Sooooooooooooooooo its been over 3 months and I have no idea how things got so hectic SO quickly.
Before PreK started, there were play dates and scrimping to get all the fees handled and I worked on my resume to get back out there and find an on-site teaching gig. Then once school started, there were school events and just getting adjusted to it all. Once we were adjusted, I got a mid semester gig teaching an accelerated course at the local JC. It is taught in half the semester, so it begins half way through the regular semester. Comp I is familiar territory so its been going well!
NOW I'm finally getting settled into juggling my two online courses, the on site course, and Elena and her various comings and goings and I am starting to do research into next year's plan. Kinder will be here before we know it!
Since I was so lost in the process last year, I figured I would get a jump on things. Josh attended a school fair after I did some research and now we have narrowed it down to five or six possibilities.
I was going to keep her where she is for Kinder, and still may, but because it is hard to get into the private schools it might be better to start trying now instead of later. The school she is attending now only goes up to Kinder so switching her sooner rather than later means she will be establishing her friends and routines in the place she'll likely stay for a longer period of time(since most go to 6th or 8th grade).
I have tours set up in the coming week and look forward to applying a couple of places and seeing what is in the cards for us! Since we rent, I don't want to start her in public and have that be effected by any moves we end up doing in the next couple of years.
And Emilia is getting baptized in a couple of weeks, right after Thanksgiving. THANKSGIVING! Insane that its "that" part of the year already! Then Christmas. And begin again in January. IN. Sane.
Lena is gonna be 5 this coming January too! It never ends, huh? :) There will be a birthday party to figure out. Not especially looking forward to taking that on given her new expanded circle of friends, but I'm sure we'll figure out something economical and fun! :)
That is the update from us! BUSY BUSY BUSY and having fun with the kiddos too. We are blessed because we all have our health and the kids are growing and thriving!
More to come soon!
MISS YOU GUYS! ;)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pre K
Come September, my eldest will be starting her official "schooling". The first in many years to come, I hope!
This decision should not have been so agonizing! Yet, it was. First, there is the consideration of the money. The huge amounts of money. It costs a small fortune to get your kid into pre-kinder in a private school.
Secondly, I had to give up more time with her before she officially starts "school". She is growing up quickly, so I thought if she didn't get into pre-k, I would keep her in a two-day-a-week Spanish immersion program she has been attending the past year and a half. That would give her some away from us time and keep her with us a lot of the time to enjoy the last year we had together before "big kid" school starts.
In this town, you have to qualify based on need (money, disability, etc) for public pre-k. We didn't fit into any category, so free pre-k wasn't an option. Then my next option was religious schools, namely those of my own denomination. My church was too expensive as were a few others I checked. I considered trying for my own church's school anyway and did fill out all the paperwork but was wait listed due to missing deadlines. I had no idea these things happened in JANUARY! I was too pregnant to have a properly functioning brain and stand by that excuse!
I did get a call from them to bring her in for testing but it was scheduled for the day she had an emergency dental procedure (that was a last minute decision right before my due date). I called the lady to reschedule that morning and she said she would call me back. I nursed my daughter back from her surgery and then popped out another kid. After a few weeks I realized that I never got a call back and that window was probably closed. I didn't mourn too much since I knew I couldn't afford it and probably wouldn't qualify for scholarships.
My other option was a phone call I had made to a place called The Acorn: A School for Young Children. By calling, I was put on their list and went ahead and did the tour in May (with one month old infant in tow). It looked like a wonderful place, but being on the wait list meant taking whatever opening came up--if indeed any did come up. Based on the fact that the tour was full of preggies, shopping around for schools for their unborn children, I felt a *tiny* bit late in the process.
One grandma was there for her one year old grandson. Her darn daughter was dragging her feet in getting her baby a spot secured in the school (a tour is mandatory and held only twice a year), so she went herself to get the process underway. I was looking for a spot THIS YEAR and just got put on the list. I wasn't holding my breath.
Good thing I didn't because I got the call yesterday, a full three months later. A spot in the lesser preferred five day a week class opened up. I was not first on the list, and because they balance classes (boys/girls/ages), there were a few other four year old girls in line ahead of my own. I was "lucky"!
More days per week = more money. And of course, the days are half days. It is a morning spot, so she would be gone early until 11:30 a.m. The good thing is that her sister is guaranteed a spot when she is old enough (3 years) and that I can keep Elena there for Kinder should I wish to do that. I do wish (if we can afford it) since its a tiny place and mommy isn't ready to put her kid into a big bad public school with big kids!
