A Day Filled With Meetings...Again

I'm really beginning to hate meetings. Today's list includes:
* Meeting with math department chair regarding possible impact bargaining issue.
* Meeting with M-S and accountant about our income tax.
* Meeting with principal regarding an individual teacher issue.
* Faculty meeting.
* Dinner meeting with other bargaining units who are at the table at this time. (at least at this one I get a free meal)

I promise not to use this blog to bitch, but it does get overwhelming at times when you add my 5 classes and study halls.

On a more sunny topic - I'm really looking forward to my DC trip in a couple of weeks. Hope to find time to see Jim & Suz. I really want to see Suz's new place. Added excitement to this year's trip: Ma is riding down on the bus with me and 48 students! It will be a blast.

Talk to you soon,
MET

Why Obama Can't Win

Barrack Obama is doomed...he cannot get elected president in 2008. The reason is simple: I want him to win. I have been seriously following politics since 1980, and in that time there has been an election constant that is simply amazing. If I declare to be in support of a candidate - then he is destined to be thrown to the trash heap of presidential also-rans. Here is the proof: In 1980 I was a huge Ted Kennedy fan. As soon as Governor Brennan announced his support I thought it would be safe to do the same. 3 Days later Sam Donaldson asked Ted about Chappaquiddick, and it was over. In 1984 I was a BIG Alan Cranston backer. Loved him - and still have the button: "Peace & Jobs". Soon after I said it out loud he dyed his white hair red and it he was toast. In '88 I killed three campaigns! Came out for Gary Hart and he was caught cheating on the wife, switched to Joe Biden, and it came out that he plagiarized on a speech, finally settled on Gov. Dukasis (whom I have met and love) and he got in that damn tank. In '92 I was all Tom Harkin, and he had to drop out right after NH. In '96 I supported the president so that does not count. But in 2000 I killed the only real challenge to Al Gore by supporting Bill Bradley early on. And if this is not enough proof - in 2004 I was a Howard Dean guy......and he flipped out in Iowa. So, sorry if you like and admire Obama. He can't win, simply because I think he would be great.

MET

Back to work...and Kori has a baby!

Back to work today. I consider myself a very fortunate man, as I actually look forward to my job almost every day. I'm also lucky in that I have exactly the teaching schedule that I want: Honors American History, American Government & Law, and an American History course for students who attend the vocational school. I enjoy a diverse range of students this way, and I only teach juniors and seniors - which is outstanding.

The only problem right now is that our school is going through a major renovation, so I don't have my own classroom. I do have a small office, but I roam around to 5 different rooms to teach. Compounding that is the fact that everything I do now is with powerpoint and online sources, so carting the equipment around is a bit of a pain. But by next January I'll be back in my own space.

I also have taken on the added responsibility of assuming the role of president of the Winslow Education Association. In other words, I am the head of our local union. I really didn't know the extent of what I was getting myself into - but I do now. There is a problem to deal with almost every day - and this is a negotiations year. Constant meetings and prep. It is right up my alley (politics & law), but it can be a drain sometimes.

Stepdaughter Kori is with child. She is in 8th grade and her health class is using the robot-type baby things to teach about how difficult parenting is. I've always been torn as to the value of this activity, because there is NOTHING that can come close to simulating being a parent. But they do keep getting closer. The pics include one of proud Uncle Alex chowing on fruit. I'm also lucky that the 2 children I added to my life with my 2nd marriage are Kori & Alex. I apologize for the placement of these pictures, but I'm still learning to use this blog thing.

Talk to you soon,

MET

And So It Begins...

My first post - on the last day of February vacation. I'll try very hard to make an entry each day, and though this site may be a bit boring at least you'll have some idea of what the family and I are up to. Its been an eventful week. Chris and Sarah have provided the entertainment. To the left are their senior pictures that hang next to my couch. Chris is a senior captain of his high school basketball team, and they finished 14-6 this season. He had a year that exceeded ALL expectations! He averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds a game, and was by far their most consistent player. He was also chosen 1st team all-conference. They lost in the Eastern Maine quarter-finals 50-49 to a decent team from Messalonskee at the Augusta Civic Center, and Chris ended his high school playing days leading his team in scoring and rebounding with 16 and 9. One of the best things about the season was watching my parents (especially my mom) follow his games - they really enjoyed it. Sarah is a freshman at UMaine, and a very talented singer/actor. M-S and I went on Thursday to see her first college musical: Bat Boy. I have always loved watching Sarah on stage and, as usual, she did a great job. She has grown into such an independent and talented young woman...and I am very very proud of what she is doing. Even during those father/daughter teen times when we did not get along too well, seeing her on stage always seemed to make everything ok.

The picture to the right is of M-S and I taking Burt for a walk today. Its been a cold week, but the last two days have been very pleasant. I have lots of work to do today to get ready for the start of school again....but I'm sure I'll find a way to put some of it off. Talk to you all soon...MET