Sudokuaholics Anonymous 6

Who will get it???

Morning Bean...

My people watching today turned out to be very sad....

Suzy, I enjoy watching people also. Why did it turn out sad?

Three young people were sitting with an older woman at the table next to me. It appeared that 2 were her children and one a friend who just happened by. Her 2 children looked young enough that they should have been at school, maybe 14 and 15.

Maybe mom just let them stay home for a day. Isn't it near end of term down there. I thought someone was talking about their kid having finals. Maybe those kids were done with all their exams.

There were discussions of the mother waking up in the morning with her teeth knocked out, the room rearranged etc - as the young girl said 'that was when she was drinking'. This very attractive, very young girl also appeared to be suffering from morning sickness. The 'mother' left them while she went to pay the rent, leaving the young girl a cigarette before she left.

While the mother was gone the 'children' proceeded to call each other names starting with f and s and so on. A theme seemed to be 'you don't care about me'. Two children frantically looking for someone to love them, using insults to disguise the rejection they felt, and not recognising their own love for each other. I wanted to cry.... but I was glad I saw it because things like that make you realise that the world is not all like the little bubble you live in.

You are right, that is sad. I teach in a school where stuff like that is "normal" I teach in a low income neighborhood and wonder what goes on at home with some of these kids.

'you' being the generic 'you' as in 'one' or 'me/I'

I agree with you Suzy. I am always trying to show my students that I love them so at least they know someone cares. I have to be real careful how I do it thought. Candy, stickers and praise can go a long way. I also try to encourage them in all their classes and listen to them when they need to talk.

I wanted to say something about them showing me how much they cared about each other, but figured they'd think I was butting in and being sarcastic rather than truthful...

And yet Tami you have to be so careful as a teacher. These children are obviously testing each other, and would test a teacher they thought might care. If they felt rejected in some way one day you could end up in court charged with abuse!

If they are teenagers, you are absolutely right. They wouldn't listen to anything you had to say. Teens go through a stage where they know everything and adults know nothing. In this case, all you can do is hope for the best.

I have seen it happen at my school. One of our best teachers is no longer at my school. I don't know what happened. He was here one day and gone the next. I was told, accidentally, by an administrator that he was accused of something, but I know I am not supposed to know anything.

I read news stories about people who are horrified that the name of a teacher who is accused of something can be kept secret. It has to be that way! Yes, take them out of the classroom while an investigation is taking place, but don't ruin their lives until the accusation is at least supported by something.

Over here they usually put the name on the news. Luckily the guy I worked with did not have his name on the news. My first year teaching, he was one of my partners and really taught me alot. I hope things are going well for him. I don't feel close enough to call him. We were friendly, but not friends.

I'm not sure what the law is here. I probably should research that since I am hoping to be a teacher one day...

My sister in law teaches middle school in CA. She loves her new principal! Her last one sounded incompetent, this one sounds like she really has her finger on the pulse and won't take cr@p from anyone.

Just popping in and out to say "hi" - and "bye"...had a lovely day joining a friend for lunch and saw "The Secret Lives of Bees" - was as good as the book.
Saw a trailer for a movie coming out this month: Australia! Can't wait to see that one!
Tami - looking forward to seeing that picture. I bet that cup is going to look really cute.

Sorry to post and run, but have to get dinner on.
BTW - had the most lovely time at 5 a.m. talking and laughing with our very own Bean! Got to meet Lachie and Jess on the cam, too.
Wishing you all a lovely day and night.
Hugs!

Oprah loves 'Australia' Vici. She had a whole episode about it. At least that's what I heard - I don't watch daytime TV...

Vici, I was able to plant my herbs in it. I will send you a picture shortly.

Suzy, I have to help S1 finish a project due tomorrow. We have to proofread and print it. I will be back in about 30-60 minutes. If I don't catch you, I will talk to you tomorrow. Get to work on your paper, young lady, or you will not be allowed to play this weekend.

Morning all.
Suzy - that is a sad story.
I, too, am a people watcher and the worst thing I ever saw was a young rough-looking couple coming out of the front doors of the shopping centre. She pushing a pram with a small baby in it, he pushing a shopping trolley with a little girl about 2 or 3. She little girl got ahead of him and tripped in front of the trolley, & fell to the ground screaming. He dragged her up by one arm, slapped her hard across the legs and said 'I told you to stay beside me' (interspersed with 'f' words). The mother looked on and as the child, crying and in pain, ran to her. The child was yelled and sworn at again by her mother. My hubby tried to follow them to get the reg no. of their car but they walked off towards the housing commission (project-type) units so we were unable to identify them. I could not sleep that night and have often thought of that poor unloved little girl and her sibling. There's a difference between a naughty child being mildly disciplined in public and this incident. Those of us who saw it, strangers, sat together stunned, for a long while.

The lovely Hugh Jackman is in 'Australia' - shame the botoxed one is also. I hope it lives up to it's promise - it's strange to think of Baz Luhrmann doing a movie that isn't a musical.

And in 15 or so years (if that long), this little girl will be the one swearing at her children....

Ebob got her exam results back. My first reaction was that they weren't her best... not fair of me as they were good results. My expectations are too high!

If she survives her childhood, Suzy!

You have a point there, unfortunately. Look at Baby P in London. A doctor apparently missed his broken back. If a doctor can miss that, what hope do children's services have?

Ah, well, at 11.17am, after spending the morning on here and talking on the phone for 1hr 25 mins, I guess I should have a shower and get dressed, shouldn't I?

hehe Cyn.... I've already been out and about today. There is ffuts waiting for me but I will pop in and out!

Hope everyone has a great day. I feel for that child you saw Cyn. There is a poem, A child learns what they live. I will try to find it and post it here. It speaks volumes.

Thought for the Day.


Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.


-- Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

Funny for the Day.

Cancel your credit card before you die......... .(hilarious! )

Now some people are really stupid!!!!
Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die.

This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.



A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange :

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections. '

Citibank : 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

Family Member : So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

Citibank : 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member : 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

Citibank: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member : 'Did you just get what I was te lling you - the part about her being dead?'

Citibank : 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member : 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member : 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)

Citibank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member : 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )

After they get the fax :

Citibank : 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member : 'Well, if you figure it out , great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'

Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'
(What is wrong with these people?!?)

Family Member : 'Would you like her new billing address?'

Citibank : 'That might help...
Family Member : ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'

Citibank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery !'

Family Member : 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???


(Priceless!! )

After the serious discussion we had been having, I posted a funny. I thought we could all use a laugh.

We have are having a absolutely gorgeous sping day. clear blue skies NO wind. The grass is green the bees are buzzing. just flid in and out again. going to enjoy the day. I've my hat and sunscreen on,so tartar.

Good night all. I am going to watch TV with the hubby and then try to get a good night sleep. Catch up with every one tomorrow. Have a good day/night where ever you might be.

I've just let the lawnmowers into the back yard. The white haired long in the tooth one, along with her brown haired partner. Got to watch him though, he kicks out if you annoy him!

Good night Tami! Sleep well!

My post disappeared. Grrr....

I pulled a few weeds and now I'm coming out in lumps and bumps. You'd think I'd learn to put goves on as it happens every time! I guess I just couldn't resist, saw them, pulled them, now I'm paying for it..

Sleep well, Tami dear.
Loved the funny and the "children learn..."
Cyn - it is so hard to witness that sort of thing...I would have stood there stunned myself - I usually am not quick enough to respond...at least not appropriately.
We always forget that the adults acting that way were "taught" by their guardians or parents, too.
It just becomes multi-generational.