“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird,
and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!”
~Lewis Carroll
Sorry.
This is my second feisty post in a week. Fortunately for my other sites, and unlike last week’s Kanye rant, I’ll keep this particular bit of self bluster contained to a single domain.
This is the first personal rant I’ve published and I will not be using any names. However, there are some things I’ve just gotta get out and I would like these thoughts to go somewhere more lasting than MacJournal. Since you’ve always been rather patient with me (thanks for that) I figure this is as good a place as any. So um…thanks.
Here we go.
At the end of last school year, Cindy hesitantly assumed the position of Vice President at our school’s PTA for the 2009-2010 calendar year. I admit, though I am of course supportive of our school and was appreciative of the nomination, I wasn’t thrilled with the demands it would inevitably place on our schedule. Though I knew she would approach the position with her usual enthusiasm and tireless effort, I wasn’t too keen on the commitment in the first place, considering the piles currently on our plate and the thirty minute commute to the school which lies in both directions.
Cindy has been teaching for twenty years and has coordinated national conferences for our nation’s most respected leaders in education, including a literacy conference in Washington DC that had a component designed specifically for best methods to reach members of the PTA. She has been intimately involved with a dozen different PTA’s across the nation (from posh neighborhoods with fences around the trees rather than the campus, to an overcrowded school sandwiched between a duet of crack houses). One would imagine she carried the qualifications necessary to sit on the board of a small school with a student body totaling less than 500 students.
But no.
Unfortunately, this particular PTA shares the elements of a trashy TV network pilot that wouldn’t have a chance of getting to air due to its overabundance of unimaginative cliches. You know, duplicity, sabotage and general bad behavior; the sort of stuff adults get away with all too often, but that any reasonable parent would sever with a series of swift consequences.
Cindy, who tells me everything from the things that make her shake in her sleep to when I am wearing a cowlick I can’t see, has kept the majority of this most recent malignant blather from me, probably because she doesn’t want my fingers to go off and do something like what they’re doing right now.
I’ve lived with Cindy for a dozen years, and know when she’s deeply hurting, yet trying to muscle her way through a week without crying. I would have figured it out anyhow, but the few emails that filtered into our general family inbox rather than directly to her private account have told me a story that is sad, altogether disappointing, and rather indicative of the many things that are wrong with our current state of education.
“Let’s have a rummage sale!”
That’s the idea suggested by Cindy and shot down four times last year by an old guard more interested in circles of endless squabble than stepping into any forward momentum. Finally, in the middle of July, after the school year was over, a previous member of the board suggested the brilliant brainstorm herself.
All in favor say, “Aye.”
It was a great suggestion and Cindy took the ball and ran with it. In the first twelve days of the school year she has logged in 80 hours of work, all from behind the decaying walls of small minded behavior. She is not alone. Her hours have transmitted their toil to our children and household in general. In itself this is fine, as every family should do all they can to make their school the best that it can be.
Cindy fell to sleep on Saturday morning at 1:30 in the morning and woke up three hours later to set up the sale.
The rummage sale was a success, generating a tidy sum of money to a PTA budget that is presently on red alert. To say her efforts were not appreciated would be untrue. The principal of the school, the president of the PTA, every teacher who has opened their mouth in Cindy’s direction, and more wonderful parents than we can count, have all been responsive in all the right ways: encouraging, grateful and above all congenial.
But you know what they say about the rotten ones spoiling the whole barrel, right?
Perhaps this is one of the reasons education in our country is walking with a limp in both legs. I’d always assumed it was a score of other things mostly mired in miles of red tape, but if this is how parent volunteers are behaving on campuses across the country, it’s no wonder we’re waist deep in you know what.
I know this sort of rant is uncharacteristic, but I will sleep better tonight for getting it on the page.
To all the many families at the rummage sale on Saturday, thank you so much for inflating the day with your wonderful spirit. It was an awesome community event and a terrific time was had by all. I enjoyed bonding with my fellow parents and was immeasurably proud of the work that our family, alongside so many others, were able to contribute to the strength of our school.
