Yesterday, my husband told me the air space around Albuquerque would be closed because my friend was visiting. I thought who’s coming then it dawned on me that my friend was none other than President Obama. Yeah, he’s in Albuquerque to have a “backyard” chat with some middle income families in the South Valley. I guess these backyard chats are like FDR’s Fireside chats. While FDR got things done, Obama is just a bunch of hot air. He goes around the country to places like Ohio and Virginia to meet with people in their backyard to talk to them about the economy and what can be done. Well I have an idea and I know it sounds crazy, but how about the president stay in Washington and actually do something. President Obama is always in campaign mode because that’s what he does best. When it comes to do the actual job, well that’s another story. I have never aspired to be president and I know it is a hard job, but come on, Obama, buck up and do something.
As a side note while President Obama wants to do something for the economy is hurting local businesses in Albuquerque particularly the balloon business. The Balloon Fiesta starts Saturday and balloon operators are already losing money because of restricted air space. One balloon operator, who owns Rainbow Ryders, said he stands to lose $10,000 while the President chats in a backyard. That’s really doing something about the economy. Oh and by the way, the Vice President will be here on Thursday to campaign for the Democratic nominee for governor and if he stays overnight, the same balloon operator said he could lose up to $50,000. Balloon enthusiasts are very nicely, but firmly saying hit the road, Joe, as soon as your campaign fundraiser is over. If the Vice President stays over night then Lt. Governor Diane Denish who is running for governor can probably kiss a lot of votes goodbye.
I am volunteering at Billy’s school teaching art. There is an art teacher in the district, but he can’t be at all of the elementary schools at the same time. So we have an art program that is run by volunteers. I got my background check, fingerprints and photo id all done. I went to mandatory volunteer training. So this week was my first week in the classroom teaching art with another parent. The teacher stayed during the class. I didn’t mind that she was there until she interjected herself into our lesson. Instead of allowing us to run the classroom, I guess she felt she had to do it for us. This is Billy’s teacher so I definitely don’t want to step on any toes. It was just awkward that she stayed. The kids were more reserved because she was there. She is pretty strict and for some teachers that works. When I taught school that wasn’t my style not with kids and not with adults. Art should be fun and the kids shouldn’t have to worry that their actions could possibly get them in trouble with their teacher. Obviously I am talking about minor infractions. Kids nowadays are drilled and drilled so the school will meet the adequate yearly progress which Billy’s school has, but learning should also be fun. Kids are going to remember the lessons that were fun and interesting, but still taught them reading, math, etc… I asked the question to the coordinator if the teacher had to be in the room. The answer is yes even though the district personnel director said otherwise. I don’t have a problem with the teacher being in the classroom, but now that I have raised the question I don’t want to be one of those parents. I just want to volunteer to help with my son’s school. I have no ulterior motives. I certainly don’t want to teach elementary school. I like teaching adult basic education and GED courses. I just want the kids to have some fun for 40 minutes every other week in art before they have to go back to the serious side of academics.
The ninth anniversary of the terrorist attack on 9/11 is upon us. I wrote last year about how we can never forgot. Something else we can never forget is that Christ lives. The cross known as the Ground Zero Cross was found by a worker in the still smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center. This cross became a symbol of hope for the rescue workers, construction workers and the families of those who died. Church services were held under the cross. As I looked at this image, the one thing that kept coming to my mind was He lives. Despite the awful tragedy and the many lives lost, He was there to give comfort and provide hope. He is still here helping us through. The attacks on September 11th will forever be a scar on our country, but we have hope because He lives.
Why is it when there are a ton of people in the post office that Baden decides to run around and be loud? He knows he is not suppose to do that and is to stand by me, but of course this afternoon he did not do that. It was after school and it was busy at the post office. I have been there many times before in the morning when no one is there and Baden is an angel. He stands by me and does not run around. Why, oh, why couldn’t he have done that today. While standing in line, he was mostly standing next to me then when I was called to the counter he ran away. Billy went to get him and of course Baden thought he was playing so he started running and raised his voice. He was not screaming or yelling, but actually laughing. The clerk who wears his glasses down on his nose so it always looks like he is looking down at you said “Volume control, please.” I said I was sorry and quickly took Baden by the hand and we were out of there. Even though this probably did not happen, I felt like everyone’s eyes were burning into me. I was embarrassed, but then that embarrassment turned to irritation. I understand we are in a place of business, but to scald a child for laughing too loudly is a little much. I often wonder if people who do this have children of their own or grandchildren. Did they forget what it’s like to be around children? I feel sorry for those people who choose not to see the innocence and hear the joy of a child, but instead peer over their glasses and make you feel like you are a bad parent.
musings and the occasional rant
