I THINK I GET IT!!  Trust me…I'm as shocked as you will be to read this blog!  But, I think I have wrapped my brain around this FINALLY!! SO read on…

The New Orleans SAINTS make their way home tonight in there first game played inside the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina.  Yes, I have been extremely vocal about this franchise and its demands and its true ranking on priority lists etc… And I have yet to utter a kind word on their behalf…UNTIL now!  Ill try my best to explain how I'm feeling but bare with me for it is difficult. 

For several weeks now, locals have been abuzz about the SAINTS return to the city.  And I was aware of it but not too interested because I was pissed about the attention they constantly get over TRUE perils such as our overly neglected school system.  I drove past the DOME every morning and hissed at the proud sign draped on its outer wall announcing its opening date 9-25-06.  But today…I didn't hiss…I got goose bumps and tears welled up in my eyes.  As I made the approach I noticed how white the roof is and how NEW it is…and from a neighboring building the American Flag was waving perfectly against a serenely painted blue sky.  The flag was positioned perfectly as if atop the Dome.  IT WAS BREATHTAKING!! And for the first time, I understood that its not concrete…it's a SYMBOL! 

The DOME symbolizes a lot to this town.  And thru Hurricane Katrina and all the hell it brought with her…the DOME had symbolized evil, horror, neglect, and inhumanity.  But today, it's a symbol of HOPE, RECOVERY, and RETURN!! It lights the way for locals to find their way home.  How does it doe this?? Glad you asked.  First, I for once had to accept the amount of money that this team pumps into our city.  Money that this city DESPERATLEY needs right now.  It offers a reason for tourists to come into town and leave even more money.  It creates business opportunities for thousands of hard working vendors, concession workers, maintenance personnel, and shop owners in the French Quarter who literally make their living by selling SAINTS merchandise.  Second, they have been very visible signs of helping in the recovery effort.  Team members volunteer lots of time to organizations that are working to rebuild out city. They have clout…what can I say.   And last, and MOST importantly, they have brought something to our people that has been missing for over a year. EXCITEMENT!!  People are EXCITED again. It's amazing how the mood has been around here the past few days.  Everyone is talking about it.  People are smiling!!  They have something else to focus on, even if just for tonight. 

If you're interested The SAINTS take on the Atlanta Falcons tonight (Monday 9-25-06) on Monday Night Football…check your local listings.

I have been aware of the anniversary of Katrina creeping up on us for a few weeks now.  But it really wasnt affecting me too much...until yesterday.  It seems a parallel scenario MAY be playing out.  As I niavely walked down the hallway at school thinking of the million things I had to get done before dismissal, I was trying to tell my co-worker something very important and I hear her utter something but the only words that registered were "the storm is coming."  I stopped and I said, "what?"  "Theres a storm heading into the Gulf. And it could be a problem."  All I could muster up was "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"  And I knew better...shes not a kidder.  I said "whats THIS BITCHES name?"  "Its gonna be DEBBIE."  And what do I register in MY fucked up brain...."DEBBIES GONNA DO US GOOD!"  lol  I still have a sense of humor people!  SO anyway, I find out at 3:00 in the afternoon that we need to watch this storm...I try to look around my room to figure out how to prepare for this one.  The scenario is just too familiar...finding out late friday as you leave work, go home, and next thing you know you have to leave.  So its not a direct threat YET...but we are watching it CLOSELY.  And I have already made the decision....If it hits and does anything that requires a face mask...I will quite teaching!!!  I REFUSE to do it AGAIN...especially since I JUST FINISHED setteling into that "new room" that I have been in for a year and will continue to use for the next 2 years.  OH and in an ironic twist...just moments before I heard about Debbie...I was giving a new teacher the tour of our damaged building that still hasnt been touched by any repair personnel...it is visually a sight to see considering it is a year later...and THE SMELL is still rancid!  BUT REST EASY FOLKS cause the mother fucking SUPERDOME is AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!!!  It will reopen on Sept 25!!!  WOO HOO!! PARTY ON!!!   And if you didnt catch the oober thick sarcasm in that last statement then SHAME ON YOU!  Welcome to the priority list of the Greater New Orleans area:  Top of list: LOSING FOOTBALL TEAM  Bottom of list: PUBLIC EDUCATION.

