So here's the short of it,
I have lots on my mind today - work, the funeral of Sgt. Chapin, and whether or not to cut my hair.

And here's the long.

Work is bringing me my fill of stress these days.  I've been a good soldier for lo these many years, but I'm at a place where my governor is about to shut down.  I know I need to pay attention to what I say, how I say it, and to whom I say it, but I'm finding myself more and more wanting to let loose of all that and just say some stuff. We'll see.  I have to get up and going really early tomorrow, and it's a Friday. If I can make it to the weekend and some rest, maybe I'll find my governor somewhere!

I didn't go to Sgt Chapin's funeral today, but I did have it streaming on the computer while I was at work. It was pretty amazing to see the outpouring of support from Chattanooga and the law enforcement officers from around the area. I hope that Sgt. Chapin's wife and children have some level of comfort from knowing that he was so well loved by so many in Chattanooga.

And finally, I've been thinking about cutting my hair. It's longer than it's been in years and I'm trying to think if I want to let it stay long.  I saw my hairdresser at a meeting tonight and she flipped her hands through my hair and said she didn't think I should cut it. So I guess I won't have it cut just yet. I think it will be more traumatic to cut it this time than it was when I shaved my head.  Jeannie reminded me that when she does cut it the curl will be gone.

So here's the short of it, 
So - some get the money, some don't.

And here's the long.

Kids and teachers are making that last push this week to get ready for testing next week.  In two years we'll be doing testing every quarter instead of just one time. I think all this high stakes testing has wrung the joy out of teaching and learning, even though I do understand the need for accountability. I suppose that in some ways I think the every quarter testing will be better for kids than the all at one whack at the end of the year - well, I suppose.

I'm still wishing for that perfect cape and tiara -- needing some help with my saving the world job these days.

At least we are supposed to get some warm weather tomorrow. I'll sure be glad to get warmed up - even though I do struggle when the weather is really hot - so I'm sure not in a hurry for summer stuff to get here. But I will say I loved that it was warm enough - but cool enough to sit out on the front porch with Alan this evening while Sophie rolled around in the yard. 

Kranz and Superintendent Scales

Work is making me crazy and depressed. Our Chief Financial Officer recently left the system to go to work for a private company. He did more to destroy morale and pit people against one another than any other person in our district in my opinion.  I think it will take a long time for us to recover. Well it turns out that he did not have to work the required 10 years to begin to earn big time vacation days (like all the rest of HCDE employees)  Thanks to board members who questioned this!  If you're interested, then here's the story. In the meantime, we are having to cut positions, and are looking at every way possible to cut expenses. And there was no way that the district could afford to give the teachers - the front line people who bring it to kids every single day - a $500 one time bonus this year. I think our superintendent made a mistake to broker such a deal with Mr. Kranz without involving our school board. I'm expecting some unpleasant consequences. Of course in the local politics of the day, Superintendent Scales in not very well liked, and some of the new board members are really itching to help him go somewhere else to work. We will certainly see what happens. In the meantime, in the meantime, work goes on. Tomorrow I have some opportunities to interact with students - that should let me have a better day.

So here's the short of it, 

Cancer and treatment

 And here's the long.

OK. This evening as I was out walking the Sophie dog, one of my Cancer sisters was out walking. She's in the middle of her chemo treatments, and we took a few turns around the circle talking.  She asked me what my chemo drugs were, and I couldn't remember!  I didn't think I would ever forget even the most minute details of my treatment!

Then Liga sent me a text and asked me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I couldn't remember!  I didn't think I'd ever forget.  I still remember the details of where I was, who I was with, and what the doctor said when she called, but I can't remember that exact date like I thought I would.

So, I've gotten to that place. Pennie told me it would happen - that there would come a time when the details would fade.  I suppose that it may continue to fade, and there may come a time when I have a whole day pass without thinking at least one time about that year and a half of my life!

So here's the short of it, 

Chattanooga mourns the loss of a well loved officer.

And here's the long.

This weekend Chattanooga Sgt. Tim Chapin was shot and killed as he responded to a burglary in progress. The Brainerd community is stunned by the loss.

The story is here.

Sgt. Chapin and another officer were here at Starbucks Saturday morning on break.  When the call came in, he sent the other officer on a routine follow up call and he took the burglary in progress call. 

Officer Chapin leaves behind his wife and two children - young teens.

I'm reminded of  Dad talking about how close the bond became with his combat buddies because of the danger they shared. I know the police officers, the dispatchers, and all the others who work in the department are in great grief.

Officer Chapin's funeral will be Thursday at 1:00.  If you can - use the moment to send prayers, positive thoughts, or just a moment of silence........

So here's the short of it,
Today was a nice family day...

And here's the long.

Today was a really nice family day. Steve and Pat spent the night with Mom.  They went to Nashville for Madison Claire's 2nd birthday party and then drove back last night in time to see Kentucky get beat!  This morning we all went to church with Mom, but just before we left, Sarah, Ryan and, Jacob stopped by her house for a break in their travels back to Atlanta. He's a growing little guy!

Dr. Carver did a great job on the sermon today - I really consider him a really great homilist! After church, we headed off to Provino's with Liga, Valdis, and Kalie too.  It was nice for them to come to church and then spend lunch with us. And this is the first time since Provino's has opened up for Sunday lunch that we've remembered it and gone to do that, I'm glad we got that on our radar.  I had eggplant parmesan. It's still the best!!!
 

So here's the short of it, 
GO C-A-T-S!!!

And here's the long.

Today was the first day of the Brainerd farmer's market, and we checked it out this morning. There was a great crowd and there was lots of stuff for this early in the season.  The lettuces looked wonderful, there was a vendor there with grass fed beef, and I got some nice looking eggs.  We took Sophie with us. She still hates getting in the car and Alan has to lift her in, but she rode pretty well once we got her in. And she was great in the crowd. I think we may take her again.


This afternoon, I attended a surprise birthday party for one of my colleagues. Her daughters (all grown up now) were my students some many years ago. They're both married with children and living out of town. They managed to keep the surprise from her and it was a great afternoon.

Now, in just a few minutes Kentucky and UConn are getting ready to play basketball. I don't follow basketball, or for that matter any sport unless someone I know is playing. But tonight I'm going to watch  the game. Dad would have kept me up with Kentucky's progress throughout the tournament. Of course, now that we have Facebook, I'm well aware because so many FB friends and relatives are big CATS fans.

So.  GO CATS.
I hope I can stay awake!

So here's the short of it, 
Today's sentiment... 

And here's the long.