While 2014 has been a transformational year for me, I end the year, questioningly shaking my head about a number of issues. Not all of these issues are unique to 2014; some have been around for ages.
Why do so many people turn into raving idiots while sitting safely at their keyboards
If I were to make a New Year's Resolution, it would be to never, ever read the comments on a news article again. I don't understand why news articles even need comments. Idiotic comments are not found only attached to news articles. I have read some moronic things attached to posts of organizations I "like" on Facebook.
I used to like a food page, but I couldn't handle everyone who complained that the posted article didn't address GMO food or was a meat recipe. I am concerned about GMOs and I'm a vegetarian, but I cannot stand fundamentalists in either camp. Stop being self-righteous pricks!
Then, I read some horrible, vile comments this year. If anyone thought for a second that racism is dead, think again. The worst had to be when some "human" called Tamir Rice an "unsupervised ghetto rat." Who thinks like that?
Why do so many lack empathy?
From what I can find, about one-third of all Americans live from paycheck to paycheck. Some wealthier people do it to max out investments. But, I suspect that middle class families who do this, do so at great risk. One job loss or major medical issue, and they would be wiped out pretty quickly. I'm sure they know that. With so many people living in poverty (15 percent) or on the brink, why do we as a society accept so many policies that punish the poor for being poor? Drug testing for welfare recipients, anti-minimum wage hike sentiments, cuts to food stamps? This is how we treat the poor in our country.
How did we become so apathetic?
Sixty percent of eligible voters stayed home on Election Day this year. I get that the system is broken. If my car wasn't working properly, it wouldn't get fixed by sitting in the driveway. I'd have to tinker with it, or go to someone who could help me fix it. The system isn't going to fix itself folks; it needs handy men and women who are willing to do a little work to make take it back from the oligarchs.
Does everything have to be scented?
I own a Swifter. I know it's not the best environmental cleaning tool out there, but I own one anyway. I have found it impossible to buy sheets, name brand or generic brand, that are not scented. That scented stuff gives me a headache. Today at the store, I saw dish towels that have dish detergent and scent in them. Too many hidden chemicals.
Will there be a Detroit Difford/Tilbrook show this year?
Did we do something wrong? What can I do to fix it? Just once, I want to see you guys sing and afterward, I go home to my own bed. The last local show was 2008. I'll cook, make cake, whatever - just sing in Detroit this year.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
2014 in Song Titles
It would be easy to dismiss 2014 as the worst year of my life, but I won't. As the year winds down, I can honestly say that I am glad the events of 2014 happened "now" rather than later. I'm not sure that I would have been strong enough to survive if I endured any more years of serious illness. Here are the five biggest lessons I learned this year - inspired by song titles.
Labelled With Love
A line from my favorite Squeeze lines states "The past has been bottled and labelled with love." I could be angry with crappy events from the past. I could be furious at the destruction of public education. I could be pissed off at people who disappeared when I got sick or bailed when I left HPS. As a matter of fact, I was mad for quite some time, up to just a few weeks ago. I don't want to be mad, anymore than I want to be depressed, so I let it go. I thought back to wise words my very first therapist told me, "you can only control your actions, not what other people do." I'm determined to stick those events, those people, and those old reactions of mine in bottles and indeed label them with love. Without all of those bottles, I would have had no idea how to save myself.
Career Opportunities
Changing careers was scary, but it is the best thing to happen to me. I miss the kids. I miss being in front of a classroom. I miss Student Council (like crazy)! It was time for me to change.
Left of Center
I am not ashamed of my political orientation. I had, for many years, ignored the political junkie that resided inside of me. I unleashed her by agreeing to work on the ALF-CIO election campaign this fall. It was a thrill and I learned quite a bit about strategy and the inner workings of a campaign. Our side lost, but this girl is going to stay politically active.
On the Road Again
I took only trip this year, but it was a big one - a bucket list trip. The trip to the Grand Canyon was as significant to my development as a fully confident adult as my first trip to London. Looking at the grandeur of the canyon overwhelmed me. As I just told a friend yesterday, looking at the Grand Canyon, I realized just how short life was to spend it being miserable. There is too much beauty to have my eyes clouded over by depression.
There is a Light That Never Goes Out
There were many times during 2014 when I considered extinguishing my own light. Something stopped my from doing that, presumably my son. Now, I feel the sunshine and the light all on my own.
Thanks for hanging out with me this year. I worked on getting my mind in some semblance of order. More work to be done in 2015, with some additional body work. Why does everything I have read about depression highlight sudden weight loss as a possible symptom? I bloody well packed on the pounds. Oh well.
Labelled With Love
A line from my favorite Squeeze lines states "The past has been bottled and labelled with love." I could be angry with crappy events from the past. I could be furious at the destruction of public education. I could be pissed off at people who disappeared when I got sick or bailed when I left HPS. As a matter of fact, I was mad for quite some time, up to just a few weeks ago. I don't want to be mad, anymore than I want to be depressed, so I let it go. I thought back to wise words my very first therapist told me, "you can only control your actions, not what other people do." I'm determined to stick those events, those people, and those old reactions of mine in bottles and indeed label them with love. Without all of those bottles, I would have had no idea how to save myself.
