Happy New Year

Happy New Year. As we enter a new decade in this century I wonder what is ahead. No pedantic comments about perhaps it being last year as having new decade status. Will our acceptance and dependence on technology continue and will I almost demonstrate my Luddite tendencies to software programs that do not do things as I would wish them to. MS2010- watch out.

At the end of this decade my elder daughter will be applying to college and the younger will be entering high school. Holy of Holies- scary stuff. I shall not continue on that track.

OK it is catch up time. I have been running around like a proverbial running around thing and have neglected to take time to muse. Shame on me. Basically at the end of the day I have been knackered and could not muster the energy to type. I needed mindless crap TV and not to have 1 more thing on the list of things to do.

New Year's Eve

We had a fine time with a delightful erudite group of friends. It is lovely to be part of a group of people who are educated, funny and have such a broad base of conversation topics; nothing is out of bounds. It was fun and know this a band of like-minded people who care about one another.

Food was plentiful and tasty. We had sublimes starters and inspired cupcakes. My curry was great even though I was against cooking it but it is a crowd pleaser.

Music

This week I have mostly been rehearsing and it is tiring. It is also a great experience to have my arse kicked musically. We should all be taken out of our comfort zones and this has been a great learning opportunity. I realise I like ink dots (sheet music) and do not really get all this guitar chord business. I musically understand the progressions but want notes.

I was volunteered for a band consisting of parents from my elder daughter's school to raise funds and it has been such a blast to try new things and re-work old favourites. I am learning new jigs on the whistle and learning classic tunes.

School Funding:

Found out how much the school budget is proposed to be cut and it is frightening. Do I have to think about private school? I have always wanted to send my girls to public/state schools as I had such a system growing up but it ain't all rosy anymore.

California for all its sense of self-importance has god-awful education standards and I believe we rate 49th. Just checked we do. Isn't that something to be proud of?

This is simply not good enough and we should be ashamed to accept this.

I decided to start a study group for a group of 7-year olds as they are effectively bored at school. All funding is now directed to the lower end of the educational scale as they can make more progress. This is then rewarded with funding.

Students who make the standards early are often bored. Let's get this straight this was a George Bush Jr. initiative, "NO Child Left Behind". I have a feeling this is how he felt among his peers so is now torturing other smarter children for his lack of intelligence. Breathe.

The whole act focuses on early language and literacy acquisition to a basic level but does little to help further those who already have these skills.

It depresses me that education is thought of so badly. California needs to wake up and realise that investment needs to be made in this sector. Please don't tell me the transport budget is being used to repair roads as I won't believe you.

Gym

Have made it back and feel so much better as a result. I am lifting heavier weights and run the risk of developing the physique a Russian shot putter. It is a good way to lighten the mood and push myself.

Caught up

Had a lovely long letter from my old high school principal. I love that woman. She may have made grown men wet themselves in fear but she fought for her students and school. I will carry on her work.

Need a cup of tea and something to ease the developing chest infection.