Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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that blue bird is a scrub jay. This hooded oriole also hangs around. He likes to steal from the hummingbird feeder.
Got my senior flu shot yesterday . My shot record is full! Too many weird shots like yellow fever, typhus, typhoid, hep A and B etc.
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I'm holding off on the flu shot till my usual mid-October, so that it'll still be effective into April. The bigger question is about the multi-variant COVID booster: do I get the Pfizer shot when it's offered in (hopefully) Sept., or should I wait for Moderna's in Oct.? (Bob suggests the latter because my four previous shots have been Moderna, but the clock is ticking on my waning immunity from my second booster five months ago).
Speaking of which, my HK came back today. She was delighted to get out of her house, where she has not only to care for her DH (who refuses to let the V.A. send in a home care aide because he doesn't want a stranger in their home) but was isolating at the same time. She is feeling much better; and Happy was nowhere near as clingy today (the kitties appreciate going back to their normal routine with their "second mama"). She's off over the weekend (as per usual), but having her here today makes dealing with the kitties over the weekend much easier for me psychologically.
And our city's health commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, tested COVID+ this week for the first time since the pandemic began. Because she's still in her 40s with no risk factors (she's no longer obese), she received only one booster before coming down with the virus (mild cold symptoms, low fever). She isn't taking Paxlovid, which studies have shown is much more effective for us "golden oldies" than for Gen-Xers. If she, who masks indoors everywhere, csn get it then anyone can. I'm hoping against hope that my "hybrid immunity" (Omicron BA.1 in between two boosters) can hold up--but I'm not taking unnecessary chances. I don't care if I'm the only person in the grocery store wearing a mask--if anyone scorns me that's their problem. (Sometimes I even have to wear one outside on windy days to protect myself from pollens & molds, which are sky-high now).
Another bummer: the area's best Bloomingdale's (Old Orchard, which 1995 grand opening we attended with fireworks, champagne & a Ray Charles mini-concert) is closing in October. Of all the department stores in the area, it has the best selection of apparel both regular & semi-formal available for try-ons. It'll morph into a smaller, hipper "Bloomies" version, replacing what had been the best (bi-level) Barnes & Noble. It'll still have its first Chicsgo location on the Mag Mile, but with a much smaller clothing selection. Nordstrom last year also pared down its in-store selection because "people prefer shopping online." I am SO tired of having to buy things online in multiple sizes to find one that fits and then have to repack and return the wrong sizes. I miss being able to browse through stores in search of serendipity.
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I think I'll wait for the Moderna. Like you all 4 shots were that. Right now they are more worried about what comes after omicron. New variant that could be more deadly. Crazy.
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Socallisa, thanks for the explanation on the blue jay! I love birdwatching, and I am easily confused these days, after being Dx for a third time. Ugh. Anyway, now I know! Such beautiful photos! Love the oriole too!!! (I also love to learn new things! Who says they can't teach an old dog new tricks?)
As for vaccines, I got my flu shot a week ago, when they first came out, because I work in a school, a.k.a. germ factory, and will go back to work next week. With my surgery scheduled mid-October, I am so afraid of getting Covid now, because up until now, I have avoided it.
I was only able to get J&J in 2021. Talk about stress levels, mine went through the roof, and ended in a mental break-down! One night, I had all I could take and literally burst out in tears in front of my DH. The stress was far worse than any I ever experienced with breast cancer! I am the youngest of 5, now 4 since my oldest sister passed. All siblings are married, my husband has four siblings as well, two are married. All are retired, except for me. Anyway, our roll out of vaccines here, and I guess almost everywhere, was horrible!