So after considering it, I decided to take the spot and went down there today to leave a nice chunk of change down to hold her place. More due in August and more due in September (and ever month after that in regular tuition payments). I had both girls in tow and I felt good about the decision, which made writing the check slightly easier.
Elena got to meet her teachers and take a tour of the place and she was in LOVE with it. She didn't want to come home with me after seeing the kids at play (in the summer program they have which ends today). She tells me, "Mom! I didn't know there were so many kids in this town!" :)
Yes, little one, there are many things you do not know. (She would never admit this because she thinks she knows EVERYTHING.) BUT that is why she is starting school. She has a lot to learn!
The early childhood classes of yesteryear were different. Children who are disadvantaged (Second language learners, physical/mental disabilities, etc) are believed to be the ones who need "early intervention" or a "head start". Children who come from poor families are often thought to need the help as well.
While my daughter doesn't fall into this category, she does fit into the new think when it comes to early starts in school. She is intelligent, social and some might say (and have said) gifted. She has had a large vocabulary for a couple of years now and does not need to have the playing field leveled before kindergarten. What she does need is stimulation and enriching learning experiences. She needs to play in a structured environment and be ready to settle down when the serious learning (writing, reading, etc) begins in school.
She also might get something I never got--a leg up. I was always thought of as gifted as a child and I went to gifted schools but was never really challenged. I was bored and without breaking a sweat, got very comfy in my place and didn't think it was worth it to push myself. Why should I? It was fun to coast. I got the good grades and had fun because I didn't have to try as hard as others did.
Once I got to college, I realized something I never knew. I wasn't really *that* smart. I mean, I was, but I wasn't as exposed to things as others had been. I wasn't confident when I compared myself to the other people around me and it hurt me greatly in how things played out in the years that followed.
The students I met in college were nurtured from early ages, read earlier than I did, and read far more authors than I ever knew existed. I read what was required, and nothing beyond that. These students went to summer programs and camps and were learning all the time. I was home with siblings, helping my mom with the house and my younger brothers during summers. We played outside, got really tanned and watched too much television.
I am hoping I can create an eager lover of learning in my daughter. I want to give her many opportunities to learn, but also to be comfortable around the different people who are more "privileged" than she is. She won't be able to do all the camps and won't go to swanky private schools, but she can do what we can afford to do here and there to benefit her.
This is one small thing. (Well...maybe NOT so $mall.) It is one, possibly two years in a very small school with one teacher for every five children. The place is nurturing and fun and I have no doubt she will thrive there. I won't be able to take breaks between classes (I teach), will have to spend a lot more time grading, and we will have to tighten our belts (super snugly), but I think its a good cause and I hope in the long run, it benefits her.
I am hoping she feels comfortable and confident in every situation she faces going forward. She already has the great confidence that goes with "knowing everything" and being a four-year-old. She has a very nurturing home life that has made her feel safe and strong. Hopefully, things continue on this path so that she ends up a stronger woman than I thought I was! :)
This decision should not have been so agonizing! Yet, it was. First, there is the consideration of the money. The huge amounts of money. It costs a small fortune to get your kid into pre-kinder in a private school.
Secondly, I had to give up more time with her before she officially starts "school". She is growing up quickly, so I thought if she didn't get into pre-k, I would keep her in a two-day-a-week Spanish immersion program she has been attending the past year and a half. That would give her some away from us time and keep her with us a lot of the time to enjoy the last year we had together before "big kid" school starts.
In this town, you have to qualify based on need (money, disability, etc) for public pre-k. We didn't fit into any category, so free pre-k wasn't an option. Then my next option was religious schools, namely those of my own denomination. My church was too expensive as were a few others I checked. I considered trying for my own church's school anyway and did fill out all the paperwork but was wait listed due to missing deadlines. I had no idea these things happened in JANUARY! I was too pregnant to have a properly functioning brain and stand by that excuse!
I did get a call from them to bring her in for testing but it was scheduled for the day she had an emergency dental procedure (that was a last minute decision right before my due date). I called the lady to reschedule that morning and she said she would call me back. I nursed my daughter back from her surgery and then popped out another kid. After a few weeks I realized that I never got a call back and that window was probably closed. I didn't mourn too much since I knew I couldn't afford it and probably wouldn't qualify for scholarships.