To anyone reading this who shares a school setting with my family, who has a question or concern about anything I have said, I am always open to dialogue. You may email me or give me a call at any time.
To anyone reading this who takes particular umbrage with anything I’ve said today, you probably owe my wife an apology.
To Cindy, please don’t be mad at me, baby. I don’t serve the board, I don’t work for the school, and someday I want our children to know that when it came time, I said what needed saying. I could not be more proud of the effort you have given or the manners you have displayed. I admire your silent strength and unwillingness to discuss the toxicity all around you anywhere near campus. I would not have been able to do the same. I love you.
About Sean Platt
“To anyone reading this who takes particular umbrage with anything I’ve said today, you probably owe my wife an apology.”
GOOD. FOR. YOU.
My foster parents were both teachers and the amount of nonsense they had to put up with was truly frightening. I would rather walk across hot coals than EVER join a PTA. They’re usually inhabited by small minded people trying to feel important or caring parents trying to make a difference. Guess who throws their hands up in disgust sooner rather than later.
I have two words for you.
Hot. Mess.
“To anyone reading this who takes particular umbrage with anything I’ve said today, you probably owe my wife an apology.”
GOOD. FOR. YOU.
My foster parents were both teachers and the amount of nonsense they had to put up with was truly frightening. I would rather walk across hot coals than EVER join a PTA. They’re usually inhabited by small minded people trying to feel important or caring parents trying to make a difference. Guess who throws their hands up in disgust sooner rather than later.
I have two words for you.
Hot. Mess.
As the president of this very PTA, let me tell you how proud I am of your wife for her continued efforts, her encouraging spirit, her timeless dedication, and her friendship. I am proud of her, and all that she does for the school.
As the president of this very PTA, let me tell you how proud I am of your wife for her continued efforts, her encouraging spirit, her timeless dedication, and her friendship. I am proud of her, and all that she does for the school.
I’m proud of you, Cindy, for putting the needs of the kids first. It’s so sad when people try to do good things, only to have the poison posse show up. We have similar things happen at our school too. Just a total lack of appreciation for those who work the hardest. In our school it’s our principal who always gets blasted. No matter what. By the same few parents who have to complain about everything. Ugh.
You rock, Cindy.
I’m proud of you, Cindy, for putting the needs of the kids first. It’s so sad when people try to do good things, only to have the poison posse show up. We have similar things happen at our school too. Just a total lack of appreciation for those who work the hardest. In our school it’s our principal who always gets blasted. No matter what. By the same few parents who have to complain about everything. Ugh.
You rock, Cindy.
It’s always a shame when people allow their politicking and small mindedness to get in the way of the objective: doing good for others. While you (Cindy) may hit roadblocks erected by petty people whose lives are only fortified by their ability to criticize and be a thorn in the sides of others, know that the sacrifices you make are worth it. Know that someone, in fact many, appreciate the heart and soul behind your works.
It’s always a shame when people allow their politicking and small mindedness to get in the way of the objective: doing good for others. While you (Cindy) may hit roadblocks erected by petty people whose lives are only fortified by their ability to criticize and be a thorn in the sides of others, know that the sacrifices you make are worth it. Know that someone, in fact many, appreciate the heart and soul behind your works.
There must be something in the air with PTAs this week because I just ran into a friend who was still involved with the PTA I had left when I chose to homeschool Monkey. She told me that the PTA Pres has asked her to step down from the Fall Festival committee she was chairing (Fall Festival is our biggest fund raiser of the year, usually held in late Oct, early Nov) because she wasn’t satisfied with the work my friend was doing. But the Pres notified her in an email – didn’t even have the guts to tell her face-to-face. (And either I was naive or just unobservant, but the two years I was in PTA, I didn’t really see any of the pettiness you or I speak of). On a side note – my friend is a very hard worker and the position of FF chair is one that is quite often dreaded by parent volunteers because of the work involved and the PTA Pres is a former FF chair and a perfectionist.
Sorry, Sean, didn’t mean to hijack your comments for my own mini-rant, but I guess it’s my weird way of saying I get where you’re coming from and I say kudos to you for ranting on Cindy’s behalf. I have a feeling that she wouldn’t be one to rant about it on her own.