Career Opportunities
Changing careers was scary, but it is the best thing to happen to me. I miss the kids. I miss being in front of a classroom. I miss Student Council (like crazy)! It was time for me to change.
Left of Center
I am not ashamed of my political orientation. I had, for many years, ignored the political junkie that resided inside of me. I unleashed her by agreeing to work on the ALF-CIO election campaign this fall. It was a thrill and I learned quite a bit about strategy and the inner workings of a campaign. Our side lost, but this girl is going to stay politically active.
On the Road Again
I took only trip this year, but it was a big one - a bucket list trip. The trip to the Grand Canyon was as significant to my development as a fully confident adult as my first trip to London. Looking at the grandeur of the canyon overwhelmed me. As I just told a friend yesterday, looking at the Grand Canyon, I realized just how short life was to spend it being miserable. There is too much beauty to have my eyes clouded over by depression.
There is a Light That Never Goes Out
There were many times during 2014 when I considered extinguishing my own light. Something stopped my from doing that, presumably my son. Now, I feel the sunshine and the light all on my own.
Thanks for hanging out with me this year. I worked on getting my mind in some semblance of order. More work to be done in 2015, with some additional body work. Why does everything I have read about depression highlight sudden weight loss as a possible symptom? I bloody well packed on the pounds. Oh well.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
A Random Act of Kindness
I have been very open about my struggle with depression. I have come out of the darkest days, but I occasionally find a wound that is still relatively fresh.
I spent 17 years at Hamtramck High School. I grew up there. Sometimes I was brilliant, other times, I was an utter disaster. At no time, however, could any one say that I did not give my all to the kids, and often times the staff, at Hamtramck.
I resigned at the end of summer, before the first days of school, so I saw no one and texted a few people good-bye. Since then, I really haven't heard from any of my former co-workers, even the ones I have contacted. It's a little like I disappeared at the hands of Winston at the Ministry of Truth. I've tried not to take the silence personally, but it hasn't been easy. When I first took my leave, I heard from very few people and that just reinforced the notion that I could disappear and no one would care. Luckily, my new job keeps me too busy to ruminate on these thoughts. The medicine also helps quite a bit.
Today, I went to my mailbox and found an assortment of junk, a copy of Rolling Stone, and a card from a former co-worker. This is a person who was always exceedingly kind and was forever complimenting Student Council, which was great because all of my administrators had their heads too far up their own asses to bother with public accolades. Anyway, the card left me in tears. I won't quote the whole card, but here is where the tears flowed freely:
"You can feel tremendous with your accomplishment, Toni! We can see it in all the kids who have passed through Hamtramck and were fortunate enough to have you as an English teacher or Student Council Rep. You always worked your "tail off" for our kids....I have been honored to work along side you."
He didn't have to write this card. No other adult thanked me or acknowledged my work. This was a beautiful thing. I don't imagine it took him long to do. A Facebook friend is always encouraging people to commit one act of Random Kindness. This act touched me deeply, and I will try and reconcile these warm feelings with the cold sense of loss I feel when I think about others.
I spent 17 years at Hamtramck High School. I grew up there. Sometimes I was brilliant, other times, I was an utter disaster. At no time, however, could any one say that I did not give my all to the kids, and often times the staff, at Hamtramck.
I resigned at the end of summer, before the first days of school, so I saw no one and texted a few people good-bye. Since then, I really haven't heard from any of my former co-workers, even the ones I have contacted. It's a little like I disappeared at the hands of Winston at the Ministry of Truth. I've tried not to take the silence personally, but it hasn't been easy. When I first took my leave, I heard from very few people and that just reinforced the notion that I could disappear and no one would care. Luckily, my new job keeps me too busy to ruminate on these thoughts. The medicine also helps quite a bit.
Today, I went to my mailbox and found an assortment of junk, a copy of Rolling Stone, and a card from a former co-worker. This is a person who was always exceedingly kind and was forever complimenting Student Council, which was great because all of my administrators had their heads too far up their own asses to bother with public accolades. Anyway, the card left me in tears. I won't quote the whole card, but here is where the tears flowed freely:
"You can feel tremendous with your accomplishment, Toni! We can see it in all the kids who have passed through Hamtramck and were fortunate enough to have you as an English teacher or Student Council Rep. You always worked your "tail off" for our kids....I have been honored to work along side you."
He didn't have to write this card. No other adult thanked me or acknowledged my work. This was a beautiful thing. I don't imagine it took him long to do. A Facebook friend is always encouraging people to commit one act of Random Kindness. This act touched me deeply, and I will try and reconcile these warm feelings with the cold sense of loss I feel when I think about others.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Sharing Our Stories
Today, AFT-MI members turned up in Lansing to talk to legislators about a number of issues important to educators in Michigan.
