hotline. Yes, Virginia, there is an Animal Poison Control Hotline. I told the lady the whole story, and then she told me that there was a $50 consultation fee. I wondered, quietly, if there is a consultation fee for the HUMAN Poison Control Hotline. I suppose it would go something like this:
"Yes, my child just ingested 80 sleeping pills."
"Well, Ma'am as soon as you give us your credit card number, we will be glad to tell you what to do."
Somehow I think not. The injustices of it all! So, I looked at the dogs, who were happily chasing a fly around the house, (except for Maggie who was, as usual, sleeping), and I paused to think. During that pause, the woman told me that she could, in fact, tell me if it was life threatening for FREE. Yippee. I figure, if it was life threatening, I would have to pay somebody a heck of a lot more than $50 as I searched for a vet in Florida at 10:00 at night and if it was not life threatening, then I have tile floors and a fenced in side yard. Of course it wasn't life threatening. It is for killing ants. . . not dogs.
Well, somewhere during the night, I decided Molly was the culprit because she drank an entire bowl, full of water. However, she didn't drink it all at once. Rather, I would fall asleep and Molly would jump up, "slurp, slurp, slurp" and then come back to bed where she had to turn around four times and dig her feet to find a comfortable spot. Slowly, sleep would find me again and the whole process would repeat.
Today, she sleeps contentedly and I push aside the desire to wait until her lids just close before standing beside her and clapping my hands loudly. I am so kind.
My feelings about the beach today? Sometimes someone else says it better, and how often is it that a Dr. Demento song is so applicable?
Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumIn the morning,Laughing happy fish heads,In the evening,Floating in the soup,Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumAsk a fish head,Anything you want to,They won't answer,They can't talkFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumI took a fish head,Out to see a movie,Didn't have to pay To get it inFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumThey cant play baseball,They don't wear sweaters,There not good dancers,They don't play drumsFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumRoly poly fish heads are never seenDrinking cappucino in Italian restaurants,With oriental women, yeahFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yum, (yum!)Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yum,Yea..
After that, I bet you can't wait until I can post pictures!
I am exhausted today. While I was at the grocery, last night, one of the dogs chewed up an ant trap. I set them down and gave them quite a talking to, trying to discover the culprit, but finally settled on just being worried about all three of them. Truly, I was more worried about Molly and George (Mike's dog), because Maggie is getting so old that she really doesn't get in to anything anymore. Far away are the days of Maggie chewing a couch and a dresser for an afternoon snack. But I digress. I searched the internet using such keywords as "dog" and "ant trap." And while I discovered that many people put ant traps down because their dog's food attracts ants, I found relatively few sites that mentioned dogs actually EATING said ant traps. I did find one, but it spoke of ant traps in general. It said that the most likely effects would be vomiting, but to watch for blockage. Mmmm. Fun.
Still not completely satisfied, I called the Animal Poison Control Hotline. Yes, Virginia, there is an Animal Poison Control Hotline. I told the lady the whole story, and then she told me that there was a $50 consultation fee. I wondered, quietly, if there is a consultation fee for the HUMAN Poison Control Hotline. I suppose it would go something like this:
"Yes, my child just ingested 80 sleeping pills."
"Well, Ma'am as soon as you give us your credit card number, we will be glad to tell you what to do."
Somehow I think not. The injustices of it all! So, I looked at the dogs, who were happily chasing a fly around the house, (except for Maggie who was, as usual, sleeping), and I paused to think. During that pause, the woman told me that she could, in fact, tell me if it was life threatening for FREE. Yippee. I figure, if it was life threatening, I would have to pay somebody a heck of a lot more than $50 as I searched for a vet in Florida at 10:00 at night and if it was not life threatening, then I have tile floors and a fenced in side yard. Of course it wasn't life threatening. It is for killing ants. . . not dogs.
Well, somewhere during the night, I decided Molly was the culprit because she drank an entire bowl, full of water. However, she didn't drink it all at once. Rather, I would fall asleep and Molly would jump up, "slurp, slurp, slurp" and then come back to bed where she had to turn around four times and dig her feet to find a comfortable spot. Slowly, sleep would find me again and the whole process would repeat.
Today, she sleeps contentedly and I push aside the desire to wait until her lids just close before standing beside her and clapping my hands loudly. I am so kind.
