My Mom forwarded the STRIKE ALERT message that her local teacher's union had sent out regarding the current teacher strike occuring at another nearby school my brother, Dad and I today. My aunt (my mother's sister... who is also quoted in the preceeding article) teaches third grade at this school and has been out there on the picket lines since day one.
In response to my mom's email I sent her this little note:

So Mom... are you going to go and join the line? Show a little solidarity? If you do, remember that it is winter, dress warm and take hot cocoa with you.

Also - where do they get replacement teachers from? Are they robots?

Christine

She sent this back to me:

Christine,
I am thinking about it but it is also my birthday and I have stuff I need to get to the classes. But I am thinking on it. I think they advertised in the cities papers.
Robots? Well I suppose they are people who want work and are not union
Love MOM


I'm posting this for two reasons a) to show some support and solidarity to my aunt and the other striking teachers and 2) to further illustrate the vast differences that are my mother and I.

Who wants to guess how much the ticket is for not having a front license plate is? Anyone? Anyone? Come on... this is fun!

(hint* its smaller than a breadbox, but almost as much as having your car towed)

firstday

Harrison Ford might not have packed my lunch for me this morning but today I'm sitting here at my desk, typing on my computer, talking to my coworkers and generally getting oriented for my new job all the while I swear I can hear Carly Simon singing joyfulling something about letting "the river flow... let all the children sing... the new Jeruselam"

It is a happy and overwhelming day. Thank you for all your well wishes... I am going to try and eat my quesadillas for lunch before they throw anything else at me to learn.

loves!

xtine

ps. it feels a little like the first day of kindergarden... my supervisor gave me a pretty red rose as a welcome and a vday gift of organic apple juice box, and truffles. oh its lovely.

Mark your calendars in ink... DRE DAY

Dre Day 2005 is on! February 18th is the fortieth birthday of the infamous Dr. Dre and we'll be celebrating starting at 10pm at RockRockRock.

I was a bit worried not having seen any listings til late, but the 3Rock now has it listed on their show calendar.

Last year I was witness the "$20 sack pyramid", Dr. Dre and Snoop trivia, a photo op with yourself as Dre in the Chronic album cover and last but not least to practically the whole Rhymesayers Crew doing some freestyling on stage.

Don't miss it. And don't worry - they'll have plenty of forties inside.

ps. my account of last year's Dre Day is here.

Why do I always think that other people say it better? Maybe that is a topic I'll explore more later... In the mean time check out Jim Walsh's little article about the the little gem on the fm dial that has been making me quite happy since it went up not too long ago.