My other option was a phone call I had made to a place called The Acorn: A School for Young Children. By calling, I was put on their list and went ahead and did the tour in May (with one month old infant in tow). It looked like a wonderful place, but being on the wait list meant taking whatever opening came up--if indeed any did come up. Based on the fact that the tour was full of preggies, shopping around for schools for their unborn children, I felt a *tiny* bit late in the process.
One grandma was there for her one year old grandson. Her darn daughter was dragging her feet in getting her baby a spot secured in the school (a tour is mandatory and held only twice a year), so she went herself to get the process underway. I was looking for a spot THIS YEAR and just got put on the list. I wasn't holding my breath.
Good thing I didn't because I got the call yesterday, a full three months later. A spot in the lesser preferred five day a week class opened up. I was not first on the list, and because they balance classes (boys/girls/ages), there were a few other four year old girls in line ahead of my own. I was "lucky"!
More days per week = more money. And of course, the days are half days. It is a morning spot, so she would be gone early until 11:30 a.m. The good thing is that her sister is guaranteed a spot when she is old enough (3 years) and that I can keep Elena there for Kinder should I wish to do that. I do wish (if we can afford it) since its a tiny place and mommy isn't ready to put her kid into a big bad public school with big kids!
So after considering it, I decided to take the spot and went down there today to leave a nice chunk of change down to hold her place. More due in August and more due in September (and ever month after that in regular tuition payments). I had both girls in tow and I felt good about the decision, which made writing the check slightly easier.
Elena got to meet her teachers and take a tour of the place and she was in LOVE with it. She didn't want to come home with me after seeing the kids at play (in the summer program they have which ends today). She tells me, "Mom! I didn't know there were so many kids in this town!" :)
Yes, little one, there are many things you do not know. (She would never admit this because she thinks she knows EVERYTHING.) BUT that is why she is starting school. She has a lot to learn!
The early childhood classes of yesteryear were different. Children who are disadvantaged (Second language learners, physical/mental disabilities, etc) are believed to be the ones who need "early intervention" or a "head start". Children who come from poor families are often thought to need the help as well.
While my daughter doesn't fall into this category, she does fit into the new think when it comes to early starts in school. She is intelligent, social and some might say (and have said) gifted. She has had a large vocabulary for a couple of years now and does not need to have the playing field leveled before kindergarten. What she does need is stimulation and enriching learning experiences. She needs to play in a structured environment and be ready to settle down when the serious learning (writing, reading, etc) begins in school.
She also might get something I never got--a leg up. I was always thought of as gifted as a child and I went to gifted schools but was never really challenged. I was bored and without breaking a sweat, got very comfy in my place and didn't think it was worth it to push myself. Why should I? It was fun to coast. I got the good grades and had fun because I didn't have to try as hard as others did.
Once I got to college, I realized something I never knew. I wasn't really *that* smart. I mean, I was, but I wasn't as exposed to things as others had been. I wasn't confident when I compared myself to the other people around me and it hurt me greatly in how things played out in the years that followed.
The students I met in college were nurtured from early ages, read earlier than I did, and read far more authors than I ever knew existed. I read what was required, and nothing beyond that. These students went to summer programs and camps and were learning all the time. I was home with siblings, helping my mom with the house and my younger brothers during summers. We played outside, got really tanned and watched too much television.
I am hoping I can create an eager lover of learning in my daughter. I want to give her many opportunities to learn, but also to be comfortable around the different people who are more "privileged" than she is. She won't be able to do all the camps and won't go to swanky private schools, but she can do what we can afford to do here and there to benefit her.
This is one small thing. (Well...maybe NOT so $mall.) It is one, possibly two years in a very small school with one teacher for every five children. The place is nurturing and fun and I have no doubt she will thrive there. I won't be able to take breaks between classes (I teach), will have to spend a lot more time grading, and we will have to tighten our belts (super snugly), but I think its a good cause and I hope in the long run, it benefits her.
I am hoping she feels comfortable and confident in every situation she faces going forward. She already has the great confidence that goes with "knowing everything" and being a four-year-old. She has a very nurturing home life that has made her feel safe and strong. Hopefully, things continue on this path so that she ends up a stronger woman than I thought I was! :)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week Six
I say it too often, I know, but wow time zooms by!
I'm 2/3rds of the way through the courses I am teaching and I am ready for them to be over. I get sick of some of the personalities I deal with. It can be quite frustrating!