One of the bills that might go to vote during this Lame Duck session is HB 4639. This bill would give the EAA the authority to take over schools throughout the whole state. Currently, 15 schools in Detroit are under EAA authority. I won't even go into what an unmitigated disaster the EAA is. Eclectablog has done an amazing job covering this train wreck, please give that site some more traffic.
As for the bill, support for it has been largely partisan. Many Republicans are eager to expand the EAA's powers to other "failing" schools. Luckily, the AFT has had a huge impact on stopping the district's expansion. All the AFT-MI did was transport teachers from EAA schools to Lansing and let them tell their stories to legislators, this past spring.
One of the legislators who heard those teachers stories was Republican Senator, John Poppageorge. He initially supported the EAA, but changed his mind after listening to teachers tell their stories. One of the teachers told the senator that the EAA was a Potemkin village. Clearly, that analogy made an impression on the senator, as he repeated the phrase to us today to describe his opinion of the EAA.
We have voices, but they are useless if we don't use them. Teachers have been under attack across the nation at an unprecedented level over the last several years. If we engage, even minimally, in the political process and simply tell our stories, even members on the other side will listen.
One of the bills that might go to vote during this Lame Duck session is HB 4639. This bill would give the EAA the authority to take over schools throughout the whole state. Currently, 15 schools in Detroit are under EAA authority. I won't even go into what an unmitigated disaster the EAA is. Eclectablog has done an amazing job covering this train wreck, please give that site some more traffic.
As for the bill, support for it has been largely partisan. Many Republicans are eager to expand the EAA's powers to other "failing" schools. Luckily, the AFT has had a huge impact on stopping the district's expansion. All the AFT-MI did was transport teachers from EAA schools to Lansing and let them tell their stories to legislators, this past spring.
One of the legislators who heard those teachers stories was Republican Senator, John Poppageorge. He initially supported the EAA, but changed his mind after listening to teachers tell their stories. One of the teachers told the senator that the EAA was a Potemkin village. Clearly, that analogy made an impression on the senator, as he repeated the phrase to us today to describe his opinion of the EAA.
We have voices, but they are useless if we don't use them. Teachers have been under attack across the nation at an unprecedented level over the last several years. If we engage, even minimally, in the political process and simply tell our stories, even members on the other side will listen.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
What IS so funny about peace, love, and understanding?
My very first job was as a dishwasher in a small family-run bakery. I lasted only two weeks. I couldn't bear the sight of the "bakers" smoking while making the butter cream frosting.
My second job is the one I truly consider to be my first as I held it for a while and I learned quite a bit about the world on that job.
I was 18 years old and attending a community college full-time to pump up my relatively anemic grades. The Gantos Boutique was just opening, at Wonderland Mall, next to the book store where my mom worked, so I applied. Luckily, I got a job that did not require me to interact with either people or money. I was hidden in the back, with a radio, a sharp box cutter, and boxes of merchandise to receive. A perfect job for a kid taking classes.
I also had the perfect boss for my situation. The store manager's name was Patty and she just might have been the best boss I ever had. There were three people who received the merchandise for this very large store. A woman older than me, with kids worked from 9-2, I worked from 1-9, and a high school girl worked from 5-9. The floor staff was a mixed group of woman in their golden years to just out of high school. Patty was completely aware that many of the college students working for her, in particular me, were not studying to go into retail. Because of that, she told us that she wanted to see our report cards. The same stipulation was in order for any high school students working at the store. She was adamant that if grades started to drop, hours would decrease. Grades were more important than work, especially if she knew your parents could support you. Because of this experience, I thought that most bosses would treat their employees with common dignity and respect.
Boy was I wrong.
I won't bore you with all the details of all the bosses I have had in the last 30 years, but to say that Patty still stands out as an example of a good one is telling. My bosses have ranged from mildly irritating (like a rash) to extremely sadistic. I can honestly say that not one of the principals for whom I worked could see beyond their own ego (I also do not care if any of them see this).
Now we see controversy about stores being open on Thanksgiving Day. Open on the only secular national holiday we have, not related to the military. We, the people of the United States who have have only 10 nationals holidays, second fewest in "developed" countries. We, the people of the United States, who do not receive mandated paid vacation time. A holiday that is supposed to be about being thankful for what we have and our love ones has now turned into an ugly day on which people leave their families to go buy crap from employees who were forced to be away from their families.
No one needs a 50 inch screen television, much less wait in line for one on Thanksgiving day. No child needs a video game system. Perhaps staying at home on Thanksgiving and playing with said child is a better present.
In far too many cases, we have allowed ourselves to unconsciously suppress our empathy for those in a lower condition that ourselves. We see it in comments on articles about the poor, or about minimum wage. We are pissed off people and we are going to take it out on someone whom we perceive as lower than us. Imagine if we decided to take out that anger on people who have suppressed wages and busted unions and bought politicians. Imagine if we just didn't shop on Thanksgiving. What would happen? Maybe we would see that we really do have power, if we decide to exert it. Peace + love + understanding = dignity.