We had to get on lists to get a vaccine. My husband retired from Pfizer and still had to get on a list same as I did! I actually did all the registering, and I put myself in the system first and then immediately registered my husband. I was desperate to get a vaccine because I worked in a school and they were talking about bringing all the students back in-person! Up until then we were meeting with half the students Monday-Thursday and alternating groups on Fridays. Anyway, I was almost daily in a room with someone who tested positive. I still don't know why I never got it because I wore cloth masks with filters at the time, I couldn't even get KN95 masks, which I wear when I go in stores and will wear at work. Of course, as soon as I came home I threw my clothes in the laundry and took a shower. I washed my hands so much at work, and used hand sanitizer, although I don't like using that.
I even lost sleep at night waiting for midnight to jump on Walgreen's website to try to score a vaccine time slot. I was always too slow and even when I got a slot, I didn't realize that others could jump in, do the typing form faster and get the slot! The who roll out was a catastrophe!
All of my siblings and my DH were notified that they could get a vaccine, all were retired and didn't have to go out for ANYTHING! I, on the other hand, was around positive people daily, and could not for the life of me, get a vaccine! I live in PA and our governor set up the state's shipment of J& J vaccines for school employees only. I was on the first tier to get a vaccine due to working with special education students.
Thankfully, I had no trouble getting Moderna boosters, of which I have had two, one last fall, one in April. I too am hoping to get a booster prior to surgery in October! I prefer to get another Moderna but will follow my doctor's advice. They can't come out soon enough!
Life sure can be crazy! Thankfully, it can be equally amazing too!
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Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an
understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the
best in people. Leave people better than you found them.
Marvin J. Ashton0 -
Hmm. I think I'll be waiting until October for flu shot and Moderna booster. I gt mine from the V.A. normally and have always pretty much followed their ( my PCP ) plan for me. Even though we seem to NOT be getting un-duly infected around here, I do tend to wear my mask when I go into stores. We did not go to the Balloon Fest this yr. Part was a consideration of just being around thousands of people. It was outdoors which is often a big help, but there would be instances of being pretty close to 'strangers' from other areas. Just seemed safer not to bother. Maybe next yr.
I am so hopeful that all who are here are able to bypass getting covid. It is difficult for teachers and I think those who work in medical settings.
Nothing special for today -- just try to get a few things done and a plan for the beginning of the week. Soon ( little over a week ) Kate and Ron will be back from vacation. Saw pictures of the new car. It looks really nice -- but it was hard to tell all that much since it was a smallish picture sent over the phone.
Hope you all have a great Saturday.
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Outlets just aren’t what they used to be. A lot around here, or close enough to go to, are regular priced stores. Even in Florida the biggest outlet nearest to me isn’t deep discount and some are regular priced items you’d likely get a better price on sale in the non outlet stores.
Flu shot - I plan on getting it near the end of October, prior to hitting the road for the NY to Texas to Florida pilgrimage. The covid booster I’ll get when I qualify, but I too had Moderna- 2 shots and 2 boosters. So I think I’d stick with Moderna, but once a booster is available who knows.
My chimney is completed. It looks much better than the old one. But as a lay person, the old one looked ok to me too. He’s also given me a quote to refinish my front porch steps. I had noticed rust on them, it’s from years of water hitting them (leaf guard gutter guards on there now!) and you can see the metal support built into them. I’ve got to grind down the railings with my Dremel or some other sander, and repaint them too. The money pit lives on!
As I key this my partner is having problems with the water dispenser in the refrigerator door. You press and no water. Happened to me earlier this morning. I reminded him that in Oct/Nov last year I said it may be time to replace the stove/fridge/microwave. I’ll keep my eyes out for Labor day sales. Microwave clock display has been missing parts of numbers for over two years now. He says new ones are no better, maybe repair the refrigerator. I’m not so sure. Frigidaire Gallery series purchased full set in 2009. I’ll need to research that.
Clouds have given way to sun, currently 72 out. It’s the first time in days that I haven’t had the scaffolding and 4 men in motion. I may do nothing today but hang in my night shirt, andmaybe switch to a bathing suit later. Enjoy your weekend ladies!