It’s a shame that pettiness can infiltrate the PTAs because they really can do a lot for our children and their schools, especially when the schools can’t do them on their own. I applaud Cindy for her work and dedication (and your PTA Pres, Chris, for his kind comments and clear appreciation).
There must be something in the air with PTAs this week because I just ran into a friend who was still involved with the PTA I had left when I chose to homeschool Monkey. She told me that the PTA Pres has asked her to step down from the Fall Festival committee she was chairing (Fall Festival is our biggest fund raiser of the year, usually held in late Oct, early Nov) because she wasn’t satisfied with the work my friend was doing. But the Pres notified her in an email – didn’t even have the guts to tell her face-to-face. (And either I was naive or just unobservant, but the two years I was in PTA, I didn’t really see any of the pettiness you or I speak of). On a side note – my friend is a very hard worker and the position of FF chair is one that is quite often dreaded by parent volunteers because of the work involved and the PTA Pres is a former FF chair and a perfectionist.
Sorry, Sean, didn’t mean to hijack your comments for my own mini-rant, but I guess it’s my weird way of saying I get where you’re coming from and I say kudos to you for ranting on Cindy’s behalf. I have a feeling that she wouldn’t be one to rant about it on her own.
It’s a shame that pettiness can infiltrate the PTAs because they really can do a lot for our children and their schools, especially when the schools can’t do them on their own. I applaud Cindy for her work and dedication (and your PTA Pres, Chris, for his kind comments and clear appreciation).
First let me say how proud I am of Cindy for putting in all that work! She’s amazing!
Sometimes I think it’s a blessing in disguise that I am too busy with my 3 younger children to do much with our PTO. I know there are a few mothers at the school who have this sort of bizarre ability not to notice I am there. I should wear a hidden camera and tape it – I bet it would be a hit on YouTube!
First let me say how proud I am of Cindy for putting in all that work! She’s amazing!
Sometimes I think it’s a blessing in disguise that I am too busy with my 3 younger children to do much with our PTO. I know there are a few mothers at the school who have this sort of bizarre ability not to notice I am there. I should wear a hidden camera and tape it – I bet it would be a hit on YouTube!
hi Sean, I just want to say that I know how much Cindy gave of herself for that rummage sale. I made my appearance in support and watching her was exhausting! she was a cross between a pinball machine and a bee on crack! just when you thought you knew where she was standing, you looked again and she was clear across the yard helping someone with their purchase or chugging things to buyers’ cars. I know how much can be accomplished if you are just allowed to work and not hit with roadblocks at every turn. You would think that people would realize Cindy’s vast experience and ability to produce and understand that sometimes egos need to put aside for the common good. Kudos, Cindy, and all power to you . I have never had much luck when trying to work with a bunch of personalities. I don’t play well with others when I know that I am right and they are frustrating my efforts. (and we all know I am almost always right, ha ha ). Keep on truckin’, babe!, luv, mommycat
hi Sean, I just want to say that I know how much Cindy gave of herself for that rummage sale. I made my appearance in support and watching her was exhausting! she was a cross between a pinball machine and a bee on crack! just when you thought you knew where she was standing, you looked again and she was clear across the yard helping someone with their purchase or chugging things to buyers’ cars. I know how much can be accomplished if you are just allowed to work and not hit with roadblocks at every turn. You would think that people would realize Cindy’s vast experience and ability to produce and understand that sometimes egos need to put aside for the common good. Kudos, Cindy, and all power to you . I have never had much luck when trying to work with a bunch of personalities. I don’t play well with others when I know that I am right and they are frustrating my efforts. (and we all know I am almost always right, ha ha ). Keep on truckin’, babe!, luv, mommycat
The fact that you rant so rarely—and that you’re doing so here on behalf of your wife, all the kids at that school, and the betterment of the community—makes your rants worth taking note of! I suspect this is an issue at many other schools, simply because pride and selfishness are so rampant in our culture. You can Cindy have done exactly the right things: she has risen above it, and you have firmly but respectfully called it out. Each person who can respond like this in similar situations will be making a difference.