My second job is the one I truly consider to be my first as I held it for a while and I learned quite a bit about the world on that job.
I was 18 years old and attending a community college full-time to pump up my relatively anemic grades. The Gantos Boutique was just opening, at Wonderland Mall, next to the book store where my mom worked, so I applied. Luckily, I got a job that did not require me to interact with either people or money. I was hidden in the back, with a radio, a sharp box cutter, and boxes of merchandise to receive. A perfect job for a kid taking classes.
I also had the perfect boss for my situation. The store manager's name was Patty and she just might have been the best boss I ever had. There were three people who received the merchandise for this very large store. A woman older than me, with kids worked from 9-2, I worked from 1-9, and a high school girl worked from 5-9. The floor staff was a mixed group of woman in their golden years to just out of high school. Patty was completely aware that many of the college students working for her, in particular me, were not studying to go into retail. Because of that, she told us that she wanted to see our report cards. The same stipulation was in order for any high school students working at the store. She was adamant that if grades started to drop, hours would decrease. Grades were more important than work, especially if she knew your parents could support you. Because of this experience, I thought that most bosses would treat their employees with common dignity and respect.
Boy was I wrong.
I won't bore you with all the details of all the bosses I have had in the last 30 years, but to say that Patty still stands out as an example of a good one is telling. My bosses have ranged from mildly irritating (like a rash) to extremely sadistic. I can honestly say that not one of the principals for whom I worked could see beyond their own ego (I also do not care if any of them see this).
Now we see controversy about stores being open on Thanksgiving Day. Open on the only secular national holiday we have, not related to the military. We, the people of the United States who have have only 10 nationals holidays, second fewest in "developed" countries. We, the people of the United States, who do not receive mandated paid vacation time. A holiday that is supposed to be about being thankful for what we have and our love ones has now turned into an ugly day on which people leave their families to go buy crap from employees who were forced to be away from their families.
No one needs a 50 inch screen television, much less wait in line for one on Thanksgiving day. No child needs a video game system. Perhaps staying at home on Thanksgiving and playing with said child is a better present.
In far too many cases, we have allowed ourselves to unconsciously suppress our empathy for those in a lower condition that ourselves. We see it in comments on articles about the poor, or about minimum wage. We are pissed off people and we are going to take it out on someone whom we perceive as lower than us. Imagine if we decided to take out that anger on people who have suppressed wages and busted unions and bought politicians. Imagine if we just didn't shop on Thanksgiving. What would happen? Maybe we would see that we really do have power, if we decide to exert it. Peace + love + understanding = dignity.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Another Teacher Leaves the Profession
I cleaned out my classroom, turned in my keys, and submitted my letter of resignation.
I am no longer a teacher.
I have to admit that with the attacks on teachers in the state of Michigan, it is a move I have contemplated for a while. As I have mentioned before, my school is considered a failing school, so who knows how long we could hang on until the privatization pirates had their way with us. Frankly, I truly believe they have already done a masterful job of throwing the first shovel of dirt.
The "turn-around" partner, IRRE, was heavily endorsed by the now former principal. What they have brought to us has, in my opinion, been failure. Teachers now forfeit three hours of their prep period a week for meetings. Only the most unctuous of kool-aid drinkers believed these meetings are useful. The consensus seemed to be that these meetings were ways to simply keep us busy. Several of us believed that these meetings divided the staff (there were four different groups) in a way that destroyed cohesion. People were always rushing around because we lost our planning time. I feel that the loss of time at work really triggered my depression.
Despite these changes, I stayed. I loved (still do) my students and they energized me. My rationale to myself was that the kids are the most important aspect to remember. Sadly, my depression raged until I took my leave.
I grew nervous as the time drew nearer to my return to work. I needed help and support if I was going to be successful. In July, I asked for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. My primary request was to have only two teaching preps in three classes. When I first made this request in writing to administration, the now former principal "misread" my request as a request to reduce my schedule.
I re-submitted my request to the new principal. All anyone needed to do was to switch my 4th hour English 10 with another teacher's English 11 and we both would have two preps. Instead, he said that the only option that was available was to take my AP Literature and my English 11 and switch them for two English 9 classes. How that is easier is beyond me, as I had previously informed him that I had already planned out two months of AP.
Luckily, I received an offer for a labor movement related job. I took it.
It is sad that so many managers in many different fields have taken to treating their employees like children: to be seen, but not heard. It is sad that micromanagement is such a prevailing trend. It is sad that so many employers refuse to acknowledge the basic humanity of their employees.
I have taken a huge step into a new life and I am excited. I start tomorrow, while former colleagues suffer through yet another annual video presentation about blood borne pathogens. I wouldn't trade places with them for anything in the world.
I am no longer a teacher.
I have to admit that with the attacks on teachers in the state of Michigan, it is a move I have contemplated for a while. As I have mentioned before, my school is considered a failing school, so who knows how long we could hang on until the privatization pirates had their way with us. Frankly, I truly believe they have already done a masterful job of throwing the first shovel of dirt.
