The Tax Man is Evil, Evil, Evil!

Very few things in life push me to the point of wanting to display serious violence in my gestures, language, and actions. Taxes are one of those "things." I’m working through my return information today, and I am ready to just go postal on the government. Tax Man, just come and haul me away now!

What’s the problem? Sure, I may have a bit of math phobia, but that’s not it! Supposedly the legislature passed 11th-hour renewals and revisions on tuition deductions, teacher supplies to the classroom credits, and other deductions that are NOT showing up on the forms or in the directions for the usual forms. Some of the instruction manuals on the IRS Web site are still the ones for 2005. That means, many of us who need to take those deductions are going to have to seek out professional preparers and cough up the cash to do our returns – or we risk errors and audits.

Doesn’t it seem a little unreasonable that the average individual is THIS frustrated with simple tax procedures? Wasn’t there legislation a few years back about “ease of paperwork” with the tax process? The “Message from the [tax] Commissioner” states: “Paying taxes is a unifying experience fundamental to democracy and the rule of law.” Unifying, my ass! Processing these forms is creating more of a need to cut up someone into little tiny pieces and blow their body parts out a cannon.

Can We Go to the Park Now?

OK, Tillie here! It's been a while since I've blogged. Mom's helping me out since she's the one with the thumbs. Is anyone else out there TOTALLY SICK OF WINTER? I know I have tons of fur, but even I'M cold lately. Good thing Mom let's me snuggle up on the couch and in bed with her. All I want to do is just get outside to the dog park and chase ball. And that's saying a lot coming from me. You know how fond I am of just hanging out with a pile of stuffed, headless purple Barneys. Even those raggedy things are losing their charm. I just want to run!!!! If I can't get out soon, I'm going to have to chew up a shoe or two. Oh, that would make Mom a little angry. I better just stick with ripping up a teddy bear. I'd rather dig up a flower bed right now. Where is spring????

Why Are We So Blind?

I was looking at the Iraq War ticker on the right-hand side of my blog page. The increasing amount gives new meaning to the term "obscene." Where would we be right now if our world invested that money in our children, our environment, and our future? Why are we so hell-bent on continuing the cycle of violence?

Snow Day

It is currently -15 on the old thermometer here in the Madison area, with wind chills estimated in the -20/-30s. Although official school district policy is to call off school only if the forecast for the wind chill approaches -50 for the entire day (according to the Web site), school was indeed, cancelled this morning. I hope all of my students and colleagues will have a safe and restful day.

What do teachers do on Snow/Cold Days? Well, first I do a very selfish happy dance. Then I think about the reality of the situation. I’m still getting paid for the day. A snow day means that I can actually plan curriculum, think about my craft, and breathe. I don’t just go back to bed. I pour another cup of coffee, throw a ball or two to the girls, and consider what work I should do first. Yes, the TV is on. Yes, an extra movie might get watched (uh, prepped for my film class), an extra meal made, and an extra trade rag read. But the point is, I am much more productive and reflective on these days than if I were in the classroom. When we have inclement weather, many parents keep their children at home where they are safe and warm – that is if they have the luxury to do so with heat in their homes, child care, food, etc.. I would certainly do the same if I had children and the resources to keep them safe. But, that means attendance in the schools is spotty. For my high school classes, it is virtually impossible to move forward with the planned lesson/activity because so much of what I do is sequenced and scaffolded. I usually have to resort to a backup (uh, entertainment) plan so the high number of absent students won’t be left behind. I have been teaching long enough to have those plans readily available, but it’s certainly not best practice.

It is a wise decision on the part of district administrators to consider the system of education along with the health and well-being of the children and the staff. A wise decision, indeed.

Yet, I also worry about those children and families who rely upon the schools as their source of warmth, security, and food during the day. Will those children be safe and supervised at home? Will their caregivers need to forfeit a day’s wages to stay home with them?

Are we asking these questions as a society?

La-de-da Day

Ok, it’s only 3:00 and I’ve already:

+ made chocolate-covered pecan caramel thingies;

+ made a loaf of banana bread;

+ finished the laundry;

+ vacuumed & dusted;

+ cleaned the bathroom;

+ made the bed;

+ watched a movie;

+ watched more crappy television;

+ planned two lessons for my education policy studies class (on school finance formulas);

+ planned out the rest of the week for all of my classes;

+ read a couple of chapters in a book;

+ read the Sunday paper;

+ taken pictures of my dogs;

+ worked on an art project;

+ ventured out in the frozen tundra to return videos, books to the library, and put gas in the car;

+ written this blog entry.

Time to snuggle in for the big game. I think I’m hoping for a Bears win.