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If not for my up coming surgery, I would definitely wait until October to get flu vaccine! I am crossing my fingers I don't get Covid when I get back to work. As we all know, you can't plan everything, so I am not stressing over it. If I get it, surgery will be delayed and if that is all that happens, I will count my blessings...which I do anyway!
I too put off going to outdoor event again this year. We have a local county grange fair and it is so much fun. Everything from animals to tractors to baked goods and garden vegetables. My DD and SIL took our grandkids who were especially thrilled by the pig races. Definitely next year!
Nice about the new chimney! Do you have a fireplace or is it connected to your heater? I always wanted a fireplace but never had one. Fire pit in back yard is as close as I will get but not complaining! No fireplace means no chimney repair.
It does seem things happen constantly, sometimes at the same time! I keep praying our appliances keep on working because there seems to be a shortage in supply at our local stores. I think that is starting to get better, which is good. Sometimes it is so hard deciding to repair or replace. I prefer repair, but sometimes that becomes more than buying new.
The weather is gorgeous again today! I know we need rain, but I really am loving the sunny days!
My favorite season is the fall. I don't think I would like to live anywhere that didn't have four seasons!
Have a great weekend!
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Illinoislady...are you a veteran?? I am but I don't use the VA health. I get mine through Rite Aide
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Lisa, I am indeed a veteran. We started using V.A. services when we lost our health Ins. through Dh's work. This was right about the time I got my breast cancer so it was indeed a life saver. We have been overall fortunate it seems, though at this point we are far out ( having made the switch back in 2006/&7 ) so no longer have much of a comparison. Marion which is the nearest VA. hospital is small and always making improvements to their clinics. Mt. Vernon ( about 20 miles south of us which Marion is 72 ) is our sattelite ofc. where our primary care is handled with Dr.Neely. We are hoping she never leaves.
Mavericksmom, I love all the seasons too. Dh and I lived in southern Califonria ( Ventura/Santa Barbara areas ) for a long ttime. Met there and married but I'm originally from right here and he is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My Mom and Dad relocated in So. Calif when I went into the service and when my dad passes in 96 Mom brought him home for burial and chose to stay. All of a sudden Calif. no longer felt like home so we chose the following Spring to come as well. We came in 1997. No regrets. I love all the seasons and find special meaningful parts to each of them. Love the newness of each Spring when the trees get dressed in their finery again, but love the Fall for almost the same reason. All are going for a long winter's nap while we go through the cold snowy time.
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I too love the fall. Nothing like crisp air, apple picking and pumpkins too. But I balk at winter. I’m done freezing, staying indoors more than out, and a new fear of slipping on ice to re-injure the hamstring. If we ever had to give up the FL house I’d still need to be gone for 3-4 months.
My chimney is the exhaust vent for my gas boiler, and the oil burner/boiler before that. I had black/brown ooze show up in the kitchen, the mason said water had penetrated the liner. Apparently it’s not uncommon. I’ve never had a fireplace but always romanticized having one. Old one with nice blue sky, new one with stormy sky
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The initial vax rollout here in 2020 was a fustercluck--demand was extreme & desperate. The best-connected got it first: Trump Tower mgr. & his buddies, head of Loretto Hospital and his friends (including his luxury watch dealer). millionaire multi-church pastor & his boards. The prestige hospitals, espec. Northwestern, made Pfizer available to all its docs--even retired ones!--and their families (and some called their BFFs & social buddies "family"); whereas Bob's three hospitals gave it first to just its COVID-ward and then its ICU personnel (from docs on down to janitors). Finally, in mid-Dec., OSF Little Co. of Mary gave it to all its docs & nurses including Bob...but not to family members. I had to constantly log in to Walgreen's and click in an ever-widening geographic radius from my home to grab an appt.--and pounce on it. Harwood Heights, a suburb >20mi. NW...in a blinding snowstorm. When I got there, they had Moderna (about which we knew little at the time), but no official CDC vaccine cards--instead, we got computer printouts. They were too busy to schedule the 4-wk followups, so we had to go home and go through the whole online rigmarole again--yup, once more to Harwood Heights (this time the day after Mardi Gras, so the silver lining was stopping in a Polish bakery en route home for exotic paczkis).