*sighs*

As an educator, it's my job to motivate students.  To create a spark of interest that opens the door to learning.  Trust me when I say its the hardest task I have ever chosen to face.  But every so often, something happens or comes my way that motivates ME to do the best I can for my kids.  Today I watched a documentary called Paper Clips.  As it started, I thought "what the hell is this about paper clips?" But at the end, not only was I in tears, but I was excited about teaching and ready to get back to work!

Paper Clips is a story that documents a project taken on by middle schoolers in a small rural community in po-dunk Tennessee.  The idea behind the project was to teach the history of the Holocaust while tackling the overall ideal of tolerance and acceptance of individual differences.  As the project began, it was quite normally a History lesson led by teachers who were exploring an area that they too were learning as they went along.  Students explored photographs depicting the horrors of Nazi Germany.  They read about facts that had been recorded so many years ago.  But in their present day minds, thru no fault of their own, it just wasnt sinking in...the gravity and the enormity of the event.  So the teachers decided to have students research ideas for something they could collect to represent the 6.5 million Jews that had been lost in the insanity. 

Students discovered that paper clips were used by Norwegians as a silent protest to the genecide.  They wore them on their lapels as a symbol, a reminder that it was not ok.  So the decision was made that students would take on the daunting task of collecting 6.5 million paper clips; each one to represent one life, one soul, one unseen future. 

As students began, they wrote letters to famous people, and got the word out locally.  They received paper clips from the White House, from Bill Cosby, Tom Bosley, etc.  But after the first year they had only collected 150,000 paper clips.  Until...word got out to some press agencies.  They were profiled by Tom Brokaw, and The Washington Post.  Paper clips started coming into the school again along with letters documenting who the clips should represent...putting names to the clips.  Survivors of the Holacoust found out about the project and came to visit the students.  Soon they had not only collected the goal of 6.5 million clips but they had surpassed that to 29 million clips. 

This should be the end of the story...but it gets better.  The principal wanted a memorial to house the clips with dignity and honor.  She thought that a German rail car that was actually used to transport Jews would be appropriate...to turn it into a positve, to give thier souls flight from the very place that led them to their doom.  So the search began, and as if 6.5 million angels led the way, they found one and were able to purchase it and ship it to Tennessee. 

From there, students and the community worked to create a wonderful memorial called the Children's Holocaust Memorial.  The paperclips are housed inside the car in a breathtaking experience, as I can only imagine.  The project evolved into a community wide social learning experience.  And as it continues today, students of this middle school are in charge of teaching visiting students what the have learned by giving tours and leading projects.  The best way to learn is by teaching! And these students have learned valuable life lessons that will affect not only them, but thier children and grandchildren. 

As a teacher I can only hope to affect my students in this way.  Now, I am once again motivated to do my best.  And every time I pick up a paper clip, I will remember, and be motivated to make a difference!

So watch the film...you'll be moved! Here's the (just type in Paper Clips) schedule on HBO. And more information on Wikipedia if your interested.

I'm a natural observer...have been for as long as I can remember.  I will always sit back and take in my surroundings no matter what setting I find myself in.  Today I attended a wake for my uncle.  A funeral home is a place that creates lots of moments...moments to remember.  Heres what I observed.

First, there are levels assigned to the people in attendance. The levels are as follows: Grief stricken family members--- Relatives of the grief stricken who grieve for the family--- Friends and people who knew the decedant--- Employees of the funeral home.

As it plays out the family views the body first...to get the BIGGIES outta the way...the thinking is that momma may collapse when she sees daddy in a casket.   So that moment is reserved for a private family time.  The relatives of the grief stricken hang back and wait for their turn to view the body.   This usually occurs after the grief stricken have calmed down.  As the public is allowed in, it appears that the family has calmed to a reminiscent tone.  You know that tone...that eerie level of conversation that you ONLY hear in a funeral home!