My feelings about the beach today? Sometimes someone else says it better, and how often is it that a Dr. Demento song is so applicable?
Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumIn the morning,Laughing happy fish heads,In the evening,Floating in the soup,Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumAsk a fish head,Anything you want to,They won't answer,They can't talkFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumI took a fish head,Out to see a movie,Didn't have to pay To get it inFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumThey cant play baseball,They don't wear sweaters,There not good dancers,They don't play drumsFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumRoly poly fish heads are never seenDrinking cappucino in Italian restaurants,With oriental women, yeahFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yum, (yum!)Fish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yumFish heads fish heads,Roly poly fish heads,Fish heads fish heads,Eat them up yum,Yea..
After that, I bet you can't wait until I can post pictures!
7.13.2005
Red Tide Returns, Shweggy Calls, and the CNN Article Pushes My Buttons
Well, the red tide has returned to south Florida. Did it ever leave? Today I went kayaking, but couldn't bring myself to swim amongst the dead fish. Paddle, paddle, thwack. Paddle, paddle, thwack. There is something disconcerting about the red mixed with my blue-green ocean that leaves the sandbars a muddy brown. I, nor the dogs, have yet to notice any sort of throat or eye irritation this time, just the smell of dead fish. And I can't honestly say the dogs mind that so much.
Shweggy called from Bloomington today. She just seemed to realize that I have really left. She has been having her own adventures traveling in Alaska and Las Vegas. And yet, there is no blog where I can read about her adventures. Seriously, though, it was so nice to hear from someone from home. Since Mike went back to Orlando on Sunday, I've developed a little cabin fever. That shall, of course, come to an abrupt end as the family vacation begins with the parents arrival on Friday.
I was sent this link to this CNN article about the desire to attract more males to the teaching profession and some of the things it said rubbed me the wrong way. While I absolutely agree that good male teachers bring something different to the table and should be valued, especially at the elementary level, I took offense at the underlying tone of the article.
For example, the article refers to education as "a field long dominated by women." Why does this use of the word dominate irritate me so? Because it is clearly a misuse of the word. Women do not "control, govern, or rule by superior authority or power" the field of education. I know it's semantics, but it was only the beginning of what annoyed me.
Next, a fellow named Nelson was paraphrased as expressing the view that men in the classroom "would help show children that society as a whole places a deep value on education. . ." Excuse me? The mind boggles at the number of things which must take place for a demonstrated value of education, not the least of which is treating teachers like the professionals they are. Does Nelson mean that societal value is demonstrated by equal representation of the sexes or that male presence alone represents value? If it is the former, than I must point out that there are other fields which society apparently values which do not have equal representation of the sexes. Orthopedic Surgery, a profession that continues to be virtually unattainable to women, comes to mind. And if it is the latter, my response is not appropriate for public presentation.
The final irritating tidbit of this article involved a principal who does a little dance when she hires a male teacher. This female principal tries to make her staff more accommodating to men by "asking female teachers to rein in their lunchroom chatter about intimate matters." Oh, tell me your toes are curling, too. I now have a new vision of the professional teacher as a woman sitting around at lunch talking about her period and sex life. Perhaps she's even eating cherry bon bons.
Shweggy called from Bloomington today. She just seemed to realize that I have really left. She has been having her own adventures traveling in Alaska and Las Vegas. And yet, there is no blog where I can read about her adventures. Seriously, though, it was so nice to hear from someone from home. Since Mike went back to Orlando on Sunday, I've developed a little cabin fever. That shall, of course, come to an abrupt end as the family vacation begins with the parents arrival on Friday.
I was sent this link to this CNN article about the desire to attract more males to the teaching profession and some of the things it said rubbed me the wrong way. While I absolutely agree that good male teachers bring something different to the table and should be valued, especially at the elementary level, I took offense at the underlying tone of the article.
For example, the article refers to education as "a field long dominated by women." Why does this use of the word dominate irritate me so? Because it is clearly a misuse of the word. Women do not "control, govern, or rule by superior authority or power" the field of education. I know it's semantics, but it was only the beginning of what annoyed me.
