More Random Than Usual

After Frank's walk last night, we came up the stairs and came face to face with this little guy. Isn't he (or she?) a cutie? I love those eyes! He (or she?) seemed just as interested in us....kept following us around that post for us to take pictures. :D
For your viewing pleasure, a picture of John's newest socks that I knitted for him. I love the colors in this yarn, but next time I will use smaller needles for a less floopy knit. :)

Here, a picture of the rainbow that I saw tonight in the middle of a thunderstorm. There was actually a double rainbow at one point, but it was so faint that it didn't show up in pictures very well.And in mom news, she has actually been taken off of hospice care now. What does this mean? Well, we don't really know except for the plan is no longer for her to lay around and die. :D She has now moved into an assisted living home....I think this will be great for her. She has spent a long, long time being confined to her home for the most part. Now she can kick some people's butts in bingo and go shopping. :)

Okay, that's all of the randomness for today. Now that life is finally smoothing out a little bit, I hope to update more frequently.

Socks, Postcards and Adventures

Here's the newest creation spawned from my summer knitting frenzy....they look a bit baggy here, but that may be because they're for John and I snagged them for my little feet in this picture. :) I'm now working on a little sweater for Anna to wear this winter....pictures to come soon. :D

In postcrossing news, this is one of my favorites that I've received so far....it was mailed from Finland. I love the picture! From the back of the card, I've gathered that the artist is Martta Wendelin, but that's about all I can figure out. Tricky languages that I don't speak or read cause difficulties like that. :D
And on to the adventures....John, Grace and I went to the aquarium in Atlanta last Saturday. All in all, a fabulous place, but I would suggest going during the week. The weekend crowd was a bit suffocating at times. I would love to share some pictures from our visit, but I was too silly to remember the camera, so there are none. :( But just imagine whales and whale sharks and sea otters, oh my! Last Friday, I went to the planetarium in Chapel Hill (also no pictures)....good times, but the really exciting part was the loot! :D We got Grace a prism (because every kid should have one), a microscope that hooks up to the TV for super viewing and Grow Snow. Nice. :D Can you tell what this is.......
That picture was taken from a TV screen, so I apologize for the oddities in focus and whatnot. ;)

Our adventures for this week include a zoo/picnic trip with my dad and more time hanging out at my mom's knitting. Her health situation continues to baffle doctors, nurses and family alike. More tests are being run to see if someone can make some sense of the inconsistencies. For now, who knows????

Socks and Eagles

As I've mentioned before, I've had lots of time to knit so far this summer....here's my newest creation: socks for Olivia!














They look funny laying in the chair, but I promise that they're the same size and shape. No worries, Olivia, you're not going to need any strange foot surgery to get into them. :D


This morning, John, Grace and I went to see an eagle be released back into the wild. The eagle, Liberty, had been injured in a territorial dispute, but recovered nicely from her surgeries and was ready to go back into the world. I did not get any good pictures of the release....she took off in a hurry! My camera couldn't keep up. :) I did get a decent picture of a golden eagle that was also at the event (for moral support???).



As we were returning to the car, John spotted this treasure/misfortune:

A tiny bird's egg with a tiny crack in one side. We looked for a nest that the egg belonged to, but did not see one. Too late for this one anyway, but it sure is a pretty little egg.

No news on my mom....things seem to be going about the same. I'll be back at her house on Monday. I've decided to start splitting my time between home and her house as long as things are maintaining.

The Knitting Continues

While spending most of my time at my mom's house while she is in hospice care, I find that I have a lot of time to knit. This is a sweater I whipped up for John:
Now, I'm working on a fabulous pair of socks for Olivia. I have a gazillion projects lined up in my mind....two new pairs of socks for John, thigh high socks for me, a new sweater for Anna, a new sweater for Grace....I'll never run out of things to knit. :)

I, of course, have quite a lot of thoughts about watching the death process with my mother, but those are for another day. I will share them on the chance that they could help someone else in the same situation, but give me a few days to put some order to them. For right now, my mom continues to decline. :(

Life Interferes

I will be continuing to update the world on the plight of the NC education system and general Chihuahua Grande life soon, but, for right now, my focus is on my mom. She is currently in the hospital, having had quite a lot of fluid removed from around one of her lungs and her heart. She also seems to have developed pneumonia, but we're hoping that she is on the mend. I'll let you know how things are going. If all goes well (which I'm sure it will!), I'll be back to my regularly scheduled ranting and rambling soon. ;)

Save the Literacy Coaches

This is an excerpt from the NCAE Daily Political Briefing email from 5/20/2009.

7,000 teachers cut, 5,000 teacher assistants slashed, 2.5% cut from educator salaries and five instructional days lopped off the end of the calendar. With a tax revenue system that is based almost exclusively on an unpredictable sales tax, an emaciated manufacturing industry and a bygone agricultural economy, the state appropriation chairs were forced to present an education budget with 20% less revenue from a year ago.

