Opening a Can of Worms

/Begin Rant.

Politicians are now in the debate on what to do about Bullies...  er.. aren't they a prime example of what bullies are in the media  and WE ELECT these people.. do we really think they want to expose this...

In MY.. stress  MY OPINION..   Nothing is going to change with bullies until we look at SCHOOL.. AND the Young Offenders Act. We need to hold children accountable for their actions.

In schools, children are passed through with no regard of whether or not they know the material.. children do NOT fail.. Seriously?  No! Children are told to "finish school.. get an education.." but they are judged more so on their attendance than their knowledge of the materials..

"well.. there's not enough teachers to hold these children back.."  Well perhaps that's something we need to look at eh?

"It might damage their self esteem.." In the long term.. wouldn't getting all the way through school and still not knowing how to read or do basic math hurt their self esteem more.. and what message does this send? Do nothing to get through this life!

Besides, if some lack of focus is because of peer relations...  wouldn't a child strive if they had to develop new peer relations??

If you don't know.. you don't go!!!!

We tell children all the time "try it again honey, you'll get it." IN FACT even children will play the same video game over and over and over again until they achieve a higher level of success.. They have it in them!

"Classroom sizes are too large.."  Bull shit! The teacher to "parental in denial of a behavioural issue" ratio is too high. 

The Young Offenders Act??

Restorative justice for offences...  Did you know painting your ROOM can count as an "Act"??  WOW

This is going to get harsh..

 Stay with me!  Minor offences..first time offences,  even one.. Clean up the neighbourhood with the bright orange vests! It would eliminate litter.. it would embarrass them.. Make them work.. eliminate jobs no one wants. I also think that fining parents if there is destruction of property of course, But why not make them pay the wages of the person who has to supervise the child while they perform community service??? Perhaps Parents will take their jobs more seriously and PARENT. Low income? Can't afford it?  No worries low income qualifies for "Baby Bonus"  DEDUCT! Don't want to hold your child accountable for their actions??  Ok  we will hold YOU accountable for their actions... Tunes might change. I'll get back to this...

Child Abuse!  I remember my sister yelling at my parents  "you can't hit me,  I'll call child abuse!!"  Saucy little brat! Is a firmer hand the answer? No, I am not for corporal punishment...Taps on hands.. a little paddle on the bottom, no harm done, Some people take it too far and since there is no guideline as to how to discipline firmly with corporal punishment.. I'll have to say "It's not for me"  but open hand taps..I can turn a blind eye to. NEVER closed hand EVER..  My parents never hit me.. but respect and the healthy dose of fear that I could be spanked on the bottom, kept me in line.. Of course my Father or Mother saying "I'm very disappointed."  was enough to reduce me to tears..  What changed?

Corporal Punishment Revised : if your child is brought home by the police??  I think, in police presence, you should be able to get a flat handed swat in.

TEACHERS

I saw this cartoon..

Doesn't it explain a lot?  

 A teacher bringing something to you about behaviour or a concern isn't the enemy, perhaps more people should stop defending their children, address the concern and insist on RESPECT. Think about it?  How many hours during the day do you see your children with their peers? How many hours a day do you even see your children? Once they are in school it IS limited, if you are a working parent perhaps it is even less..  one hour in the morning, supper time and before bed.  If they have independence and get to hang with their buddies after school or after supper.. even less. Maybe the person who sees them for the majority of the day deserves a little more consideration.

As a Preschool Teacher I rarely run into this issue, I am treated very well, but then again. I can be picked and chosen. But in "Big School"  Not so much.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

As an "Old school" teacher.. I will correct anyone's child  and EVERYONE is someone's child..  That grown man that doesn't stand up on the bus to offer the senior his seat..  I am ON That!  The teenager that scuffs his feet going up the side walk  Oh Yeah I got this!.. But I am rare.. we have also stopped correcting people's children and lost that proverb "It takes a Village" What happened?