When boosters came out, my neighborhood Walgreen's was doing walk-ins but had only Pfizer; they gave me (and filled out) an official CDC record card and called ahead to another branch that had Moderna--where I walked in, rolled up my sleeve, and was out after the 15-minute observation period. For the second booster, the tech wasn't going to give it to me because I wasn't on chemo, hadn't had rads recently enough, and wasn't taking immunosuppressive drugs--but the pharmacist took one look at my age, the words "cancer" and "moderate renal impairment" (GFR number was too low to get the full Paxlovid dose 2 months earlier when I caught Omicron) and ushered me in to administer the shot himself. He said that within a week the CDC would be recommending second boosters for everyone 60 and older anyway. That was at the end of March. Five months now and I wonder what remains of my "hybrid immunity."
I will move heaven & earth to get whatever multivalent booster I can as soon as it's offered. Same for the nasal-spray versions if & when they're developed & released. And I'm not putting away my KN95s any time soon (though my cute little color-coordinated cloth masks are stored away for now--if ever they're appropriate again).
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Just to chime in on the Covid boosters, I had the two-part Pfizer shots, then the Pfizer booster, then recently the Moderna booster. I was told by my PCP at the VA that she was recommending the booster be from a different company that the other shots I got previously to "widen" immunity. I had no side effects from any of the shots. I got my flu shot the same day as the Moderna booster.
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How many veterans are on this topic?? I am a Navy Veteran.
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Maverick - what do you teach? I'm a School Psychologist - love what I do but beginning to feel my age catching up with me. More tired this year than I remember in the past.
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And I retired early from School Psychology. Got sick and tired with inter-factional BS when the objective is to educate our young people. I mean, REAL tired.
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It is never too late to turn on the light. Your ability to break an unhealthy habit
or turn off an old tape doesn't depend on how long it has been running; a shift
in perspective doesn't depend on how long you've held on to the old view.
When you flip the switch in that attic, it doesn't matter whether its been dark
for ten minutes, ten years or ten decades.
The light still illuminates the room and banishes the murkiness, letting you see
the things you couldn't see before.
Its never too late to take a moment to look.
Sharon Salzberg
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation0 -
Have to admit, we did a lot of playing yesterday. Wanted to go to the Goodwill -- something just made me feel I should go. Turned out to be a good thing. Not only was there an actual " No Salt Cookbook " but there were references inside for companies that have products specific to no salt diets. The book mentioned that you can leave the salt out of most recipes -- the trick is to replace it with something that will impart the flavor you will miss with leaving out the salt.
So, now I have a lot of recipes all in one place and don't have to rely on little notes on back of envelopes or whatever -- and I don't even have to try out a lot of cooking to find out how best to instill flavor lost by subtracting salt.
Yep, that started it. Wondered what other great things we may have missed at the local thrift stores. We went to a few more and picked up a couple of items. I found a nice bread box, and an older but very clean small Tupperware bowl with lid. ( 50 cents ) and for a quarter, a spoon rest to have out for our ' coffee ' spoon that is used and rinsed in the morning with those in the house who use a flavored creamer. I broke my old one that was a perfect size. Glad I found another. So, didn't get a lot done at home, but did find a few of my small list of wants plus a little more in the form of that cookbook. We will play it by ear today.
Hope you all have a good Sunday.
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Karen, I am not a teacher, I am a "paraprofessional" which is a fancy word for classroom aide! I have a science degree, worked in research for 7 years. Quit to stay home with my kids and then worked in the schools doing so many different jobs before finally landing an aide job. Again, to be available for my kids. I always thought I would return to the lab someday, but 20 years after my youngest graduated high school, I am still doing the same job! I actually always wanted to be a teacher. This will be my 32nd year!