The fact that you rant so rarely—and that you’re doing so here on behalf of your wife, all the kids at that school, and the betterment of the community—makes your rants worth taking note of! I suspect this is an issue at many other schools, simply because pride and selfishness are so rampant in our culture. You can Cindy have done exactly the right things: she has risen above it, and you have firmly but respectfully called it out. Each person who can respond like this in similar situations will be making a difference.
Being in the school system and seeing similar things first hand, I feel your pain Cindy! I have found the problem usually originates from people with control issues, stemming from self esteem problems. While their issues have effected you, try to remember that it isn’t about you. It is about them. It seems you have the support of the PTA president (reading her comment above) so I would, in a meeting with the problem folks attending, discuss the elephant in the room. In all likelihood, this pot is being stirred by just a couple of people and others are jumping in without realizing the problem it is causing. In your meeting I would outline the problem, set boundaries, and invite those who do not wish to play fair to leave the group. Having fewer – nontoxic people- would be better than more folks spitting their poison darts at others. I found this on line that might be helpful: http://www.blueskybroadcast.com/client/PLA/pdf/301%20Launching%20Leaders%20Team%20Development.pdf
The Jabberwocky is one of my favorites!
“O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
Good luck leading the team to a healthier place Cindy!
Being in the school system and seeing similar things first hand, I feel your pain Cindy! I have found the problem usually originates from people with control issues, stemming from self esteem problems. While their issues have effected you, try to remember that it isn’t about you. It is about them. It seems you have the support of the PTA president (reading her comment above) so I would, in a meeting with the problem folks attending, discuss the elephant in the room. In all likelihood, this pot is being stirred by just a couple of people and others are jumping in without realizing the problem it is causing. In your meeting I would outline the problem, set boundaries, and invite those who do not wish to play fair to leave the group. Having fewer – nontoxic people- would be better than more folks spitting their poison darts at others. I found this on line that might be helpful: http://www.blueskybroadcast.com/client/PLA/pdf/301%20Launching%20Leaders%20Team%20Development.pdf
The Jabberwocky is one of my favorites!
“O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
Good luck leading the team to a healthier place Cindy!
Hayden: Thanks, Hayden. Hot coals, LOL. I know what you mean. I feel like I’m watching bad TV. Hopefully the worst is over and everyone can behave like grownups now.
Chris: Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your constant support of Cindy and know full well that you both understand and appreciate how hard she has been working. Great job as president, I know it’s not an easy gig. Hats off brother.
Randi: True that, Randi. It is always the same few parents that have to complain about everything, the same few people who make the freeway dangerous, the same few who make life generally difficult for others. If we all rowed our ores in the same direction, we could pretty much go anywhere. Too bad that’s asking too much.
Dave: Well said, brother. And to answer your earlier question about why I didn’t tell you earlier, it didn’t seem worth complaining about. It was just people being small and I suppose I didn’t really want to validate it through my own whining. However, I did reach my tipping point and now I no longer care. I’ll tell you all the stories you want. You bring the marshmallows. : > )
Kool Aid: The rant was great, your way of saying you get it. It is a shame, I agree. The PTA is a great organization and I hope the rest of the year is smooth sailing. No, Cindy never would rant about it. I don’t want to get into the habit, but I have to confess I do enjoy writing the rants. They seriously fly through the fingers. Both this and the Kanye post were written at the speed of email!
Tracy: Cindy has had exactly the same experience. Last year, when we still had the preschool, she would show up to school still wearing her apron. You would think she was wearing a sandwich board that said, “Biohazard.”
Mom: Were you rocking out to “Your Momma Can’t Dance,” or something on Saturday morning? Seriously old woman, I honked at you seven times as you were making a right onto that busy street in front of the school and you didn’t glance over. If you had, I would’ve given you a donut from Yum Yum! Seriously though, thanks for all the support. You were one of the day’s big spenders (not that you needed any more stuff!) and most of the stuff you donated sold. Thank you for your kind words and appreciation of Cindy. That means everything in the world.
