Ms. Pierce returns to the classroom

Most of you who know me know that I've been out of work for a while. A friend recommended that I substitute teach while job searching, and I decided to take her advice. Subbing isn't quite what I thought it would be. I've found it interesting, and now more than ever, I have a huge respect for teachers.

Things have changed ... a lot. The first day I was only going to sub for a day but another teacher's sub called out so I ended up working all day. I forgot how congested the hallways are when the bell rings so I learned to dodge and weave again. Also, the bells aren't like the ones we had in my day, they're more like a horn.

I've had the opportunity to meet some very good teachers and students. However, I'm not going to candy coat this ... many students don't respect their teachers ... especially this sub. I got so tired of saying, shh, quiet and go sit in the hall.

That morning I subbed for a Special Education teacher and spent the mornings helping teachers keep order in their classes. In the English class, the students watched a movie while munching on popcorn they brought from home. (I do not remember this happening when I was in school) It was okay with me, I microwaved popcorn and chilled during the movie. There was also a snack break during this class. (I don't remember having while in school either.) In one class, I learned about the male and female reproductive systems. Yes, I did learn. I didn't know that when the female becomes pregnant the egg is a zygote until it reaches the uterus.

That afternoon I subbed for a teacher that taught different creative and communication classes. This was right up my ally. The first two classes were good, but then sixth period hit and I almost lost my religion. There were 33 students in there and the teacher had told me if they were bad to make them sit in the hall. The problem was I would have had to send 29 students to the hall and that would have been even more chaotic. That class was baptism by fire.

One thing that really bothered me was that the children couldn't take their books home because they have to share them with the other classes. Maybe it's because I'm a book lover but this was strange to me.

Overall it was a good day. I enjoyed talking to the students and seeing all the progress that has been made in the school system. Things aren't perfect but then what is perfect? Classrooms have changed and so has the makeup of the children who attend. I subbed two more days before the Christmas break and look forward to the new year so that I can go again.

Rhonda Lemley Poe ... Keeping the Faith

It's hard for me to find a person to admire for the right reasons. There are music stars, actors, business persons, etc., who are admired for their talents.

More importantly, there are everyday people who make great strides by doing good things and ask for nothing in return. And then, there are those who are going through their own personal trials, who keep their faith, never give up and do it all with a smile on their face. The ones who do good and those who are strong during personal trials are the ones I admire.

When I think of someone I admire a girl I knew in high school comes to my mind. She is Rhonda Lemley Poe, who is facing her second battle with cancer. Yet when she posts pictures of herself taking treatments, she has a big smile on her face, and she always looks to her faith in God to get her through. I've watched her ongoing battle and admire her for her attitude and faith. I don't know I'd do as well.

Today she made a post that would seem negative to some. Rhonda was mad and stated how much she hates cancer. My heart ached for her because she's in a tough situation and I don't know what to say to help her. But when I read her post a second time I didn't see negativity, instead, I saw a strong lady who is still fighting. I'm hoping the anger she has toward cancer will keep her steadfast and battle strong.

Rhonda, I want you to know that I pray for blessings on you and your family everyday and pray that you will soon be cancer free. I'm not giving up on you, and I don't want you to give up on yourself. Pray hard, feel the love of your family and friends and keep your head high, pointing toward the God who has seen you through to this point.

As a side note: You are really rocking that short spikey hair.

You go girl and God bless.

Got Away With It Colony

Once again, a jury got it wrong. George Zimmerman may not have intentionally killed Trayvon Martin, but his actions caused the child's death ... manslaughter for sure. But instead of making Zimmerman serve time and find justice for a young man's death, the jury sets him free.

Race aside, the dispatcher told him to stay in his car. Instead he takes his gun, removes himself from his car and approaches Trayvon. Regardless of who started the alercation, it wouldn't have happened if he'd done as the dispatcher instructed.

After the Casey Anthony debachle I had decided not to follow anymore high profile trials. I haven't but I can still be offended by the result. I believe the jurors can't handle the circus that comes with high-profile cases and are too concerned with what the public thinks of them. Prosecutors in Florida seem to be great speakers (opening and closing arguments) but are not good at piecing the crime together for the jurors to help them visualize and feel what happened. However, the defense attornies are great at creating doubt.

I've decided that since we can't count on jurors to make the correct decisions, we as a society have to protect ourselves, hence my idea...

It is because of this that I've come up with an ingenius plan. I think we should develop a "Got Away with it Colony" for those who commit murder/manslaughter but get acquitted. It would be similar to a leper colony where they would be quarantined away from society. The king and queen of this colony would be George Zimmerman and Casey Anthony. Besides being ostracized the members of the colony would be constantly watching their backs wondering when one of their own might kill them ... literally looking for a knife in their back. I have serious doubts that my colony iea will take place so I will go to the one action that should take precidence ... prayor.

Truly, I'm not making light of the situation. I feel so bad for Trayvon's family and friends because justice was not served. It wouldn't have take the pain away but it would have given them some peace. So, my prayers are with them ... God bless you.

Free at last

It's been a while since I've posted a blog ... but I'm back. I took a few months off from writing while my year of trials ended. It has ended on a good note and my life is progressing forward. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

I have very little stress these days. It's a freeing experience to let go. A month or so ago, I gave everything in my life to God. I've been a Christian for years but in the last few years have tried to fix everything myself. The last year was one of the most difficult times in my life. I had no idea where I'd end up or how I'd get there.

This time, I truly let go and it was then my life began to get better. I didn't spend my day worrying about being unemployed, instead I gained a second wind and was more persistant in my search. My love life had become confusing, and now it's inline with what I desire with good people in my life. I'm dating a couple of people but I let one person in particular back into my life. It's not a serious relationship but instead is enjoyable. We're just relaxed and are enjoying each other's company. Then mid-January, I interviewed for a job that I wanted badly. I now have that job, and it's a job I got on my own, by my experience. They weren't talked into hiring me, instead they wanted me. That's such a good feeling.

I now look forward to each day and to what God has in store for the rest of my life. The painful feelings from last year are receeding so that I don't think about it much. Now I have a feeling of peace and freedom. I pray for blessings for my friends and I thank God for each of you.