I love the kids! I am in a middle school and a lot of people don't like those age groups, but I don't have energy for the younger kids anymore, and I didn't want to go to the high school with all the student drivers, hahaha! Seriously, I mostly work in 6th grade, and they are really fun!
What I dislike is all the data collection. I see teachers being replaced by technology graduates someday. So much of the creativity that was once in the middle school classroom, is gone now, not because teachers are less creative, but because they don't have time. Too much time is spent on forms and data that have no real impact on teaching or learning! So frustrating.
My other big gripe is that students are not held accountable for their actions anymore. Parents rule. I believe in parental input but balanced by teacher/school. I am also a big believer in consequences that teach lessons, rather than "punishments!"
It seems as if politics has entered the schools now, and I hate that too. I never discus politics with students, even when kids want to know who I am voting for when our school does a "mock" Presidential election. I feel that politics should be "taught" at home and kids in middle school (5-8th grade) should be focused on school and not politics. I am in favor of the 8th grade curriculum which teaches the Constitution and political processes, but opinions are just that, "opinions" and everyone has one.
Part of me is looking forward to being back this week, part of me doesn't want to go back. Pretty much how I feel after every summer! I am very thankful I have a job I can still do and do well.
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Good afternoon ladies. Regarding the covid vaccine rollout, our little community had a very easy rollout. Shenandoah University volunteered their indoor sports arena for use and the hospital setup an online registration system. You could call in if you needed to do so. We had Pfizer in our area. The school of music provided entertainment. They did this for the first two shots. For our 3 shot, the hospital setup in a vacant space in the mall. It was walk-in, no appointments. For our 4th our primary care started to offer shots. I guess I’ll ask about the 5th shot when I go in for my flu shot in October.
A lazy afternoon. Watching baseball. Our team - Washington Nationals - are having an awful season. But we still watch. Enjoy your day.
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Middle school can be difficult for some people, but I enjoyed my middle school assignments. Except for some members of administration.
I disagree about data collection. Schools need to know what programs are effective, and whether students are making progress. It especially matters in making decisions about whether a child is a candidate for special education or is having academic problems because of disadvantaging circumstances. This is especially important these days because some kids totally missed out on two years of school. This is a stressful situation for paraprofessionals, because much of the pressure for student achievement is on their laps. I wish I didn't have the health issues I have now, which prevent me from volunteering or substitute teaching.
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Maverick - thank you, thank you, thank you. We couldn't do our jobs without paras. Data is important when looking at progress or lack there of. I agree, education has changed so very much in 30+ years, heck in 15 years. This is not the same position I started in the early 90s - though I've been in sped for 45 years.
Mary - the paperwork and the pettiness does make this work hard. Thankfully I work with a very good team and when I cover a school they are so happy to have someone, I get little push back. That said, I'm nearing the end of my active career.
I donated blood this morning and I've been exhausted all day. Struggled to stay awake after dinner - now I'm wide awake
Looking forward to the long week-end. We are going to the mountains for our 45th wedding anniversary to do some hiking.
Have a great week.
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Karen. Happy, happy anniversary. Enjoy the moutains and the anniversary.
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Happy Anniversary Karen!!! Enjoy hiking!!!
I realize the importance of data (I have a science degree), it just seems to be extreme at times. I can't control it either way, so I do what I can do, and let go of the rest. I care about the students. I know I help many, as I see some years after they graduate and they remember things, most of which seemed insignificant to me at the time, that helped them. That's how I measure my success! I was given a lovely gift for my 30 years, but honestly all I ever want is having a student thank me for helping them with a test or project. Small group testing is what I love most. In 2008 I went to a local University and took the most interesting classes. When it was time for me to take a test, I got a real time reality check of what my students go through! I told myself the same things I tell the kids I take out for testing: relax, you can do this, do what you know first, take your time.......
