End of January

Do you send "wish you were here" postcards? Today it was 90 degrees HOT in my CMS Classroom at Jail North. Not pleasant. So, this is my fantasy "put yourself on some distant place..." photo from the Western Carribbean. That was hot with delight!

Also, today, I signed off that indeed I cannot renew my contract as a teacher. Lateral Entry status has expired. I knew the day would come, I chose not to update my teacher certification. Some minor regrets, but I simply don't think I can sustain the energy it takes. I guess I'll miss it--but not much--especially when it's 90 degrees, the boys are a "bit" musty, and I'm thinking about how "I'd rather be SKIING!"

Supper and wonderful reminiscing with Paul O'Keefe on Monday. So happy to learn details about the O'Keefe family. Jana's injuries from her "got hit by a NY Cab" accident seem to have been extrordinary challenges--well met by the Bazzoni boys--from getting a ramp built ASAP to Enrico's caregiving skills extraordinaire. Glad to learn that Tom's Christine will be able to spend some time in the Islands, and that Dana's indie film connections probably have him at Sundance. How cool is this family? Very. Very cool. Paul's here as the musician for the Broadway Touring Company of Rent. Ky lost last night. Hope all the $1.00 each Squares will be sold by Super Bowl Game Time. Hope it's a good game to watch-- Half time Bruce Springsteen will sound good.

Obama-Watch: What do the critics mean, no net new money? Hey, what else do you have? What do you mean it will take a while to find the waste fraud & abuse? WHAT is stimulus money? Geez, already feels like maybe we're filling up on bread before we get to the main course. Obama's taking bold steps, confidently, as tasty hors d'oerves: fresh, spicy, insteresting. Brilliant to give the first interview with Arab media, getting Mitchell to go as Middle East envoy, the "no way, Joe," look when Biden's joke about Supreme Court Justice Roberts fizzled. Yep, the guy's good. Long way to go....but we're into it.

Show Us your Shovels

OK now it's time for the followers to step up to leadership responsibilities: national, state & local citizens gotta get it going! Tax cuts ONLY help if people are WORKING! Make work. 80% of Americans live in cities and need food, transportation and an education. Congress, can you lock in salary CAPS to create a MAXIMUM wage policy for any financial entity using TARP money? Should "fair and reasonable" apply to expenses and income along the entire continuum of the organization? Does it seem reasonable to regulate the top as well as the bottom of the economic pyramid scheme? Izzy's posted pyramid is a fun approach--get going Congress--support our new Prez. Have fun, get over the "we've always done it this way"

Sod for the Washington Mall--ok, good idea--if it doesn't cost a bazillion dollars through a "government contract" process involving 182 bids, 17 consultants and six layers of manure. Maybe a planting project could be done through D.C. mayor's office and DC schools or community organizations within a bus ride radius. Young & not so young, teachers, parents--could earn $15.00 an hour and get the job done--Show us your shovel!