Kristin: Awesome comment, Kristin. As I told Kool Aid, I hope the rants don’t become too much of a habit. Seeing as how they practically write themselves, I could see making it a weekly feature! Thank you for your kindness, I couldn’t agree more. What makes me sad is when petty attacks and unnecessary comments are dressed in the sheep’s clothing of “clear communication” or “feedback.” Nope, mean is mean and I’m intelligent enough to know the difference.
Laurie: Great suggestions Laurie, and we would both agree with your assessment of the situation. You could count the troublemakers with a single limb of digits, but you know how long gnarled fingers can uncurl. Yes, Cindy is very much looking forward to the next meeting. Boundaries definitely need to be set and some things spoken. She does have the full support of the principal, the president and an awful lot of parents. Of course you can’t please everyone, but there is a difference between having a disagreement and being petty simply for the sake of being petty.
Hayden: Thanks, Hayden. Hot coals, LOL. I know what you mean. I feel like I’m watching bad TV. Hopefully the worst is over and everyone can behave like grownups now.
Chris: Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your constant support of Cindy and know full well that you both understand and appreciate how hard she has been working. Great job as president, I know it’s not an easy gig. Hats off brother.
Randi: True that, Randi. It is always the same few parents that have to complain about everything, the same few people who make the freeway dangerous, the same few who make life generally difficult for others. If we all rowed our ores in the same direction, we could pretty much go anywhere. Too bad that’s asking too much.
Dave: Well said, brother. And to answer your earlier question about why I didn’t tell you earlier, it didn’t seem worth complaining about. It was just people being small and I suppose I didn’t really want to validate it through my own whining. However, I did reach my tipping point and now I no longer care. I’ll tell you all the stories you want. You bring the marshmallows. : > )
Kool Aid: The rant was great, your way of saying you get it. It is a shame, I agree. The PTA is a great organization and I hope the rest of the year is smooth sailing. No, Cindy never would rant about it. I don’t want to get into the habit, but I have to confess I do enjoy writing the rants. They seriously fly through the fingers. Both this and the Kanye post were written at the speed of email!
Tracy: Cindy has had exactly the same experience. Last year, when we still had the preschool, she would show up to school still wearing her apron. You would think she was wearing a sandwich board that said, “Biohazard.”
Mom: Were you rocking out to “Your Momma Can’t Dance,” or something on Saturday morning? Seriously old woman, I honked at you seven times as you were making a right onto that busy street in front of the school and you didn’t glance over. If you had, I would’ve given you a donut from Yum Yum! Seriously though, thanks for all the support. You were one of the day’s big spenders (not that you needed any more stuff!) and most of the stuff you donated sold. Thank you for your kind words and appreciation of Cindy. That means everything in the world.
Kristin: Awesome comment, Kristin. As I told Kool Aid, I hope the rants don’t become too much of a habit. Seeing as how they practically write themselves, I could see making it a weekly feature! Thank you for your kindness, I couldn’t agree more. What makes me sad is when petty attacks and unnecessary comments are dressed in the sheep’s clothing of “clear communication” or “feedback.” Nope, mean is mean and I’m intelligent enough to know the difference.
Laurie: Great suggestions Laurie, and we would both agree with your assessment of the situation. You could count the troublemakers with a single limb of digits, but you know how long gnarled fingers can uncurl. Yes, Cindy is very much looking forward to the next meeting. Boundaries definitely need to be set and some things spoken. She does have the full support of the principal, the president and an awful lot of parents. Of course you can’t please everyone, but there is a difference between having a disagreement and being petty simply for the sake of being petty.
My husband is a high school teacher, and heavily involved in contract negotiations and union disputes. For the last 10 years I have been convinced that what’s wrong with the education system is the Board of Education – or more precisely, volunteer parents. Just like in your scenario, when the volunteers seem to have a personal agenda, the Boards of Education are motivated much the same. The parents who volunteer usually only do so while their children are in the school, and are quite often interested only in “fixing” a situation that has become a problem for their own child, or their family. I realize that the funds to run a school comes from our property taxes, and we should have a say, but this system is broken and needs to be fixed.