One of the things I observed was that people grieve in different ways. Some fight it...unwilling to give in and show how they feel.  Others cannot hide it for anything...wailing uncontrollably and needing the warm touch or embrace of anyone, everyone.  Yet, some are visibly upset and just need an occassional hug. And then there are those that grieve by helping the family.  These are interesting to me...and I think I may fall into this category.  We like to make sure things are done or handled.  We like to make things comfortable for the grieving.  It seems like the only thing we can do to help.  Its out of helplessness that we do this I think.  And its becasue Im in the level of grieving for the grievers.  Its hard to see so many people hurting to this degree...and its even harder to see people that I always looked up to... seem so vulnerable.

Heres the BIG thing I observed...Everytime someone new comes down the aisle to view the body...everyone gets quiet to watch their reaction to the body.  I find this very interesting and unnerving at the same time.  I find it interesting because my first thought is "how do you want them to react?" I find it unnerving because I think its a private moment for each person and I hate to think that I am watching it play out.  AND I dont want people staring at me when I view someone for the last time!

Human grief seems so animalistic...but in fact it is just that...a human quality...its actually one of the things that MAKES us human.  The ability to emote or express feelings is a part of humanity that is a blessing and a curse at the same time.  We can be UP. We can be DOWN.  Grief is part of the pendulum that we all swing upon.  And at some point we will all experience each level of participation in a funeral...except of course employee. So, with that said, allow people to grieve in the way that best suites them...including yourslef.

<3

HUH??? OK I'm a little confused but this is suppose to help me understand myself better...so help a girl out.

http://kevan.org/nohari?name=Uree

I miss my blog but I really dont wanna think of what to write JUST YET....soI have this interesting RANT that I found...UNKNOWN author but worthy of discussion...

Rock, Paper, Scissors

"I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there's no fucking way Paper can beat Rock.  Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile?  Why the hell can't Paper do this to Scissors?  Screw Scissors, why can't paper do this to people?  Why aren't sheets of college ruled notebook paper constantly suffocating students as they attempt to take notes in class?  I'll tell you why, because Paper can't beat anybody, a Rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds.  When I play Rock/Paper/Scissors I always choose Rock.  Then when somebody claims to have beaten me with their Paper I can punch them in the face with my already clinched fist and say, oh shit, I'm sorry I thought your Paper would protect you, asshole."

-Unknown

Tagged...and stuff

The 1st player of this "game" starts with the topic "7 weird habits/embarrassing things about yourself" and people who get tagged need to write a blog about their 7 weird habits/embarrassing things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next 8 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a Comment that says "You are tagged" in their myspace comments and tell them to read your blog.

1.  Once, I tried to pee standing up...

2. The floor of my car is a garbage DUMP...

3.  I think fast food is GOURMET!!

4.  I used to steal pictures of Brad Pitt out of magazines at the library. 

5.  I'm pee shy...

6. I speak to my dog in an alien langauge...and she understands it and speaks back to me...  

7.  I have a birthmark that IS a third nipple!

You have to do it now, regardless of whether you keep a blog or not!:

Drama, Dirrtyboy, Davey, Gypsy, Skillz, Pilgrim, HelenaHandbasket, Peppa

Historic Election...

Ok so I prefer to shy away from the angry blog cause its just not fun!  But I am deluged at the moment, living in this Post-Katrina life, with the constant up to the minute information about todays HISTORICAL MAYORIAL ELECTION! Yummie *rolls eyes* Im angry for a few reasons.  1) Not even Katrina could wipe out, drown, or blow down the one STAPLE of New Orleans that will ALWAYS be the ugly wheel of politics done like NO OTHER municipality in the world...I ASSURE YOU!!  2) Hind sight makes us all smarter...So these fuckers need to stop pointing fingers and realize for once that NO ONE could have known what to do under those circumstances!!  To them I say this: Why werent you screaming about the school buses as a transportation option BEFORE the storm.  Why werent you shouting from the rooftops about the "shelter of last resort" before the storm? Why didnt you care that a HUGE part of the population had no transportation out of town WHEN the mandatory evacuation was called?? The answer is simple...NO ONE KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN!! So get off of your high horses and STOP blaming people...NO ONE caused that storm...and NO ONE cared before the storm so STOP being a Monday morning quarterback and rebuild a fucking house!! Clean out a school so that it can reopen and our people can come back home!!

