What a day!

Well, it is official. I will be changing schools next year and possibly grades. Our superintendent came to our school yesterday at 3:30 on a 3 day weekend to tell us our school will be closing at the end of this year. We've all been expecting it but the other cuts are bad! No more 20:1 in any grade. That translates to big layoffs. We were told 88 elementary teachers will receive RIF notices. That's huge since we only have 350-400 elementary teachers in our district! Our union legal rep crunched the numbers and she thinks it will go back to 8 years. While that makes me safe, it means many of my good friends will no longer have jobs. And where are they going to get a job? Every other district is in the same boat. Here's an example of how ironic this situation is. Our 3rd grade teacher has been teaching about 7 years. She's on the cutting block. Her daughter is in her 2nd year. But she teaches math at the middle school so she won't lose her job. Ramona has 2 brand new special ed teachers. They won't lose their jobs because they have that extra special ed credential. At least they have told us we can tell our parents if they ask and they are sending out a letter Friday after the Thursday night board meeting. Oh, and we will have to take 3 furlough days next year. I don't really mind that, either, because at least I do have a job!

It also worries me for the state of our state. How many more people are going to be on unemployment? Where are they going to get jobs? The city of Los Angeles is looking to lay off 1000 workers. A lot of people are blaming Arnold but the fact is that all government spends and spends and just goes more and more into debt. I only hope that this will help everyone realize they have to live within their means, no matter if it's an individual, a state or a nation! One reason my district has not bee affected until now is that they don't spend the money until they receive it. While a district has to have money in reserve (I can't remember the amount but 6 or 7 billion) our district has had 20. Now we are down to what you are supposed to have.

Well, I guess that's it for now. I just needed to vent my frustration.

OK. Pat has inspired me to post. I don't even post that much on Facebook although I check it every day. I do love reading everyone's blogs and hearing what everyone is doing. I love seeing what great parents my children, nieces and nephews have become. I love to hear about the weather away from California so that I can appreciate our rain (although a week long storm is still hard to endure).

Mostly I want my family (extended included) how important you are to me. I love all of you and think you are all amazing. I love to hear your stories about the kids because, believe me, it may seem far away, but they will be grown up way too soon. I love being a Grandma but I do miss having my kids and their hectic lives.

Chuck is enjoying his truck. It is a 2007 Volvo and it's black so he's looking forward to personalizing it with "Raiders" stuff. His trainer is a "49ers" fan and had his truck all decked out. Chuck is adjusting to being out on his own. He says he likes it so far but to ask him in another week when he's been on the road by himself with no one to talk to. I have a map I use to try to follow where he is and where he's going. He's driven through a snowstorm, lots of rain and even was close to a tornado. I don't mind being home alone during the week but the weekends are pretty difficult. I'm trying to remember not to eat for comfort. One of my friends from school and I have gone back to Weight Watchers so that is helpful. The dog really misses Chuck. I just don't have the time to throw the ball for 10 hours a day!

I am looking forward to Chuck's next days off (although I don't know when that will be yet). He had 4 days off before he went out on his own and was in Fontana for 3 days before that so he came home every night. We got to go see The Blindside. I highly recommend it! We enjoyed the time together. I had a pretty good "honey do " list going and he got most of it done while I was at school each day.

I enjoyed a quick visit from Pat and Amy. And when they were here, Ray, Brandi and the kids came over along with Josh, Angie and their girls. We had fun just hanging out. I also had a good time in Blythe with the Boltons, Berrys and Mom and Dad. It's always so fun to see my sisters and spend time with them. I'm glad all of our husbands like each other, too!

I guess that's all for now. Just remember that you are all important to me and I love you all very much (I guess I'm feeling a little emotional right now, sorry). Pat's right. We do need to post more often and stay caught up.