My husband is a high school teacher, and heavily involved in contract negotiations and union disputes. For the last 10 years I have been convinced that what’s wrong with the education system is the Board of Education – or more precisely, volunteer parents. Just like in your scenario, when the volunteers seem to have a personal agenda, the Boards of Education are motivated much the same. The parents who volunteer usually only do so while their children are in the school, and are quite often interested only in “fixing” a situation that has become a problem for their own child, or their family. I realize that the funds to run a school comes from our property taxes, and we should have a say, but this system is broken and needs to be fixed.
Aww, sugar – I’m sorry you’ve had to drink the poison kool-aid. Some folks are so intent on control, they don’t see they’re squeezing the life out of the very thing they’re supposed to be saving. Sucks. Much.
You know I home school. There are many reasons. The Harper Valley PTA mentality is one of them. People too interested in image and what may mar it, in gathering the glory without doing the work, and in forcing others to think, act, be like them. Some folks see brilliance and welcome it…and some are chaffed and do their best to dull it to their own tarnish.
I hope it improves, and if it doesn’t, I hope Cindy can find another way to lend her beautiful spirit to your kids’ school culture that doesn’t wear her down and bring such stress to your family.
And by the way? You didn’t say much of anything detailed in your rant, so I hardly think there’s cause for anyone to complain. You showed remarkable restraint – I might have named names, or at least mentioned behaviors with pseudonyms that made clear who did what and why they should be ashamed.
As for ranting in general – it’s your blog, sugar…rant away! Isn’t that what one does among friends??
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Aww, sugar – I’m sorry you’ve had to drink the poison kool-aid. Some folks are so intent on control, they don’t see they’re squeezing the life out of the very thing they’re supposed to be saving. Sucks. Much.
You know I home school. There are many reasons. The Harper Valley PTA mentality is one of them. People too interested in image and what may mar it, in gathering the glory without doing the work, and in forcing others to think, act, be like them. Some folks see brilliance and welcome it…and some are chaffed and do their best to dull it to their own tarnish.
I hope it improves, and if it doesn’t, I hope Cindy can find another way to lend her beautiful spirit to your kids’ school culture that doesn’t wear her down and bring such stress to your family.
And by the way? You didn’t say much of anything detailed in your rant, so I hardly think there’s cause for anyone to complain. You showed remarkable restraint – I might have named names, or at least mentioned behaviors with pseudonyms that made clear who did what and why they should be ashamed.
As for ranting in general – it’s your blog, sugar…rant away! Isn’t that what one does among friends??
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Heh-heh, I had to come back and respond about how easy it is to write rants. You’re right, Sean, they do fly off the fingers, don’t they? I enjoy reading your rants, partly because I think they’re so rare, but still so eloquently written.
Heh-heh, I had to come back and respond about how easy it is to write rants. You’re right, Sean, they do fly off the fingers, don’t they? I enjoy reading your rants, partly because I think they’re so rare, but still so eloquently written.
While not associated with a school, I have worked in similar situations. I applaud your voicing your concerns and frustrations. Thank goodness all my grandchildren are being home schooled.
While not associated with a school, I have worked in similar situations. I applaud your voicing your concerns and frustrations. Thank goodness all my grandchildren are being home schooled.
Hi Sean and Cindy – And so, why should your PTA be any different than the vast majority? J/K. My sister-in-law resigned from her State PTA Board of Directors for similar reasons. The woman has a Ph.D. in organizational psychology for god’s sake and still couldn’t deal with it all. Group dynamics, especially – I’m sorry to say – those groups primarily comprised of women who have something to prove to themselves or each other and little else to do, can be brutal, petty and ruinatin’. Yeah, I made that word up. Good rant, and from the sounds of it, well-deserved.