Next, a fellow named Nelson was paraphrased as expressing the view that men in the classroom "would help show children that society as a whole places a deep value on education. . ." Excuse me? The mind boggles at the number of things which must take place for a demonstrated value of education, not the least of which is treating teachers like the professionals they are. Does Nelson mean that societal value is demonstrated by equal representation of the sexes or that male presence alone represents value? If it is the former, than I must point out that there are other fields which society apparently values which do not have equal representation of the sexes. Orthopedic Surgery, a profession that continues to be virtually unattainable to women, comes to mind. And if it is the latter, my response is not appropriate for public presentation.
The final irritating tidbit of this article involved a principal who does a little dance when she hires a male teacher. This female principal tries to make her staff more accommodating to men by "asking female teachers to rein in their lunchroom chatter about intimate matters." Oh, tell me your toes are curling, too. I now have a new vision of the professional teacher as a woman sitting around at lunch talking about her period and sex life. Perhaps she's even eating cherry bon bons.
7.12.2005
To Blog or Not to Blog
Why doesn't everybody have one of these? Beyond the obvious pleasure in voyeuristic journaling, the potential for keeping connected to those in your life is mindboggling, or should I say mindblogging?
When I first decided to do this, I thought of those in my everyday life at Templeton as the primary target. After spending day after day together, I felt such a sudden and profound loss that I wished so much not to have. Even those I was closest to, I find quickly slipping away as I mean to e-mail, to call, to update, but I don't. The days have become weeks, and in just more than three weeks time I will find my way to begin the great law adventure. What better way to take each of them with me?
And then last night, upon starting the chain of e-mail notifications, I found myself pondering the matter further. I began to think, not just of those who so recently were in my day to day, but of many others. Each time my life has changed, I have kept a few close friends, friends that I talk to rarely, but think of often. Wouldn't they also like an opportunity to check in, without the two hour phone call followed by months of silence? I am assuming of course that, like me, they would relish the connection. And I return to my original question: Why doesn't everybody do this?
And then my thoughts turn to family. I think of Baby Rachel and how I'd love to hear and see how she's changing and growing. And I think of my cousins, whom I've never really known. Last month, I called one on his twenty-first birthday and he didn't know who the call was from. Who are the men they have grown into? Again, I ask (more pointedly this time): Why doesn't everybody do this?
I suppose there is a certain arrogance one must have in assuming that others will read the moments of their life, their opinions, and then return in a few days or weeks to read again. Or maybe it just takes admitting that I'm not good at keeping in touch in any other way. I would prefer to be arrogant but connected, than self effacing and isolated. But is a blog really that far from watching others lives on one of numerous reality television Shows? And I, for one, would rather spend an hour in the evening reading (and looking at the pictures) of the reality of those that I know, those whose lives I'm missing. Beyond that, I enjoy the thought of everywhere this blog can take me, the hint of possibility of rekindled friendships and continued connections with friends and family. Besides, it's a fabulous addition to my day, my normal reflection time, to temper it for public viewing, but finally commit it to writing.
Perhaps you can tell from the content that my day has been little more than staring at the ocean, reading, and playing my banjo. This morning, I took the dogs to Happy Trails Dog Park in Bradenton. The time will come, too soon I know, when days like this are a quickly fading memory, so I am cherishing each one.
When I first decided to do this, I thought of those in my everyday life at Templeton as the primary target. After spending day after day together, I felt such a sudden and profound loss that I wished so much not to have. Even those I was closest to, I find quickly slipping away as I mean to e-mail, to call, to update, but I don't. The days have become weeks, and in just more than three weeks time I will find my way to begin the great law adventure. What better way to take each of them with me?
And then last night, upon starting the chain of e-mail notifications, I found myself pondering the matter further. I began to think, not just of those who so recently were in my day to day, but of many others. Each time my life has changed, I have kept a few close friends, friends that I talk to rarely, but think of often. Wouldn't they also like an opportunity to check in, without the two hour phone call followed by months of silence? I am assuming of course that, like me, they would relish the connection. And I return to my original question: Why doesn't everybody do this?
And then my thoughts turn to family. I think of Baby Rachel and how I'd love to hear and see how she's changing and growing. And I think of my cousins, whom I've never really known. Last month, I called one on his twenty-first birthday and he didn't know who the call was from. Who are the men they have grown into? Again, I ask (more pointedly this time): Why doesn't everybody do this?