The "turn-around" partner, IRRE, was heavily endorsed by the now former principal. What they have brought to us has, in my opinion, been failure. Teachers now forfeit three hours of their prep period a week for meetings. Only the most unctuous of kool-aid drinkers believed these meetings are useful. The consensus seemed to be that these meetings were ways to simply keep us busy. Several of us believed that these meetings divided the staff (there were four different groups) in a way that destroyed cohesion. People were always rushing around because we lost our planning time. I feel that the loss of time at work really triggered my depression.
Despite these changes, I stayed. I loved (still do) my students and they energized me. My rationale to myself was that the kids are the most important aspect to remember. Sadly, my depression raged until I took my leave.
I grew nervous as the time drew nearer to my return to work. I needed help and support if I was going to be successful. In July, I asked for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. My primary request was to have only two teaching preps in three classes. When I first made this request in writing to administration, the now former principal "misread" my request as a request to reduce my schedule.
I re-submitted my request to the new principal. All anyone needed to do was to switch my 4th hour English 10 with another teacher's English 11 and we both would have two preps. Instead, he said that the only option that was available was to take my AP Literature and my English 11 and switch them for two English 9 classes. How that is easier is beyond me, as I had previously informed him that I had already planned out two months of AP.
Luckily, I received an offer for a labor movement related job. I took it.
It is sad that so many managers in many different fields have taken to treating their employees like children: to be seen, but not heard. It is sad that micromanagement is such a prevailing trend. It is sad that so many employers refuse to acknowledge the basic humanity of their employees.
I have taken a huge step into a new life and I am excited. I start tomorrow, while former colleagues suffer through yet another annual video presentation about blood borne pathogens. I wouldn't trade places with them for anything in the world.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Unexpected Reaction
I haven't written in a quite a bit of time because I don't want to use this as my therapy spot and I wanted to focus on the act of healing and less on the documentation of that healing. I feel, however, compelled to write after the death of Robin Williams. I have always enjoyed his work, therefore I expected to feel sad upon hearing of his death. What I didn't expect was a flood of tears. It took me a day or two, but I realized that I was crying as much for me as I was for a brilliant comedian who had succumbed to depression.
I have come a long way since I started the descent into the darkest days of my depression. I can now look back with clarity and shudder a bit. I can remember feeling that the world would be a better place without me. I can remember begging a friend to text me one night because I was afraid of my own thoughts. About two weeks ago, I formally submitted to work a small list of accommodations I was requesting under the American with Disabilities Act. Not only were three of the four denied, but the most important one was purposely or incompetently misread. My mood turned immediately dark. I cried uncontrollably and felt targeted. At some point, I sat on my couch and mentally cataloged the objects in my house that could inflict damage on my body. Then, I managed to walk myself back from the edge. I think pictures of my son helped me. I know that a friend texted with me all day and kept me talking and engaged.
I felt that if returning to rehab and having ample funds for help couldn't stop Robin Williams from killing himself, what would I do when I returned to work in a few weeks? My mind raced about how I would keep my health, especially if I was unable to convince someone of the absolute necessity of the accommodations I had requested. I have spent the last year isolating myself from co-workers because that is one of the things that people suffering from deep depression often do and in doing so, found that a only a few people cared enough to reach out. How will I remain stable in that kind of environment? I don't know. I guess I will have to trust that I have developed enough coping skills in the past four months and to push myself to reach out to others when I feel myself sliding. Maybe I will have to be completely open at work about my struggles, in order to teach others about depression and how to help those who are suffering.
In about two weeks, I will face a great challenge, but as a stronger person than I have been in a long time. In the meantime, if you know someone who is suffering from either situational or long-term depression, take that person out for coffee or stop by for a short walk. You have no idea how important that contact could be.
I have come a long way since I started the descent into the darkest days of my depression. I can now look back with clarity and shudder a bit. I can remember feeling that the world would be a better place without me. I can remember begging a friend to text me one night because I was afraid of my own thoughts. About two weeks ago, I formally submitted to work a small list of accommodations I was requesting under the American with Disabilities Act. Not only were three of the four denied, but the most important one was purposely or incompetently misread. My mood turned immediately dark. I cried uncontrollably and felt targeted. At some point, I sat on my couch and mentally cataloged the objects in my house that could inflict damage on my body. Then, I managed to walk myself back from the edge. I think pictures of my son helped me. I know that a friend texted with me all day and kept me talking and engaged.
I felt that if returning to rehab and having ample funds for help couldn't stop Robin Williams from killing himself, what would I do when I returned to work in a few weeks? My mind raced about how I would keep my health, especially if I was unable to convince someone of the absolute necessity of the accommodations I had requested. I have spent the last year isolating myself from co-workers because that is one of the things that people suffering from deep depression often do and in doing so, found that a only a few people cared enough to reach out. How will I remain stable in that kind of environment? I don't know. I guess I will have to trust that I have developed enough coping skills in the past four months and to push myself to reach out to others when I feel myself sliding. Maybe I will have to be completely open at work about my struggles, in order to teach others about depression and how to help those who are suffering.