Hi Sean and Cindy – And so, why should your PTA be any different than the vast majority? J/K. My sister-in-law resigned from her State PTA Board of Directors for similar reasons. The woman has a Ph.D. in organizational psychology for god’s sake and still couldn’t deal with it all. Group dynamics, especially – I’m sorry to say – those groups primarily comprised of women who have something to prove to themselves or each other and little else to do, can be brutal, petty and ruinatin’. Yeah, I made that word up. Good rant, and from the sounds of it, well-deserved.
Ah, I love a good rant to start the day (it’s morning here) and yours are very satisfying. Just as they fly from your fingers they roll past the eyes quite easily too.
“To anyone reading this who takes particular umbrage with anything I’ve said today, you probably owe my wife an apology.”
Awesome line. I wonder if they’ll get it…
Wishing you all the best in this crapola of a situation, and all because of a few – argh!
Stay true to you.
Ah, I love a good rant to start the day (it’s morning here) and yours are very satisfying. Just as they fly from your fingers they roll past the eyes quite easily too.
“To anyone reading this who takes particular umbrage with anything I’ve said today, you probably owe my wife an apology.”
Awesome line. I wonder if they’ll get it…
Wishing you all the best in this crapola of a situation, and all because of a few – argh!
Stay true to you.
I’m so sorry, Cindy. I agree with Sean – some things need to be said.
I’m so sorry, Cindy. I agree with Sean – some things need to be said.
Ah Sean, a rant is rare from you, true. But totally understandable in defense of your dear wife.
Cindy, strength be yours as you address what needs to be in the future. I am sure you will handle it with grace.
Ah Sean, a rant is rare from you, true. But totally understandable in defense of your dear wife.
Cindy, strength be yours as you address what needs to be in the future. I am sure you will handle it with grace.
It is really difficult to always support our partners if things are already becoming or turning out not so good…however, that is when our partners need our support all the more.
As Trina said, it is ok for us to have some occasional rants… Good luck to your wife Sean, she is I think doing great by helping others with her gifts and efforts.
It is really difficult to always support our partners if things are already becoming or turning out not so good…however, that is when our partners need our support all the more.
As Trina said, it is ok for us to have some occasional rants… Good luck to your wife Sean, she is I think doing great by helping others with her gifts and efforts.
Candy: I agree. All too often there are too many cooks in the kitchen, and those with the loudest mouths seem to get their way rather than those people with the best ideas. I’ve seen the same thing – if you want to help your child, help the entire community, not just their room, their teacher, or their situation.
Kyddryn: There were certainly plenty of specific examples, but I thought painting in broad strokes was not only more appropriate, but it was also more effective as well. You should have seen my first draft, it was not quite as gentle. : > )
Thanks for the laughs with the Harper Valley PTA and one of the best sentences I read all day with some are chaffed and do their best to dull it to their own tarnish.
Kool Aid: They really, really do. What do you think about a Friday rant series? It could be awesome.
Linda: Thanks, Linda! Yes, there is something to be said for homeschooling for sure. Fortunately, our children are in an outstanding program where they are able to learn Spanish, something we could not give them.
Betsy: Great comment Betsy! I love this sentence: “Group dynamics, especially – I’m sorry to say – those groups primarily comprised of women who have something to prove to themselves or each other and little else to do, can be brutal, petty and ruinatin’.” Right down to the word ruinatin, which I think I will be adopting now. Thanks!
Bron: (snicker…) Yeah, I think that was my favorite sentence. I have no idea if they will get it, or if they will even see it, but its purpose was served for sure. Thank you for the compliments!
Vered: Yup, and I’m glad I could say them. Bullies get power because no one stands up to them. Words are powerful, and when wielded can divert disaster.
Trina: Thanks, Trina. Cindy is the strongest lady I know. I’m glad to have her on my side always, and always eager to say what must be said on her behalf.
Elmot: Turns out, an occasional rant is good for the heart. I feel much better already! Thanks for the encouragement Elmot.
Candy: I agree. All too often there are too many cooks in the kitchen, and those with the loudest mouths seem to get their way rather than those people with the best ideas. I’ve seen the same thing – if you want to help your child, help the entire community, not just their room, their teacher, or their situation.