So heres the low down on candidates:  (bare with me...theres a point here)

C. Ray Nagin, Incumbent, Democrat I personally think that Ray Nagin did an AMAZING job under extreme circumstances and substandard conditionshe did THE BEST that he could with what he had!! And in review of his performances he has PUBLICLY identified his MISTAKES!! How many politicians have you EVER known to admit a mistake...NONE!! I say that makes him classy!! 

"Mitch" Landrieu, Democrat  "We only have one chance to rebuild New Orleans, and our margin for error is zero. I'm running for Mayor because I have the experience to get the job done, and get it done now. We need a leader that can restore our credibility nationally and internationally. We need a leader that can make a plan, and then make it happen." And that is YOU?? YEAH YEAH YEAH!!! Tell me another one

Ron Forman, Democrat "In the vast field of candidates seeking to lead New Orleans for the next four years, he [Ron Forman] is best equipped to guide the city's recovery." Sounds familiar doesnt it

"Johnny" Adriani, Democrat. "It is in vain to say that enlightened statesmen will be able to adjust these clashing interests, and render them all subservient to the public good. Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm."  James Madison - Federalist No. 10

So this one is trying to hide behind a good quote

James Arey, Democrat The Arts Corps --- A group of arts instructors
available to bring a mobile, rotating, professional art, music and dance program to each of New Orleans' public schools that have seen their funding reduced or eliminated...

*rolls eyes so far into the back of her head that she collapses* Thats RIGHT...ART will save the city!!

F. Nick Bacque'This guy backed out of the election yesterday and announced his support for Forman "The purpose of my campaign, my New Vision for New Orleans, has focused on three key issues: 1. The importance of young people, 2. The importance of economics over politics, and 3. The creation of stimuli now to spur a renaissance of our city and diversify our economy. Mr. Forman is aligned with all of these goals."

Virginia Boulet, Democrat "Our criminal justice system, including the relationship between New Orleanians and our police force, needs to be reformed so that we are confident that the system is fair and that it eliminates violent crimes and corruption in our city.  Read my Action Plan for Criminal Justice Reform."  Yeah will this platform may have won BEFORE the storm lady..but all the criminals are in Houston now...and half the police force is gone too...what else you got??

Elvin D. Brown, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Manny Chevrolet Bruno...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Kimberly Williamson Butler, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE! But im sure shes getting enough press...since *whispers REALLY LOUDLY* "shes IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW!!"

Robert Couhig, Republican. "New Orleans is in real trouble.  Six months post-Katrina and very little is happening.  Every day businesses shut down and people permanently move away.  We will never be the same city again."  NO shit Sherlock!!

Roderick Dean, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Sonja "Lady" DeDais, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Marie Galatas...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Greta Gladney...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

James "Jimmy" Lemann, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Mac Rahman, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Norbert P. Rome, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Jimmie Thorns, Jr....its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Leo Watermeier, Democrat.  "We can end politics as usual and restore our beautiful city to its rightful dignity."  Leo...lets have a chat dear...NO WE CANT!!!

Tom Watson, Democrat. "I will be the mayor who makes City Hall work for all citizens (including those now residing in over 40 states in the U.S.A.), putting the recovery, rebuilding and re-entry efforts on a fast-track.  I will make housing and good jobs a top priority ensuring fairness and equity in the process.  In addition, making sure every citizen has the right to return and the opportunity for every neighborhood to be rebuilt in an atmosphere that is safe and healthy for our families and children."  Tom lets you and I have a chat...NO YOU WONT!!

