I can't even count how many times my stepdad, who is now a retired teacher, had to sit there and listen to people bitch on and on about why he was paid too much.

I just don't understand the "teachers are lazy money grubbers" concept knowing how much money I make and the hours I keep. Don't get me wrong, I do work (a lot) less hours than I did when I was in Corporate America, but I also make (a lot) less money. If you figure it out hourly, I for sure make less.

Plus the amount of education you need to have to be a teacher these days.

People trust their kids to teachers 8 hours per day.

Well, our* Representatives are trying to cut funds for feeding poor kids, too, so maybe children aren't the precious resource US culture claims they are when it comes time to put our money where our commentary is.

Of course, we'll still fine someone for flashing a bit of nipple on prime time, so our hungry, allegedly untaught kids won't be traumatized. So no worries. </bitter_sarcasm>

 *for US values of "our".

Good Luck and sending the ma to your Mom, 'suela.

What's everybody's plan to be non-sedentary today?

yester I walked the almost 4 miles to work. today I am home and have a lot of chores to do . I hope to go for a short walk and or use my Yoga dvd. tomorrow I 'll be doing the shorter walk from the coffee house ( about 3 miles ). This training but not quite committing to the 3 day walk seems to be working

Heh. Megan's SC Congressman reminds me of the joke in Dana Gould's last video special that was so offensive they had to edit it out of the show proper and label it as "The Indefensibly Tasteless Joke" in the bonus features.

But it was funny to see him tying abortion, insults to the entire South and the Special Olympics together in one tidy little joke.

I can't talk to much about wiconsin and the comments people are making about teachers. I had to hide an uncle on FB , because he said Walker for President of FB status. One of his daughter is a teacher.

There is no logic in opinion - is there.

BTW, how to needle felt Angry Birds.

I had to hide an uncle on FB , because he said Walker for President of FB status. One of his daughter is a teacher.

I would be so, so tempted to point this out. Anyone who thinks government employees are overpaid compared to private sector counterparts is, at best, betraying serious ignorance.

I'm worried about a possible Federal government shutdown next week. By a quirk of law, my employer is funded by fees on the entities that we supervise ("regulate" is a dirty word) and not appropriations, so I'd wouldn't be directly affected. So, no enforced vacation. On the other hand, my paycheck continues and bills get paid.

But Hubs works for an appropriated agency. So the family income drops pretty substantially. At the time of the last government shutdown, Congress approved pay for government employees for the time of the shutdown. So government employees didn't suffer financially for the idiocy of The Powers That Be. And I'm far from assured that Congress would approve such an arrangement if something happens this time.

Sometimes it really feels like there is a concerted effort to create an uneducated underclass who can't question those in power.

Consuela, good thoughts for you and your mom.

Fingers crossed for your mom, and you, Consuela. I hope they figure it out soon, and that it's something healable/mendable.

I can see where that would be worrisome, Fred. I hope everything works out alright for your household.

My employer is mostly (~90%) funded by USAID and the CDC. I have no idea what will happen to us if the government shuts down. It probably depends on how long and how things are arranged when they re-open.