Kyddryn: There were certainly plenty of specific examples, but I thought painting in broad strokes was not only more appropriate, but it was also more effective as well. You should have seen my first draft, it was not quite as gentle. : > )
Thanks for the laughs with the Harper Valley PTA and one of the best sentences I read all day with some are chaffed and do their best to dull it to their own tarnish.
Kool Aid: They really, really do. What do you think about a Friday rant series? It could be awesome.
Linda: Thanks, Linda! Yes, there is something to be said for homeschooling for sure. Fortunately, our children are in an outstanding program where they are able to learn Spanish, something we could not give them.
Betsy: Great comment Betsy! I love this sentence: “Group dynamics, especially – I’m sorry to say – those groups primarily comprised of women who have something to prove to themselves or each other and little else to do, can be brutal, petty and ruinatin’.” Right down to the word ruinatin, which I think I will be adopting now. Thanks!
Bron: (snicker…) Yeah, I think that was my favorite sentence. I have no idea if they will get it, or if they will even see it, but its purpose was served for sure. Thank you for the compliments!
Vered: Yup, and I’m glad I could say them. Bullies get power because no one stands up to them. Words are powerful, and when wielded can divert disaster.
Trina: Thanks, Trina. Cindy is the strongest lady I know. I’m glad to have her on my side always, and always eager to say what must be said on her behalf.
Elmot: Turns out, an occasional rant is good for the heart. I feel much better already! Thanks for the encouragement Elmot.
I’m proud of both of you, Sean. Cindy’s a bigger, better person than me. The things you describe brought back painful memories for me. You’ve probably guessed by now that I loved teaching, was passionate about what I taught and the folk I taught and contributed loads to foster community. What you’ve described is why I left teaching. It happens in staffrooms as well as in voluntary committees and at school gates; it’s why I heaved a sigh of relief when my kids got old enough for me not to have to hang around at the school any more waiting to pick them up. I wonder why some folk even work with kids at all. Hug Cindy from me, please. You said this eloquently, Sean, and it had to be said. This wasn’t a rant; it was vintage Writer Dad, where your passion and love overflow irrepressibly into your writing.
I’m proud of both of you, Sean. Cindy’s a bigger, better person than me. The things you describe brought back painful memories for me. You’ve probably guessed by now that I loved teaching, was passionate about what I taught and the folk I taught and contributed loads to foster community. What you’ve described is why I left teaching. It happens in staffrooms as well as in voluntary committees and at school gates; it’s why I heaved a sigh of relief when my kids got old enough for me not to have to hang around at the school any more waiting to pick them up. I wonder why some folk even work with kids at all. Hug Cindy from me, please. You said this eloquently, Sean, and it had to be said. This wasn’t a rant; it was vintage Writer Dad, where your passion and love overflow irrepressibly into your writing.
Sean:
I worked full-time as a political consultant for nine years, and let me tell you: the most vicious politics you’ll ever find is in the PTA meeting room.
Kudos to your wife for walking, eyes open, into the dragon’s den. And to you for supporting her.
Mark
Sean:
I worked full-time as a political consultant for nine years, and let me tell you: the most vicious politics you’ll ever find is in the PTA meeting room.
Kudos to your wife for walking, eyes open, into the dragon’s den. And to you for supporting her.
Mark
Janice: LOL, as I said above. I think I need to make rants a regular part of my repertoire. They are not only easy to write, they seem to gather all my best syllables together as well! I understand how you feel. Cindy’s not the only one I know who has had a difficult time in such settings. Live and learn for sure.
Mark: “Kudos to your wife for walking, eyes open, into the dragon’s den. And to you for supporting her.” What a wonderful, wonderful couple of sentences. Thank you, Mark.
Janice: LOL, as I said above. I think I need to make rants a regular part of my repertoire. They are not only easy to write, they seem to gather all my best syllables together as well! I understand how you feel. Cindy’s not the only one I know who has had a difficult time in such settings. Live and learn for sure.
Mark: “Kudos to your wife for walking, eyes open, into the dragon’s den. And to you for supporting her.” What a wonderful, wonderful couple of sentences. Thank you, Mark.