"Educators, parents, students and communities need to brace for something the state has not done for generations if this proposal becomes real: eliminate thousands of jobs and cut out five days of school from the 180 day calendar," said NCAE Government Relations Manager Cecil Banks. "I've heard people complain that they don't understand how government affects their lives. They're about to find out."

Under the House plan proposed this afternoon, school will be eliminated the last week of school: no teachers, no students, no administrators, no buses and no money allocated to pay for those expenses during that week. That's a 2.5% cut for educator pay and that's if they're fortunate enough to hang on to an educator job.

Many will be given pink slips under this plan. 7000 teachers overall and another 5000 teacher assistants in the 3rd grade will be out of work. The teachers will be the victims of increased class size of two students and the teacher assistants will be eliminated altogether.

"These 12000 educators are people with families who need this income and they live in communities that need their employment," Banks said. "They teach children who need them in the classroom as well. Today is a nightmare for North Carolina."

The nightmare doesn't end there according to reliable sources at the General Assembly. Early childhood programs like More at Four will be slashed by 10%. The popular Teacher Academy program will lose all of its literacy coaches and absorb a 15% across the board cut. The Teacher Cadet program is cut by $60,000 (or 15%) and nearly every nonprofit contracting with the state has been eliminated completely.

NCAE Executive Director Scott Anderson sent out a dire warning to NCAE members. "The storm is here and we need all hands on deck," he said. "If North Carolinians want an educated citizenry, then fight with NCAE."




Now, the number of things going horribly awry in the education system (some of which are outlined in this email) is astounding, and they all deserve commentary, but, for right now, I'm going to focus on the red bits.


I'm afraid that people outside of the school systems are not aware of what a valuable program this is. The Literacy Coach in the school where I work is such a valuable resource that our school will certainly suffer without her....I'm certain this is the case in schools across the state. Literacy Coaches provide staff development for teaching strategies, help to plan engaging lessons in all subject areas, co-teach with teachers to model strategies and supply materials to support teachers in all curriculum goals. Don't be misled by the title "Literacy" Coach....this position supports all subject areas.

All of the pictures in this post are of kick @$$ activities inspired by our Literacy Coach. :D

If you are as concerned as I am about ensuring the improvement of our education system in NC, please, please, please contact your local House Reps and let them know that this is NOT okay....our students should not have to pay the price for poor government choices! You can find your local House Rep contact info here ... http://www.ncleg.net/House/house.html If you are outside of NC, I'm sure it couldn't hurt to let our local government know what outsider opinions are. ;)

Thanks for sticking with me through such a long post. :D

A Break From Ranting....

for postcrossing! Here are some of the cards I've gotten recently that I'm really fond of....

From Philadelphia:
And from China:

It turns out that I enjoy quirky postcards more than tourist/landscape ones. Of course, any of them are cool, but the stranger ones appeal. Speaking of strange, I found some fabulous postcards over the weekend....can't wait to send them. :D

In other hobby news, today was International Plant a Letterbox Day. I honored this tradition by launching the first in a new series....Frank's Hello Kitty World. Hehe. I wish I had taken pictures of the box's contents before I put it out in the world. It's one of my favorites that I've made so far - complete with swanky temporary tatoos for the first finders. :)

And, because I haven't mentioned it recently, please remember that John and I would really appreciate any support you can give for our Avon Walk for Breast Cancer fundraising efforts!!!!

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/emilywatts
OR
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/johnwatts

One more fabula-tastic bit of news....I'm going to go see They Might Be Giants!!!! And Amy and Jonathan and sons will be there, too! Woot! :D

Okay, off to bed....need my sleep so I can fully enjoy seeing Olivia, Bryan and Anna tomorrow. :D

My Inner Math Nerd Weeps

The other day I ranted a bit about this new math test requirement for teachers in Massachusetts. To briefly recap: WHY, WHY, WHY would there be elementary school teachers who can't do elementary math?!?! That is insane! And depressing.

Well, now we have an update. In the NEA MorningUpdate from 5/20/09, there is a new blurb (info taken from the Boston Globe) about this topic. To summarize the summary, 75% of aspiring teachers in that state FAILED the math test. (Was that an embolism I just heard?) How is that possible? These are college educated people. I find it pretty hard to believe that the test includes any quantum mechanics word problems or the application of abstract algebra to cryptography type stuff. What I'm trying to say is this: Elementary school math is not rocket surgery, people!

How do you escape the confines of formalized education without being able to do basic math? Maybe it's because the teachers of these aspiring teachers ALSO didn't know elementary math and caused irreparable damage? Perhaps it refers back to my post from a few days ago...the one about the disparity between science/math and language education?