As for student stress post pandemic, it was through the roof last year! I had more students with melt downs and emotional distress last year than in all my other 30+ years combined! Truly sad to experience. Talk about improvement! I saw most of those same students grow by leaps and bounds!
We have a policy of "no hugging" students, but thankfully I have Principals who understand that sometimes a hug is warranted! As I tell my students, I am not a disciplinarian. I will correct them if they do something wrong, but it isn't to get them in trouble, but rather to get them back on track! I am their academic success coach! Can you tell, I love my job?
Today is the first day of school for my two "local" grandchildren. The youngest will go to first grade. They will both ride the bus, which is a huge deal for them. They aren't in the same district I work at. My oldest grandchild lives in the mid-west and started school weeks ago.
I have to go for a stress test this morning that I am definitely not looking forward to. Thankfully it is in the morning so I will have most of the day to get things done at home.
Have a really wonderful day everyone!!! Do what makes you happy!
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MM, I knew you could understand given your science degree. Educational statistics is a soft science, but the analogies still stand.
Agreed, Karen. Districts and educators which are unwilling to change eventually receive the ultimation. Educators who say "Things are changing." often get an ultimation "Put up and shut up."
At times doing paperwork was my time to retreat to office and away from interpersonal difficulties.
Anyway, I, like usual, have a whole list of things to do. Anyone know a good recipe for canning summer squash, okra, and tomatillos together? Other vegetables are welcome. My garden is small, and by the time I have collected 1 1/2 pounds of any one of those (excepting summer squash), the first picked are a bit sad looking.
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Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the
mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of glacier
meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature's darlings. Climb
the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow
into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow
their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you like autumn leaves. As age
comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed,
but Nature's sources never fail.
John Muir0 -
I think it is going to be a wet day today. We started thunderstorms last evening and there are still some out there. It is quite cloudy ( a bit dark ) and the wind seems to come and go. I do think this will be with us all day and seems to me that I saw a weekly forecast that said we might have a week of this.
Well, maybe my car will get cleaner -- though going through mud puddles is a bit much. Not too much planned -- at least outside. I do hope we remain a lot cooler although I only noticed the heat is we were outside for a long period with no breeze. Otherwise, I found it easily tolerable. I don't think I'm heating up as much as I use too.
I don't have any recipes for canning. My mom did a lot of it, but that was a long time back now and I don't recall but only that she did veggies a lot. Wish I could be more help.
Hope you all have a good day.
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Happy Anniversary Karen! Enjoy the weekend in the mountains and the hiking.
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Article about teacher shortage.
How Bad Is the Teacher Shortage? It Depends on Where You Live.0 -
Karen, happy anniversary! Enjoy your weekend and your hike.
It was 91 and humid today. Spent a lot of time in our pool. Tomorrow we’re off to the state fair on a 7 AM bus. We’ll arrive before 10 and hope it’s not a rain out. The bus won’t leave for home until 6 PM, could be a very long day if it’s full of rain.
The mason got back to me, they’re resurfacing my front steps tomorrow. I told him no one will be home, he’s fine with that. I’m leaving the back porch door unlocked so he has access to electricity and I’ve left a check in an envelope under that power strip. Inside door is double locked, deadbolt and a door handle type. Plus there is a camera on the back porch showing any movements. I don’t think they’d ever do anything to risk their business, I just feel strange leaving it open and not being here. I could force a postponement but at this point I feel like - just get it over with.
Teacher shortage is real. In FL if I’m not mistaken, my second home town, if you have military service and haven’t finished your degree, no problem. They’ll hire you. FL schools are so poorly staffed I could substitute, maybe even get hired full time. I have a BA in Business Management, I’m 63, retired over 8 years ago from almost 37 years of being a civil servant. I feel l bad for the kids.
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