There are days when I’m not sure how to react to things happening around me. Yesterday was one of those days. I was sitting outside while the dogs ran around when I heard a sound that could have been gunfire. It also could have been someone nailing down a piece of tin. Whatever it was, I was too far away to be certain. Kat threw up yesterday and was running a fever. She took a COVID test because she’s been around people who’ve had it. At first, it appeared that the test was negative, but there was the faintest pink line. Do we respond as if she’s positive or not? She’ll take another test this morning.
The real stumper came with a text from one of Tipper’s teachers. She expressed concern over Tipper’s grades and then related an instance from yesterday afternoon where the child refused to complete an assignment, telling the teacher, “Yeah, that’s stupid, I’m not doing it.” I can’t imagine ever talking back to a teacher like that! I would have gotten my backside blistered so bad I wouldn’t have been able to sit down for a week! But we know corporal punishment like that doesn’t work, especially with kids on the autism spectrum. So, how do we tackle this one in a way that fits the crime?
Fortunately, I had plenty of time to think this one through before she got home. I started by taking her phone, which I know stung because her new phone case had just been delivered that morning. Then, we talked. She detailed the issues she’s having in some of her classes. Teachers using video as an instructional tool is apparently a problem. We talked about having respect for teachers and not questioning basic assignments. Then, she sat next to me while she sent emails to the affected teachers, background copying me on each so that I would have a record. Those included apologizing for refusing to do assignments.
I’m still debating whether I need to make a trip to the school. I don’t want the teachers to think that we’re dismissing their concerns. At the same time, if she’s raising issues and they’re not being addressed, we need to make sure the right people are listening. The school makes it quite easy for me to check her grades on a daily basis. I’ve told her that I need to see some improvement within the next week. Otherwise, more privileges will be revoked.
I’m still not convinced I’m handling this the right way.
Then, at the darling hour of 4:00 AM this morning, Hamilton decides that he needs to go outside. Now. I really wanted to ignore him, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. Reluctantly, I got dressed and took both dogs outside. Now, they’re both back asleep and here I sit, talking to Frankie, the smashed-face wheezer kitty, questioning everything, and wondering if I’m missing anything important.
Most pundits and “debate experts” are saying that VP Harris “won” last night’s debate, hands down. In the clips I’ve seen, the Orange Felon looked confused, out of place, and too damn old. Kamala Harris, the prosecutor, took charge, challenged the lies, and scared the Felon so badly that he immediately walked into the spin room after the debate, something only losers ever do. For Harris, the moments after the debate brought the much-anticipated endorsement of Taylor Swift. That could bring hundreds of thousands of young voters to the polls. However, those coveted “undecided” voters are not convinced yet. I’m not sure how anyone can be undecided at this point. The choices are miles apart. Fact checking what each candidate said last night might help.
The death toll in Vietnam is now over 150. Small towns have been washed away by the flood waters. Hanoi hasn’t looked this bad since 1956. Until the waters go down, however, it is almost impossible to get help into the area.
There was another school shooting yesterday. This time in Nebraska. No one was killed but a student is in critical condition. Interesting how that story is so far down the damn page.
Of course, today is the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 disaster. I tend to look at the New York Times for a clue as to how the events are being commemorated. This year, though, it’s a page 3 story. Many other news outlets don’t mention it at all. So much for “never forget.”
My head is swimming. Frankie just stuck his face in my half-empty coffee mug.
There are days when I’m not sure how to react to things happening around me. Yesterday was one of those days. I was sitting outside while the dogs ran around when I heard a sound that could have been gunfire. It also could have been someone nailing down a piece of tin. Whatever it was, I was too far away to be certain. Kat threw up yesterday and was running a fever. She took a COVID test because she’s been around people who’ve had it. At first, it appeared that the test was negative, but there was the faintest pink line. Do we respond as if she’s positive or not? She’ll take another test this morning.
The real stumper came with a text from one of Tipper’s teachers. She expressed concern over Tipper’s grades and then related an instance from yesterday afternoon where the child refused to complete an assignment, telling the teacher, “Yeah, that’s stupid, I’m not doing it.” I can’t imagine ever talking back to a teacher like that! I would have gotten my backside blistered so bad I wouldn’t have been able to sit down for a week! But we know corporal punishment like that doesn’t work, especially with kids on the autism spectrum. So, how do we tackle this one in a way that fits the crime?
Fortunately, I had plenty of time to think this one through before she got home. I started by taking her phone, which I know stung because her new phone case had just been delivered that morning. Then, we talked. She detailed the issues she’s having in some of her classes. Teachers using video as an instructional tool is apparently a problem. We talked about having respect for teachers and not questioning basic assignments. Then, she sat next to me while she sent emails to the affected teachers, background copying me on each so that I would have a record. Those included apologizing for refusing to do assignments.
I’m still debating whether I need to make a trip to the school. I don’t want the teachers to think that we’re dismissing their concerns. At the same time, if she’s raising issues and they’re not being addressed, we need to make sure the right people are listening. The school makes it quite easy for me to check her grades on a daily basis. I’ve told her that I need to see some improvement within the next week. Otherwise, more privileges will be revoked.
I’m still not convinced I’m handling this the right way.
Then, at the darling hour of 4:00 AM this morning, Hamilton decides that he needs to go outside. Now. I really wanted to ignore him, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. Reluctantly, I got dressed and took both dogs outside. Now, they’re both back asleep and here I sit, talking to Frankie, the smashed-face wheezer kitty, questioning everything, and wondering if I’m missing anything important.
Most pundits and “debate experts” are saying that VP Harris “won” last night’s debate, hands down. In the clips I’ve seen, the Orange Felon looked confused, out of place, and too damn old. Kamala Harris, the prosecutor, took charge, challenged the lies, and scared the Felon so badly that he immediately walked into the spin room after the debate, something only losers ever do. For Harris, the moments after the debate brought the much-anticipated endorsement of Taylor Swift. That could bring hundreds of thousands of young voters to the polls. However, those coveted “undecided” voters are not convinced yet. I’m not sure how anyone can be undecided at this point. The choices are miles apart. Fact checking what each candidate said last night might help.
The death toll in Vietnam is now over 150. Small towns have been washed away by the flood waters. Hanoi hasn’t looked this bad since 1956. Until the waters go down, however, it is almost impossible to get help into the area.
There was another school shooting yesterday. This time in Nebraska. No one was killed but a student is in critical condition. Interesting how that story is so far down the damn page.
A decline in beer sales is effecting barley farmers. Maybe that’s a sign that those big beer brands need to make better beer.
The billionaire Jared Isaacman and his crew traveled to altitudes not visited by any astronaut since the Apollo moon missions of the 1960s and ’70s. I still think this is a vanity flight and I don’t expect it to end well. Let’s hope I’m wrong.
Of course, today is the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 disaster. I tend to look at the New York Times for a clue as to how the events are being commemorated. This year, though, it’s a page 3 story. Many other news outlets don’t mention it at all. So much for “never forget.”
My head is swimming. Frankie just stuck his face in my half-empty coffee mug.
I think I just need to go back to bed.
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