Levies and RIFs

Here's something that has been severely on my mind the past few weeks:

Battle Ground School District, where I teach, put out a levy in February that was meant to cover 20% of the current operating budget of our schools. It was a replacement levy for the last one that passed three years ago.

Every other school district around that put out levies passed them (Vancouver, Evergreen) however, Battle Grounds did not pass with a simple majority of 50% plus one votes.

Now the district is talking about getting another levy on the ballot for the end of April. But as you can imagine, it is stressful not knowing the fate of your job until a few months. And, I'm sure everyone knows in their heart of hearts, that my job will be one of the first to go if we have to make cuts.

I'm near the bottom of a very long seniority list (that was recently printed out and posted in the staff room) and I teach a subject many people find excessive and unnecessary. So, if the district has to make cuts, I can just about guarantee I will be RIFed (Reduction In Force) or "given the pink slip". This is very frustrating when you feel like students, teachers, parents, and your principals all like you, you've gotten a program going successfully, and feel like you've done nothing wrong.

My 6th Grade Drama Class (big hams)

It is hard to feel like that fate of your job is out of your control. It is so sad to think that I am currently working so hard to build up this brand new drama program and that it might just be completely shut down. If I had to leave this school next year I think I would significantly feel like I hadn't finished what I had started and was abandoning my students (many of which I think greatly benefit from taking drama). I also can't even think about applying for jobs again in May knowing what a major wringer I felt I was put through last summer applying.

If you know ANYONE living in the Battle Ground School District, please encourage them to pass the levy in April.


Fox News on the failing of the Battle Ground Levy

I Saw U

Fortunately, I never had to write this post. But here is what it might have said:

I SAW U...
On Valentine's at the Doug Fir. I was alone. You gave me a ticket. You drank whiskey (bet you didn't know I find that attractive). We were watching the band and I noticed you off my left shoulder and we chatted. I could have stood there next to you all night.

Desert Beauty in Oro Valley

Tohono Chul Park just North of Tucson

I got to visit Arizona this weekend and spend some time in the desert with my parents. I can't say I've really appreciated the desert so much as I do after that visit. It is amazing how nature has the ability to adapt to any surrounding or situation. It really is intriguing and beautiful. We got to admire the birds and plants that are able to grow there. I even heard a havalina snort in the distance.

Although I would not say that I came away thinking that I want to move there (especially when it would get to be 90 degrees and above). But I can say that I truly enjoyed my visit and don't look at it in the same light as I used to. I'm sure I would miss the pine trees, water, mountains, and lush greenery of the pacific northwest. That's truly where my heart is.

To My Lovers Past

I don't really have a new lover, per se. But I have certainly moved on. And when I look back to my lovers past I wish them all well. This song puts it pretty well. Happy Valentine's to them all.

The Luckiest

So I was driving home tonight and the Ben Folds song "The Luckiest" came on the radio as part of someone's Valentines playlist. I hadn't heard this song in a long while, in fact I would say I have avoided it but tonight I really listened to it. It reminded me of a relationship long past where the boy would play and sing this song to me on the piano.

And I thought to myself today, I really have been very lucky in love in so many ways. I have some very fond memories of moments where I felt truly loved and in love. Here is only a very short list of them:

• Being serenaded on the grand piano in my parents house
• Waltzing at the end of a square dance at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle
• Night swimming (naked) in Green Lake
• Being woken up by an alarm to find roses and my boyfriend waiting to ask me to prom
• Walking down a street casually chatting and being swept off my feet into a kiss
• Boating in Northlake and jumping off an empty overpass
• Sneaking a kiss late at night by the lake
• And those moments where you don't want to get out of bed because you honestly feel you could just look at him forever

When I think back on all those moments I think, wow, I've had a pretty rich love life. I truly am the luckiest. Glad I can listen to that song again.

Ben Folds - The Luckiest

A Dating Blog?

A female bartender I talked to about online dating told me the other night she thinks someone ought to chronicle their online dates and all of the awkward scenarios that ensue as a result.

I like the idea in some ways because I know I've had my share of awkward dates, but I also really like to think that I choose to respect and preserve the egos of these men (let's face it, we've already lowered ourselves to admitting we need to meet someone online).

So here's what I have to say about online dating: I have met a lot of different and interesting men through it. It's hard because obviously things don't often work out and you are trying to gage if there is any chemistry. But all in all, I think there are a lot of good people out there who, like me, just have not found the right context to meet someone. It's nice to have a reminder sometimes, that there are a lot of good people out there that I would never come across otherwise.

What do you do.....

...when you find out something you were suspicious of, but didn't want to know, has become the honest truth?

In my case, you stay away from it. And know that you are a better person than lying, secrecy, or giving in to the desire for something that isn't real.

I might not be fierce like Beyonce, but heck, I'm a good person and a pretty dang strong woman. And I refuse to think that I deserve anything less than another good and strong person. 

I only feel sorry for those who do not believe the same about themselves. 

The Measure of Success

Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.                                                        -Victor Hugo (Les Miserables)

I was realizing the other day that I have several things to be proud about. 

• I have not let bad things in my personal life affect my overall attitude or my work.
• I have successfully started the first drama program to ever be at a school exposing over 250 kids to drama for the first time. 
• I continually reach out to friends and rarely just sit at home by myself.
• I go to the gym alone from time to time to work out.
• I am directing and producing a school play all by myself.
• I'm going to audition for some summer Shakespeare shows this weekend. 
• I've been pretty great at and happy with being single. 
• I voluntarily got a shot at the doctor's office and did not pass out. 

Sometimes it is the little things. And sometimes there are several little things that all add up. Right now, I don't need anyone else to be proud of me. I am proud of myself.