In about two weeks, I will face a great challenge, but as a stronger person than I have been in a long time. In the meantime, if you know someone who is suffering from either situational or long-term depression, take that person out for coffee or stop by for a short walk. You have no idea how important that contact could be.
Friday, May 9, 2014
I give this week four out of five stars.
I'm hoping that the first week proves the toughest. My emotions were all over the place and my circular thinking has decreased, but not disappeared.
I have cleared some parts of my house and that makes me very happy. I'm not looking to live in a Pottery Barn catalog, but I'm also not looking to be a future story on Hoarders. The public areas of my house look much better, while the private parts still make me cringe. Taking baby steps will get the place in order and reduce that stress in my world.
I did not meet with my principal. My union president put an end to that silliness. She called me with the concerns my principal has, all of which I already knew and was in the process of addressing. My anxiety spiked during the drama, but is now settling back down to a reasonable level.
I finished reading one book. In a week. It's a miracle. I had almost forgotten how much I love to read. It has been so lovely to recline on the couch, with the cat snuggled into my neck and my brain absorbed in a good story.
I have heard from many people who love me. It turns out that there are quite a few people out there. Students, both current and former, and friends near and far. I always feel a bit like Holden Caulfield when I get those gifts of love, “Almost every time somebody gives me a present, it ends up making me sad.” I still need to consistently believe that I am worthy of love. I cried uncontrollably, for no reason, after speaking to a former flame tonight who called to just to offer me a smile and love and encouragement.
On the other hand, only one or two co-workers have bothered to check on me. I'm trying to not let that disappoint me, as it doesn't really surprise me.
I have exercised every day. Luckily, the weather is finally turning into spring and I can get out and walk. I've even seen the inside of the gym. Not only does exercise help the symptoms of depression, it will also help my wallet so I can fit into the clothes that are already in my closet.
Overall, the week wasn't too bad. Next week, I will start to take full advantage of Canada's wonderful single-payer health care system. I was worried that I would really struggle financially to continue any type of therapy, but I got some good advice, life-changing advice really.
This week would have gotten five stars if George Clooney had chosen me, or if Squeeze had announced a Detroit date. There's always next week.
I have cleared some parts of my house and that makes me very happy. I'm not looking to live in a Pottery Barn catalog, but I'm also not looking to be a future story on Hoarders. The public areas of my house look much better, while the private parts still make me cringe. Taking baby steps will get the place in order and reduce that stress in my world.
I did not meet with my principal. My union president put an end to that silliness. She called me with the concerns my principal has, all of which I already knew and was in the process of addressing. My anxiety spiked during the drama, but is now settling back down to a reasonable level.
I finished reading one book. In a week. It's a miracle. I had almost forgotten how much I love to read. It has been so lovely to recline on the couch, with the cat snuggled into my neck and my brain absorbed in a good story.
I have heard from many people who love me. It turns out that there are quite a few people out there. Students, both current and former, and friends near and far. I always feel a bit like Holden Caulfield when I get those gifts of love, “Almost every time somebody gives me a present, it ends up making me sad.” I still need to consistently believe that I am worthy of love. I cried uncontrollably, for no reason, after speaking to a former flame tonight who called to just to offer me a smile and love and encouragement.
On the other hand, only one or two co-workers have bothered to check on me. I'm trying to not let that disappoint me, as it doesn't really surprise me.
I have exercised every day. Luckily, the weather is finally turning into spring and I can get out and walk. I've even seen the inside of the gym. Not only does exercise help the symptoms of depression, it will also help my wallet so I can fit into the clothes that are already in my closet.
Overall, the week wasn't too bad. Next week, I will start to take full advantage of Canada's wonderful single-payer health care system. I was worried that I would really struggle financially to continue any type of therapy, but I got some good advice, life-changing advice really.
This week would have gotten five stars if George Clooney had chosen me, or if Squeeze had announced a Detroit date. There's always next week.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
This is an illness
Let's get this straight. Depression is an illness. I take medication on a daily basis to control some of its effects on me. I seek help from a professional. I engage in physical therapy (regular exercise) in order to regain my well-being.
My leave happened quite suddenly. I didn't understand the process. I thought the leave would take a few days to commence. It started the day I turned in the paper and that was it. My caregiver said no work, so I am not to be there. I liken the whole episode to a car accident.
If I had been injured in a car accident and could not come into work, my boss would never think to ask me to come in the the school to meet to discuss some lingering issues. Why then, would my boss request that I come in to meet to discuss these issues? Is it that my boss does not take depression seriously as an illness? Is it that my boss figures I'm physically able, so surely I could stop by the building?
I don't know. I asked in the email. The email in which I responded to all the issues that were to have been addressed in the meeting.
My stress level is pretty high today, but I'll be fine.