Shedrick C. White, Democrat...its 2006 and NO WEBSITE!

Peggy Wilson, Republican "No event could have been more dramatic than what has happened to the City of New Orleans in the last several months. Not only do homes and neighborhoods lie in ruins as a result of the failed public policies and shortsighted political decisions of the last four decades, now, our Citys future stands in doubt as a result of indecisive leadership and unseemly political posturing."  So we elect YOU?? to do MORE posturing!! NOPE...

 Carlos Hornbrook. "Katrina brought great suffering to New Orleans. Our leaders have also brought great suffering. They have flooded our city with poverty, crime and have tolerated divisiveness in all directions and the pervasive effects and devastation this brings."  Hon...our politicians didnt bring those things to the city...JESSE JACKSON DID!!

Yes its tedious to peruse all 22 names and platforms...I hated looking it up for this blog...but my point is simple...they all say the same thing...they all think they can do it better...and I say the only reason they think they can do it better is because they werent THERE, in the position of power, with the ultimate responsibility on their backs when it happened...had it been THEM...they would have had the SAME outcome as Nagin did...UTTER DEVASTATION!!

 If you absolutley LOVE politics and you want to keep up with the up to the second new crap to come from this historic day for New Orelans...heres all the election info. you could ever want!!  ME?? Im going watch Queer As Folk!! Random thought...if Brian Kinney ran for mayor of New Orleans...hmmmm??

Ok before you read this blog...i hade MAJOR issues with posting pics which pissed me off...until i found a new slant...so the images are clickable links embedded in text...enjoy!!

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I had an interesting drive into work this morning...driving is my only TRUE think time...so I cherish it!! As I was on my merry way I saw this white ford bronco on the side of the road...YOU KNOW THE ONE!!

And of course my mind immediatly skips forward to that unforgettable face of...YOU KNOW WHO IM TALKING ABOUT!!


I dont hink much about it...until...im driving behind this truck that is hauling one of those small freezers...YOU KNOW THE ONE!!! And of course my mind skips forward to that unforgettable face of...YOU KNOW WHO IM TALKING ABOUT!! YIKES!!


Still I think nothing of it...until...i hear a song from the past... "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John.  And, NO I didnt think of some sicko killer!!! My mind immediatly skips forward toRyan White.  Remember him??NO...REMEMBER HIM!!!

You young-uns wont have a clue about Ryan but he was around during my formative years and I like to say in the formative years of this country's society. Ryan White was the FIRST person to put a FACE to AIDS.  He was a 13 year old kid that contracted the  AIDS virus and was promptly kicked out of school, targeted by fellow classmates and ostracised by community members who were terrified of this new disease. But he didnt cower...He stood up, and he said to this world that its OK to accept someone with AIDS, its OK to touch someone with AIDS, its ok to hug, and love, and support someone with AIDS.  He made us LISTEN!!  And so Eltons song became his theme so to speak.. 

"Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind."

OK...now the point of this blog which is going here and there and everywhere.....I love the way THINGS come to represent OTHER things in our lives....the bronco, the freezer, im still standing...will NEVER be those things for me ever again.  They will ALWAYS be OJ, Dahmer, and Ryan...FOREVER!!!

SO what kinds of THINGS have changed meanings for you?? No matter how nuts, how simple,  or how evil you think it is...post it!

So today word comes down that they have just located another body from Katrina...8 months after the storm!! Utterly depressing....

Guy has re-entered my life...on his next whim!! Utterly depressing that it took him over a month...i guess part of me is posting this to see if he sniffs it out...like if he really cares, hell dig deep enough to find this and know just how much he really hurt me!!

Heading back to work tomorrow...Utterly depressing...not where i want to be these days!!! The fatigue and stress is hardly livable...

So if you like my rantings whether they are philisophical or completely and UTTERLY DEPRESSING...subscribe to my blog and i wont bore you with self promoting or should i say BEGGING bulletins... YIKES!!