Once again, I maintain that language education is crucial, but we have to shed the concept that it is the only crucial subject. Because, in reality, this "progress" notion that we all hold dear will not happen without math and science. Period.

(Dismounting high horse now.)

We're Testing Who? For What?

So, I get this email everyday from the NEA with short updates about a variety of stories regarding education. Today, this email included a blurb (info pulled from an article in Education Week) about elementary school teachers in Massachusetts having to take a math test in order to get (or keep) their certifications. Huh? Are we saying that currently there are elementary school teachers who can't do elementary math??? I sure hope not. To further dumbfound and amaze, they are also planning to give a "three year grace period" to any teacher who has trouble with this math test. WHAT?!?!??? How about escorting the knucklehead who can't pass an elementary level math test directly out the door? Do not pass go and, for goodness sake, do not collect $200! How, in the name of all that makes sense, can a teacher teach math to these students if he/she cannot accomplish the task? What about the kids who are getting sub-standard math education during this three year grace period? Are they just supposed to catch up later when they have a competent human standing in front of the room? Well, it doesn't work that way. If we're going to compete globally, education is going to have to do a hell of a lot better than that. Shame on any state who doesn't assure that teachers are knowledgeable in the areas they are responsible for teaching. And shame on any teacher for standing in front of a group of children with the promise of education on your lips when you can't pass a 5th grade math test. I am disgusted. :/

A Promise to Science

On the NPR Friday Science segment a couple of weeks ago, the divide between literature and science was discussed and I've been pondering it quite a bit. Why are the "language arts" given such an elevated status in comparison to every other subject in school? In elementary school, science is minimized at best. In middle school, science is only tested one year...what does this imply? In high school, science isn't even required all four years. And, in college, unless you're seeking a degree in one of the sciences, the number of required courses doesn't compare to the needed language arts/humanities/arts courses. So, given the importance of science in our day to day lives, why the downplay???

Here's an example given on the program: If someone says they have never read Shakespeare, ignorance is assumed. (Ignorance is their word, not mine.) If someone doesn't know the Second Law of Thermodynamics, people don't think much of it. So, what's that about? Which is more likely to affect your life in the next 24 hours?

Don't get me wrong....I'm 100% in support of the teaching of grammar, literature, writing, etc....but shouldn't we be putting equal emphasis on knowledge of the workings of the world around us? And you don't even want to get me started on math. (I may be biased on that one. :D)

In light of this, I've decided that we'll be doing even more science experiments than usual. If nothing else, stuff like this is just fun....












:D

How Cool Is Japan???

I got a post card from Japan today that is adorable! Check it out....


But the post card is not even the best part....the best part was the Hello Kitty stamp! How cool does a post office have to be to issue Hello Kitty stamps? :D

A Ridiculously Good Day

It has been a wonderful Mother's Day!!!

I was awakened to fresh coffee and cut strawberries with a side of sugar and Grace gave me a beautiful card that she scored at the craft fair last week.

Then we were off to the comic book store for fun and goodies. My Mother's Day treats included a new Buffy Season 8 book, 5 Battle for the Cowl comics, Zombie Sama and a stuffed Syphilis microbe. :D

We took Grace to meet up with her mommy and then John and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant and went to see Star Trek. (Fabulous!) After that it was coffee and back home for some quality relaxing.

I don't see how I could have had a much better day. :) I hope all the moms and step-moms out there had an equally lovely Mother's Day!!

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/emilywatts
OR
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/johnwatts

Can I Get a Woohoo?!?

I just got an email from the library that the new Sookie Stackhouse novel is on hold for me RIGHT NOW....I'll be off to pick that up as soon as I finish this post. :D

Annnnnd date night this Sunday is going to be dinner and Star Trek....so excited I'm about to pop.

Annnnnd, to make it a nerd-tastic triple threat, it's (Consecutive) Odd Day! ;)

Oh, yeah, this week gets a special place in my diary. :D

As always....we are always grateful for any donations for the Avon Walk....see links on post below.

Now I'm off to the library.

Brain Jostle

I'm home sick today (which I hate because I'm missing oh-so-crucial time with my students), and, apparently, the fuzzy headed-ness of illness made me remember that I actually have a blog I should be updating. Not much is new here - the same frenzied, frantic schedule that I bring on myself every year at this time.

We are down to a little under 6 months before the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the fundraising is not going well - mostly due to my amazing abilities with being slack. I'm hoping to spend a good part of today conjuring up ideas for raising money. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I hope all is well in everyone's world. I hope to update with a slightly higher frequency from now on. ;)

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/emilywatts
OR
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/johnwatts

Thank You!!!

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to the people who gave our first donations for the Avon Walk!!!!