My leave happened quite suddenly. I didn't understand the process. I thought the leave would take a few days to commence. It started the day I turned in the paper and that was it. My caregiver said no work, so I am not to be there. I liken the whole episode to a car accident.
If I had been injured in a car accident and could not come into work, my boss would never think to ask me to come in the the school to meet to discuss some lingering issues. Why then, would my boss request that I come in to meet to discuss these issues? Is it that my boss does not take depression seriously as an illness? Is it that my boss figures I'm physically able, so surely I could stop by the building?
I don't know. I asked in the email. The email in which I responded to all the issues that were to have been addressed in the meeting.
My stress level is pretty high today, but I'll be fine.
Monday, May 5, 2014
What are we doing to help?
A friend posted this article on teacher burnout on her Facebook wall the other day. This clearly defines who I have been for a while now. Sadly, I can see these symptoms settling in on many of my co-workers. If we can identify the warning signs of teacher burnout, what is the profession and the whole educational field doing to help? The answer, from my vantage point is...nothing.
In the Greater Essex County School District, there is a counselor who works for the district and will speak with staff (and family members) for free. While the counselor likely cannot meet with someone on a weekly basis, like a therapist, there is at least an outlet for staff to address emotional and mental health needs. That is, of course, in Canada.
In America, way too many people see depression as a weakness. For example, about a year ago, a principal I know was speaking to me about a colleague who was suffering depression. This administrator said, basically, that everyone gets sad and that this colleague just needed to get over it. I've mentioned before how so many people will encourage a depressed person to focus on positive thoughts and push the negative aside. If my brain would have allowed me to do that, I would have.
Recent attacks on teachers are not helping the situation. People cannot be told that they teach at a failing school without eventually internalizing the implied message that if the school is "failing," the teachers are failures. Reading between the lines, that is the message. To continually be told you are a failure is to suffer an erosion of the soul and spirit.
Back to my question in the headline, what are we doing to help? Perhaps districts could band together and pay the salary of a counselor or two who could be resources for teachers in those districts. Perhaps the two unions could help fund those positions. Perhaps the two unions could work together and create a teacher crisis hotline. Teachers, active and retired, could man those phones to listen to teachers who need a shoulder. The public gives teachers very little sympathy, we get summers off and many people seem to resent that fact. We need to talk with those who have worn the same shoes. Anything is better than the nothing that is happening now.
In the Greater Essex County School District, there is a counselor who works for the district and will speak with staff (and family members) for free. While the counselor likely cannot meet with someone on a weekly basis, like a therapist, there is at least an outlet for staff to address emotional and mental health needs. That is, of course, in Canada.
In America, way too many people see depression as a weakness. For example, about a year ago, a principal I know was speaking to me about a colleague who was suffering depression. This administrator said, basically, that everyone gets sad and that this colleague just needed to get over it. I've mentioned before how so many people will encourage a depressed person to focus on positive thoughts and push the negative aside. If my brain would have allowed me to do that, I would have.
Recent attacks on teachers are not helping the situation. People cannot be told that they teach at a failing school without eventually internalizing the implied message that if the school is "failing," the teachers are failures. Reading between the lines, that is the message. To continually be told you are a failure is to suffer an erosion of the soul and spirit.
Back to my question in the headline, what are we doing to help? Perhaps districts could band together and pay the salary of a counselor or two who could be resources for teachers in those districts. Perhaps the two unions could help fund those positions. Perhaps the two unions could work together and create a teacher crisis hotline. Teachers, active and retired, could man those phones to listen to teachers who need a shoulder. The public gives teachers very little sympathy, we get summers off and many people seem to resent that fact. We need to talk with those who have worn the same shoes. Anything is better than the nothing that is happening now.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Goal Setting
I want to make my time off as "productive" as possible. By productive, I mean address the issues that are causing me the most stress and arranging so I have minimized, for the long-term, the stress they cause me. For me, the two biggest external stress inducing elements are work and house work. The way I have been handling these two issues leave me zero time for myself and outside interests - thus the depression.
I'm in no hurry to fix everything. The process must be slow, or I will mire myself in more worry and stress. Very counterproductive. Therefore, I have a simple idea. Each day, I am going to set two goals for the day: one school related and one house related. No big to-do list. The goals will be reasonable, but essential to gaining control over both issues.
At the end of each day, I intend on writing down the things I accomplished during the day. I fully anticipate that some of those days will record that I laid in bed and read and napped and that's it. Those days will be needed. I have found, however, every time I keep a to-do list, at the end of the day, I end up focusing on the tasks that were not achieved. I figure if I focus solely on my accomplishments, the positive remains front and center.
My simple goals for today are to grade five papers and to clear two dining room chairs of clutter. At the end of today, I will write down everything I accomplished. I'm hoping that I will feel pretty proud everyday.
I'm in no hurry to fix everything. The process must be slow, or I will mire myself in more worry and stress. Very counterproductive. Therefore, I have a simple idea. Each day, I am going to set two goals for the day: one school related and one house related. No big to-do list. The goals will be reasonable, but essential to gaining control over both issues.
