Soapbox Time

I am devastated by the disunity in our nation. It is unfortunate that people let their passions interfere with seeing what is real, and cruel in the world. Instead of pointing fingers at the bad guys, we turn on one another for our individual views and make each other to blame.

I don't know one person who believes that mass shootings are positive events. I don't believe the most gun loving person with AR Rifles, and hunting trophies, and busts of dead animals on their walls thinks people dying due to gun violence is a good thing. No one's giving out high fives to these people.

I don't like guns. I don't know why people have them in their homes. Here's the thing: we have certain rights in our country that other countries don't have. That's a fact. We have a different culture in our country than other countries have. There are LOTS of problems. Guns are only one of them.

There needs to be change. Clearly. There are lots of suggestions of what to do. I cannot say what is the right thing to do.

What I do know, is that if the government tries to put a gun in my classroom and train me to use it, but can't afford to buy me enough pencils for the year, paper for our copy machine, books for our library, food for every child regardless of economic status, renovations to classrooms that are falling apart, playground equipment, PE teachers for every child, every day...... I can't even qualify for $250 deduction on my taxes anymore because it costs too much for our government.....

Something is wrong.

I don't know the answer, but it can't be more guns.

Being a teacher has turned into not just educating our students in academic areas, but also social emotional areas as well. We aren't just educators, we are counselors, therapists, and now, apparently, security guards. We are forced to think everyday about how we would keep our students safe if there were a shooter on campus. We have to think about escape plans. We think about all the "what ifs". If you think your child's teacher doesn't have nightmares about this happening at their school, you are mistaken. There is no greater nightmare.

It's enough to make me rethink my career. We aren't safe. Our children aren't safe. And that's the bottom line.

*Steps off soapbox*

Good Talk

Things I want to hear as a nine month pregnant woman:

Wow! You look great!
You're amazing!
I brought you this donut.
Is that a new top?
Your hair is shining!
I love that you are having your third boy.
You make being pregnant look easy.
Can I get you some pizza?


Things I don't want to hear (but have actually heard) as a nine month pregnant woman:

Oh my god!
What are you still doing here?
This is your THIRD? BOY?
Eating for two?
You look tired.
Oh my gosh your feet are so huge!
What were you thinking?
Are you getting your tubes tied?
How many pieces of pizza did you have?
Don't do that.
I can get that for you.
You poor thing.


.....................................................................

Yes, I want pizza and donuts all the time. Yes, I'm tired. Yes, this is my third child. Yes, it's a boy. Let's not point out the obvious.

Also, I always want pizza and donuts, no matter how pregnant or not pregnant I happen to be.