I am in my 40's but I recall getting in trouble 1 km down the road, and my parents knew all about it before I got home, I have sat at the kitchen table at many a neighbourhood's home, I have also sat on the front steps of a neighbour's house and thought about what I have done to hurt my friend or their feelings. What changed?  Number 1 reason: we don't know our neighbours,  Number 2 we worry about getting into people's business.BUT raising a child SHOULD be a team effort!

If someone tells you your child has been representing themselves poorly in the neighbourhood. Why the hell should we be mad at them? We should be saying ..

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION! Practice this!

Also .. raise your child not to be a victim and to soully rely on this as an excuse for something that happens to them.

The other day a meek and mild mannered little one had an activity and was enjoying himself,a child swiped his work quickly and turned to run, the child who,I was instantly concerned that tears would follow. tackled the boy who always steals someone's "work" and pinned his head to the floor. This took about 3 seconds, I ofcourse separated them and encouraged the youngster to return the boys work and instructed the other to use his words .. but in my mind I was glad that the boy stood up for himself. Now I spend all day with these guys so I do know both of their temperments. I DID instruct that next time we should just use our words, but in all honesty I am not sure words would have been as effective. 4-5 times a day someone is reducted to tears because of stolen work, This guy's going to be A-OK!

I would like to believe everyone wants the same thing for their children to grow up to be a good person, to be happy and healthy, a positive sense of right and wrong, and to be safe.

Find me someone that does not want this.. You would be hard pressed.

Of course technically I am being a Bully by voicing my OUTRAGEOUS ideas on reform..But shouldn't all future voters be considered.. some things have gotten REALLY out of hand.

And while I am at it ...

Here's some ideas on Saving the world. Don't worry, I have a free moment..

Less Big Venues for Sports, more development of Rec Parks so people can AFFORD to go there.. Affordable Sport and "anyone can play" leagues. Wait, those kids with offences can maintain the fields and benches and collect the garbage can't they? Perhaps the excess of the parent fines can buy the equipment? Hmmm.. 

Prison systems.. THEY ARE IN JAIL  we need to make it less appealing, No Cable, No Internet, No Phone Calls, No Conjugal Visits, YOU ARE IN JAIL.. RE -SOURCE THAT MONEY!

Day cares Hospitals and Schools have to provide healthy lunches with no extras, no seasons and toppings. Things like Jams and Ketchup and sweets are banned from these places. Butter is even limited... Why should you get them in Jail? Here! have your broiled white fish your plain  brown rice and full serving of steamed vegetables. I also think we need to look at the education while on the inside.. If you have a criminal record you are only able to apply and be considered for certain jobs.. Why bother studying things like education, development, theology, and accounting? TRADES ONLY.

In Nova Scotia is costs $63,000/Year to house a prisoner.

It costs $3,000-$4000 a year to raise a child.

I am not a math head (I did alright..) But there is something seriously wrong with those numbers.

Can we offer tax breaks for people who raise productive children with good grades? How about provinical grading presents? Hmmm.. perhaps Savings bonds cashable on graduation?

Let's take away car allowances from city counselors and issue bus passes instead, there would be a huge amount of celebratory issues solved. It would cut done on pollution, free up parking spots that could generate revenue, the transit system would be improved quickly because as you know transit is designed by people who never take the bus, and Politicians might actually get to know the people in their ridings, REAL PEOPLE.

/End Rant

I am SO Effing Screwed!!!

Robin Fru Fru I Love You TOO!

Background : I have a Fabulous Friend and Sister Like person in my life. ROBIN She is that one friend that you know, you can always count on to tell you like it is; whether you want to hear that.. especially if you don't actually want to hear it. Reality Smack! <Robin's Forte> Of course this is how she views me as well, "One does not need to in your face everyday to show that you are a best friend." In fact it is probably a better way to keep and be a friend.. or so we think.