At the end of each day, I intend on writing down the things I accomplished during the day. I fully anticipate that some of those days will record that I laid in bed and read and napped and that's it. Those days will be needed. I have found, however, every time I keep a to-do list, at the end of the day, I end up focusing on the tasks that were not achieved. I figure if I focus solely on my accomplishments, the positive remains front and center.
My simple goals for today are to grade five papers and to clear two dining room chairs of clutter. At the end of today, I will write down everything I accomplished. I'm hoping that I will feel pretty proud everyday.
Friday, May 2, 2014
The struggle continues
I had to finally change my game plan for coping with my depression. The dark feelings had greatly increased lately and I knew that I would break. Instead, I applied the brakes. I applied for and got a family medical leave. To focus on my depression. To focus on the various manifestations of my depression. The gastric problems that have surfaced. The nightly deluge of tears. The absolute horrific mess my house is. No more. I need to get off the train for a while and regroup.
I made my decision while sitting and looking at the Grand Canyon. It is such a beautiful place. I realized that needed peace in order to restore my health. So, I when I got home, I walked off the edge, into a leave. I will very likely hurt financially during this leave. I'm okay with that. Finances can be restored, lost health cannot. Moments, days, weeks lost to worry and depression cannot.
Today, I start over, with a fresh focus.
I made my decision while sitting and looking at the Grand Canyon. It is such a beautiful place. I realized that needed peace in order to restore my health. So, I when I got home, I walked off the edge, into a leave. I will very likely hurt financially during this leave. I'm okay with that. Finances can be restored, lost health cannot. Moments, days, weeks lost to worry and depression cannot.
Today, I start over, with a fresh focus.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
In a Failing School
Education reformers and policy makers have labeled my school a failing school. In order to save ourselves, we have implemented a number of changes.
We hired a turnaround company that has worked heavily with our curriculum, especially in math, science, and social studies. They have forced the teachers to make in those content areas that have been quite drastic.
They call these changes Mastery Teaching. This style requires that students take frequent five-question quizzes (checkpoints). Students can take each quiz up to three times. To earn an A, students only have to earn four out of five. The scam is that students have learned that they can skip the final question, which is the most difficult, and still get an A.
I can no longer ignore it. The grades are grossly inflated. Students are not learning appropriate study skills. But, more will graduate, making us look better.
Welcome to education reform.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
I only want one thing this year
Right now, people around the globe are placing unreasonable expectations on the new year that is about to unfurl in front of us. I suppose I could do the same thing.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to exercise more so I can lose ten pounds.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to be civil to those who don't deserve it.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to keep a tidier house.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to read and write more.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to do dozens of things better. The problem is that I think about these goals everyday. Some days, I actually accomplish a positive goal. Some days, not so much. Some days, I ignore all responsible adult expectations and have fun. That's what makes this journey so frustrating and fun.
A goal for a year, the way I see it, is big and meaningful. That's why I am only setting one goal for myself. This goal will be my obsession and will likely alienate a few people. I will also meet many like-minded souls and maybe, together, save the state of Michigan.
My goal is simple: I will spend whatever time I can spare fighting the nihilistic radicals of the tea party and remove them from their seats in the state Senate and the state House and the the Governor's mansion. I will knock on doors. I will make phone calls. I will write letters. I will go to fundraisers. I will talk to anyone willing to listen. I will help others find their voices. The rising oligarchy, lead by the Kochs, must be stopped.
Are we teachers, nurses, autoworkers, ordinary people so frightening to the monied class in our society that they will spend endless dollars pushing legislation to diminish our rights and our wages? We must be.
Come November 4, I know that I will have done all that I could. The question is, how many of you will have walked along side of me?
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to exercise more so I can lose ten pounds.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to be civil to those who don't deserve it.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to keep a tidier house.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to read and write more.
I could sit here and proclaim that I am going to do dozens of things better. The problem is that I think about these goals everyday. Some days, I actually accomplish a positive goal. Some days, not so much. Some days, I ignore all responsible adult expectations and have fun. That's what makes this journey so frustrating and fun.
A goal for a year, the way I see it, is big and meaningful. That's why I am only setting one goal for myself. This goal will be my obsession and will likely alienate a few people. I will also meet many like-minded souls and maybe, together, save the state of Michigan.
My goal is simple: I will spend whatever time I can spare fighting the nihilistic radicals of the tea party and remove them from their seats in the state Senate and the state House and the the Governor's mansion. I will knock on doors. I will make phone calls. I will write letters. I will go to fundraisers. I will talk to anyone willing to listen. I will help others find their voices. The rising oligarchy, lead by the Kochs, must be stopped.
Are we teachers, nurses, autoworkers, ordinary people so frightening to the monied class in our society that they will spend endless dollars pushing legislation to diminish our rights and our wages? We must be.
Come November 4, I know that I will have done all that I could. The question is, how many of you will have walked along side of me?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)