I suppose there is a certain arrogance one must have in assuming that others will read the moments of their life, their opinions, and then return in a few days or weeks to read again. Or maybe it just takes admitting that I'm not good at keeping in touch in any other way. I would prefer to be arrogant but connected, than self effacing and isolated. But is a blog really that far from watching others lives on one of numerous reality television Shows? And I, for one, would rather spend an hour in the evening reading (and looking at the pictures) of the reality of those that I know, those whose lives I'm missing. Beyond that, I enjoy the thought of everywhere this blog can take me, the hint of possibility of rekindled friendships and continued connections with friends and family. Besides, it's a fabulous addition to my day, my normal reflection time, to temper it for public viewing, but finally commit it to writing.
Perhaps you can tell from the content that my day has been little more than staring at the ocean, reading, and playing my banjo. This morning, I took the dogs to Happy Trails Dog Park in Bradenton. The time will come, too soon I know, when days like this are a quickly fading memory, so I am cherishing each one.
7.11.2005
Beginnings
Can it really be this simple? Several weeks ago, I found Lee's Blog and found myself drawn to this medium as I journey from teaching to lawyering, Bloomington to Columbia (via the Florida route). Shockingly, I misplaced the link, and couldn't find it again to save my life. It only took me two weeks to have the brilliance to e-mail Lee, and less than 24 hours for her to respond.
And now I begin my blogging adventure, on a hot Monday afternoon, while the dogs sleep off the effects of a morning jaunt at Paw Park in Sarasota. Although I've figured out how to post pictures, I won't be able to until this weekend, when I have the adapter I need to get the pictures from the camera to my new laptop. Just boring text until then.
Although I've spent a lot of time in Orlando this summer, I'm now settled into the beach house at Longboat for the next three weeks. The family shall arrive this weekend for the annual Florida Vacation. Be sure to turn in next week for exciting blogs about Baby Rachel, Teenage Aeirin, and FRD.
All ready the summer has been filled with adventuresome mishaps involving the beach house. I almost wonder if there is some sort of cosmic message that I am ignoring. My first trip here, I discovered the beach house had some uninvited guests of the rat variety, who have since been. . . well. . .removed.
However, when I returned to clean their left behind mess, I found myself in the midst of a serious red tide. In addition to dead fish littering the beach, I found myself hacking every time I set foot outdoors. Harsh cleaning inside and air irritants outside did not seem to be a good mixture, so I returned to Orlando again.
Next there was Hurricane Dennis blowing by, which in reality only brought high tides (like to the west side of the house), rain that pounded onto the skylights above the bed all night, and wind that picked the sand off the beach and embedded it into my thighs. Actually, Mike and I had a fabulous time playing rummikub and . . .well. . . playing more rummikub.
Well, nothing to weighty or important yet, but I've only just begun.
And now I begin my blogging adventure, on a hot Monday afternoon, while the dogs sleep off the effects of a morning jaunt at Paw Park in Sarasota. Although I've figured out how to post pictures, I won't be able to until this weekend, when I have the adapter I need to get the pictures from the camera to my new laptop. Just boring text until then.
Although I've spent a lot of time in Orlando this summer, I'm now settled into the beach house at Longboat for the next three weeks. The family shall arrive this weekend for the annual Florida Vacation. Be sure to turn in next week for exciting blogs about Baby Rachel, Teenage Aeirin, and FRD.
All ready the summer has been filled with adventuresome mishaps involving the beach house. I almost wonder if there is some sort of cosmic message that I am ignoring. My first trip here, I discovered the beach house had some uninvited guests of the rat variety, who have since been. . . well. . .removed.
However, when I returned to clean their left behind mess, I found myself in the midst of a serious red tide. In addition to dead fish littering the beach, I found myself hacking every time I set foot outdoors. Harsh cleaning inside and air irritants outside did not seem to be a good mixture, so I returned to Orlando again.
Next there was Hurricane Dennis blowing by, which in reality only brought high tides (like to the west side of the house), rain that pounded onto the skylights above the bed all night, and wind that picked the sand off the beach and embedded it into my thighs. Actually, Mike and I had a fabulous time playing rummikub and . . .well. . . playing more rummikub.
Well, nothing to weighty or important yet, but I've only just begun.
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