History :4 months ago, I went to a potluck/silent auction/ fundraiser  .. after 60 minutes of being there, I found out, much to my horror that it was a fundraiser for a drug dealer who blew himself up while cooking hash oil, I was so embarrassed... but being a good sport I simply blushed in a dark corner bypassing all the wonderfully donated products for bidding. The Hydroponic Starter kit was tempting, as were the various colourful bongs and such. The only thing a Preschool Teacher such as myself could bid on was a lovely set of cheap Twilight watches, which of course I did not win!

I returned home and did the only natural thing, I called Robin to tell her about my night, 4 hours in the time difference she had PLENTY of time to laugh at my expense and post about it on Facebook, while I slept off the beer I needed to consume to deal with the mess..YAY Me!

So Robin's Birthday (MOST UNFITTING I might add,) is September and she is ironically the ONLY Non OCD Virgo I know, just for the record. And I, being the most clever person I know; I started early, prepping for the event, I logged on to e-bay ordered her the one thing she REALLY wanted (I am thoughtful like that when plied with liquor and a credit card..) I also bought a Twilight watch too because thoughtful, I am  but spiteful I am too, it's the gender! 


I sent my ADHA friend a Play By Play Video Full directions and sequenced Prezzie (cause I AM a bitch like that)  Laughing, Joking,Singing, Organ Playing (Yeah I went there...) Gift. Truly, according to sources, it left her weeping, ;laughing, and peeing her pants... I ended with a gift that symbolizes that without a doubt we would be friends, Like TWILIGHT Style forever...


Awesome friend aren't I?  I Know you wish you had someone like me...  didn't cost a huge amount but it did take planning and thought...  and It IS the thought that counts right?


ENTER FUCKING FORKS WASHINGTON...

Yes Yes Yes  That is ME!!!!... attached to a fly swatter... covering 
my beloved's face... Seriously!!!!!!! YES That  Is Robin My Bestie, She Toured Twilight's Forks Washington and took photos of MANY... and I Mean MANY places about town that are in the books.. (Bella didn't have a job in the movies, remember?).. yeah there is a picture of me in Outfitters Mike's Parents store... I even had breakfast..

Under normal circumstances this may seem like a really sweet thing to do especially since we both read the series and secretly admit to dragging  local youth to the theatre claiming we are "treating" someone..  to the movie, might have even added the word "unfortunate" when telling each other about it too... However... Ummm yeah  AND  this IS my friend Robin!
Someone may  begin this by thinking.. Ah sweet a girlfriend posts your likeness around a town you may someday visit with fondness and think ..  Awww Yes 17...






OH Effing No She posted my WANTED poster TOO all over the place..  no seriously 77 pictures around...
Oh???  How am I screwed????  My birthday is a month away......  Apparently THIS is just the beginning!!!!!!  ARGH!!!!!

Who would post your bail?

I have been obsessing about this blog all day.. and since I am still only posting to myself.. I started drinking and asking myself questions.. because that of course is when I am the most witty and enjoyable to talk to..

I asked WHO AM I? and of course I had a great answer..  I am Me!  I am a 39 year old woman with 2 jobs, 3 cats but sadly, only one man.. I am a horrid house keeper and even worse cook, which makes the name of this blog page even more ironic! 

David is my partner, I will no doubt bitch and moan about him a lot, while he is a fantastic cook.. he is a lousy cleaner upper.Unlike most couples who fight about money..  this is not our issue..  I think I would probably pass out if I saw him with a spray bottle of cleaner!


NEXT QUESTION: If I was in trouble, who would post bail?
He would not be my only jail allotted phone call, though I do love him dearly!