Thank you, Sean (and family) and Amy and Jonathan (and family)! It means so much to us that you support us in this nutty (for us) endeavor. :D

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/emilywatts
OR
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/johnwatts


Only $3550 to go! Woohoo! :D

In other news...that web comic I yapped about starting (that yapping may have actually happened on Facebook) is still in the planning stages.....I'm happy with the comics themselves, but I'm trying to decide on my favorite format. Actually, I think I have decided, but, oddly enough, it involves painting some furniture. Anyhoo, coming soon. :D

Getting Started!!!

John and I have officially registered for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!!! (That's 39.3 miles we've signed up for over 2 days.) After a couple of rather baffling hours trying to figure out the Avon-widget-magic-voodoo, I've opted to just post a link to my page for right now. :D

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/emilywatts
OR
http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/johnwatts

Feel free to check it out....I don't have much in the way of exciting stuff going on there right now, but we're just getting started. :)

Has anyone else noticed....

that Shelfari seems to have gone bananas? Anyone else having this problem? Silly site seems to be deciding which books I have read or not read at random....also, alphabetical order has apparently just become too much of a hassle. ??? *sigh*

How Sad

What has become of the world? I went to my local library's site and did a search for books about number theory. This is the only result that came back.....

MTV unplugged no. 2.0 [sound recording] / Lauryn Hill.

by Hill, Lauryn.

New York, NY : Columbia, p2002. Performer(s): Lauryn Hill, vocals and guitar. Description: 2 sound discs : digital ; 4 3/4 in. Contents: Intro -- Mr. Intentional -- Adam lives in theory -- Interlude 1 -- Oh Jerusalem -- Interlude 2 -- Freedom time -- Interlude 3 -- I find it hard to say (Rebel) -- Just like water -- Interlude 4 -- Just want you around -- I gotta find peace of mind -- Interlude 5 -- Mystery of iniquity -- Interlude 6 -- I get out -- Interlude 7 -- I remember -- So much things to say -- The conquering lion -- Outro. Available Copies: 0 Requests: 0

What?!?!?!

Check Out this Beautiful Baby! :)

Here she is...Anna at one week old. :D She's a cutie, isn't she?






And here are the new parents!















And here is Ms. Grace holding
Anna for the first time. :D


Congratulations again, Olivia and Bryan!!! I am so happy for you! :D

Fresh Off the Needles #3

John and I have been walking a few miles a week to prepare for the Avon walk for breast cancer research that we're going to participate in this October (39.3 miles!)....recently it has been quite chilly on our walks, so I whipped this up to help keep my brain warm....

And here I am wearing it....

I am just too happy....

to leave an entry with griping on it as the most recent post on my blog.

Congratulations, Obama!!!

And this is a beautiful thing... http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/education/

:D

General Rules About the Grocery Store...

that we all should already know. (Please excuse me while I rant for a bit.)

1. If you are walking, with your small children, in the MIDDLE of the road, please do not give me dirty looks and hand gestures for driving. See, the road is for CARS and even they tend to stay to one side or the other. Get your butt over to the edge of the row!

2. Do not huff and puff because I am taking 30 seconds of your valuable time to pick out decent tomatoes. I'm sorry that you have had the misfortune of arriving at this section of the store a couple of seconds later than me, but this does not mean that I'm going to buy the first mangy vegetation I see so that I can hurry out of your way. Be patient and hope that the person that's waiting on you isn't as much of a jerk.

3. Dear Cashier,
Please stop slinging my produce at Mach 7 speeds toward the "already bagged groceries" area. I had to endure some jerk's huffing and puffing just to get that produce and I would like to bring it home unbruised. It really doesn't save you that much time to throw it anyway. Hell, you could just hand the bag to me and I'd put it in my cart because I'm nice like that. :)

4. If you are driving across the parking lot with complete disregard for lanes, spaces or common sense, DO NOT honk at me when you almost hit me as I drive down the road like I'm supposed to. Grrrrrr.

Really, just because it is supposed to snow does not mean that we are living out some "world gone mad" scenario of chaos, anarchy and doom. Geez.

Fresh Off the Needles #2

This is the newest sweater made in anticipation of Anna's arrival. :D

How Annoying

Now I have to moderate my comments because of the blog spammers. What a bunch of losers. Grrrrrr.

I Can't Wait for School Tomorrow!!!

Because....I can't wait to tell my kids that the NC Poet Laureate read and responded to their poems that we posted on her blog! They are going to be so excited! I wish it was 4th period right now. :)

If you want to see the poems (or just check out a really cool blog), go to http://ncpoetlaureate.blogspot.com/2009/01/renga-journals.html and read the comments. All of the poems were a collaborative effort by all of the students in my language arts class and the kids had a great time writing them.

Fresh Off the Needles

John's new socks....

...completed just as John achieved level 13 in Fallout 3. :)

The Battle of the Sexes Rages On

Grace shared a poem (of sorts) that the 2nd grade girls like to say...

Girls go to Mars
To be stars
Boys go to Jupiter
To get stupider

Oh, how I giggled. :D