It's beginning to look alot like...

In my not so humble opinion - you'd better be driving in Antartica or Minniapolis, an Alaskan Eskimo, or operatiing a Zamboni if you've got studded snow tires on your car! In Oregon, even in November, you NEED NOT have them. Far too many times do I see a $40,000 SUV cruising the Costco parking lot with that awful grinding noise eminating from under its running boards.

I wish I had an answer.

I have plenty of excuses. Some of those might actually be reasons. None result in an answer.

I been busy OK? Subbing is a bit of a rollarcoaster; Job or no job? Wee morning call or prearranged assignment? If a job comes my way - does it end in an ugly day or a lovely day? Is there a plan waiting for me or am I treading shark {kid} infested waters? Is the plan a series of post it notes or is it a long winded diatribe about every little thing? The point is, when you're a teacher, every day is different - when you're a substitute teacher, every day is different and then some.

I've experienced some of the best classrooms in the best schools, and the next day I'm being called every foul name in the book. I've had days where everyone is working independently and efficiently self managing themselves, and I've had days where five adults can only watch while a student locks themselves in an office and goes ape. Some systems have an incredible amount of structure in place (some may say too much) and some systems have a 'hands off' approach leaving students without a clue as to appropriate behavior. Some schools are academically rigorous and others go through the motions.

Meanwhile, my daughter continues to amaze us with her development. She tests our boundaries and our patience at times, but she really is a beautiful human being. I stand in awe of my wife, wishing I could give her so much more help, support, praise, time, things she wants and things she needs. In some ways, our season of life is about surviving, but I resolve to help us grow still closer as well.