Sherry
My best and longest friend and I have a fab story about how we met.. Sherry and I met after I got my waist length hair shorn to a page boy; my mom got tired of dealing with a lice infestation.. I was 7. I did however get rewarded by having my ears pierced because I was so good! :D It was Brownies Thinking Day..1978 if you need details like that..  and this beautiful girl kept waving her hair like you do when you first get your hair cut, feeling the difference of the length... (come ON you have all know the feeling!!) I timidly approached her and started with the hard questions right away.. "I like your long hair, do you wanna play?" We have been best friends ever since!
Ignorance is BLISS!
10 years later Sherry got her first car, she had been in an accident when we were 10 years old and ended up with a pretty hefty settlement. She bought a Dodge Shadow.. Yeah cause that's how WE roll bitch! She drove into my Grandmother's driveway to pick me up and she had a Handicap plate on her car.  I was like WTF? Why do you have that???  She motioned to herself and replied.. "Ah, you like, never noticed??"   er.. No I didn't!!!!!! 


It's been 32 years now, since we met, we seem to only get together for movies lately, She's that one friend I could see anything with, she not only has seen me cry but she has raced to be with me when I needed someone never a question asked and vice versa, once I X country skied 5 kms to her in a snow storm because she was afraid to be alone..


After we saw Bridesmaids, (Which you have to watch with someone who has held your hair while you're vomiting and pissing your pants)..  she was driving me home, while chewing gum she hears a crack and cusses loudly! She hands me her gum and her tooth and cries "Is that my tooth? Oh My God!! Oh My God!!"


Bingo! I spurt out, "You would post my bail if I ever required? right?" 
To which she replied. "WHAT?!?!?!"
"Nothing" I said wrapping the gum separately from the tooth, "just thinking aloud"
"I hope the tooth fairy comes" 


I called her Mom for good measure and pointed out she should stick a twoonie under her pillow before she gets home.

Why Bother Blogging????

Most people have thoughts.. (I know I do!) but because of my life I can't always say exactly what I am thinking at the moment that I think it, I must maintain a professional persona.For Example. Three weeks ago I posted a very ODD status on my Facebook page. Stating I have a sense of humour.. I am allowed to.. and get this, I find things funny!  My Boss thought  WOW  what's up with her? and a couple other people in my life were confused as, while it is common knowledge that I laugh at stuff and find amusement in strange places. a little farther down on my wall was this bitch screaming and yelling at me because I "liked" and commented on one of those Inspirational Pictures with a sexual overtone. Disgrace to my career, my position of trust etc.. etc.. eventually it just read blah blah blah...

While I totally disagree, I am an adult, I behave relativity well online. though I do comment on other people's walls with choice language sometimes if the mood strikes me. I don't cuss on mine and neither do my friends. 
HOWEVER I need some freedom!

Are You Goulash?

I am a product of my environment, in fact, I refer to my upbringing and my life as an adult as Goulash.


Here's how it started, I grew up in a small community, it wasn't even a town or a village, it was a community that linked together with a couple extra communities to have a summer fair,  Yeah, it was THAT small. My core family lived less then 1 km away from me, Though I did have an Aunt Shirley and Uncle Brian who lived in Ottawa, most of the primary characters in my life lived within 1 km.


My Dad was a meat and potatoes man, on weekends if he worked or wasn't going to be home. Mom would make something very cool for lunch, like tuna fish sandwiches and potato chips. (we were allowed to smash the chips in the sandwich too!) Captain Burgers, or Beef and Broccoli,  My cousin Pam, who lived across the street,  Her mom made this delectable dish called Goulash. We never HAD Goulash at our house, but we did have it at hers, it was VERY good, Aunt Rose had a "recipe", my entire life I only knew my Mom to follow recipes for baking or something for a Potluck. We did not know Goulash formally!


Though I will never know my Aunt Rose's Recipe (Ironically Pam's a Chef in a Fancy Smancy Resort hit by hurricane's regularly) I have since learned that all families make goulash a different way there isn't a true recipe that can be followed, in fact we are all goulash, made up of the things just around, stuck together, and served. Tomatoes are a common ingredient. Those will be my family and friends.. 
My Blog, and this IS my first entry, will be about my observations,and how I see things based on my personal recipe for Goulash. A Little bit of EVERYTHING!