I keep being offered newer courses that I haven't taught since they were revamped (earlier this year) and I sent a message to one of the schedulers hoping to be offered more of the same (what I am teaching now). I hope she takes pity on me! I really want to not have to revamp things and spend more time on grading and posting to a new course, especially since I am trying to increase my course load!
Thankfully, I am employed (however part time it may be) and I hope it stays that way!
This month I am just biting my nails and waiting to find out if Elena gets into preschool or not. If she doesn't it isn't the end of the world as I don't have the money to really pay for it. It would be good, however, and I would struggle to make it happen because I need her to have something to do to allow me time to teach more courses! It is also a great place and I know she would benefit from attending. I still feel awful about having missed deadlines and not having a slot waiting for her come September. :( Mama dropped the ball!
At least when it comes to Elena, I should be okay! I have about four years to get my act together!;)
Maybe I have posted about this stuff before. WHO KNOWS! I have a bad memory these days!
Leni starts ballet/tap classes Tuesday (once a week) and she is SOOO excited about it! She did a free class last week and LOVED it (her words). Very glad to get her into something cuz she is stuck with me most of the while and tiring of it for certain! :)
Have a great week! Half way to Christmas! ;)
I'm 2/3rds of the way through the courses I am teaching and I am ready for them to be over. I get sick of some of the personalities I deal with. It can be quite frustrating!
I keep being offered newer courses that I haven't taught since they were revamped (earlier this year) and I sent a message to one of the schedulers hoping to be offered more of the same (what I am teaching now). I hope she takes pity on me! I really want to not have to revamp things and spend more time on grading and posting to a new course, especially since I am trying to increase my course load!
Thankfully, I am employed (however part time it may be) and I hope it stays that way!
This month I am just biting my nails and waiting to find out if Elena gets into preschool or not. If she doesn't it isn't the end of the world as I don't have the money to really pay for it. It would be good, however, and I would struggle to make it happen because I need her to have something to do to allow me time to teach more courses! It is also a great place and I know she would benefit from attending. I still feel awful about having missed deadlines and not having a slot waiting for her come September. :( Mama dropped the ball!
At least when it comes to Elena, I should be okay! I have about four years to get my act together!;)
Maybe I have posted about this stuff before. WHO KNOWS! I have a bad memory these days!
Leni starts ballet/tap classes Tuesday (once a week) and she is SOOO excited about it! She did a free class last week and LOVED it (her words). Very glad to get her into something cuz she is stuck with me most of the while and tiring of it for certain! :)
Have a great week! Half way to Christmas! ;)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Week Two--DREADED assignment :(
I am still here :) Grading bad PowerPoints as we speak. But that is not the worst of it!
This week is the week in which students pick their topic (from a list provided by the school--not me) for their final project. It is something he/she will have to live with until the end of the course and hopefully build a great philosophy project around. It is a question which they explore and research theories about in order to build their own answer (build upon the ideas of the greats of course).
Unfortunately, too many students DO NOT DO THIS. They pick a topic they feel they know ALL about and proceed to "preach" (literally) to me in their OVERLY personalized pieces without citing any sources. CHECK THAT! They actually include one citation if I am lucky. To guess what?
THE BIBLE.
I know I know. It is a source of infinite knowledge and wisdom and....well...sorry to say, blah blah blah. THIS IS NOT a Bible study course. This is not a Christianity course. It is not even a world religions course. It is a PHILOSOPHY COURSE in which they should be demonstrating their new found knowledge on the topic of...you guessed it! PHILOSOPHY.
I dread this topic-picking assignment because most students pick the hardest topic to do and never do it justice. There are so many interesting topics, but too many students feel "oh, I know ALL ABOUT THIS" and then fail to recognize the purpose of the assignment---or the numerous, VERY visible and spelled-out, REQUIREMENTS.
I get that many are very good Christians who feel compelled to share this knowledge with me or anyone else, but when did school become the place for that? When did requirements become optional? When did students start writing EVERYTHING in first person and talking to me like a buddy they are emailing? Since when did "research" become reciting memorized passages from the bible to back up your own ideas?
This is tough for me in some ways because I GET where they are coming from (in their personal lives and experiences and their obvious conviction for their religion), but I am also an educator. I am there to do a job and disregard for MY purpose and clear instructions PISSES ME OFF!
I bitch about this every time I teach these courses and my husband gets an earful, so I thought I would take my annoyance elsewhere for a change!
There. I feel better. :)
This week is the week in which students pick their topic (from a list provided by the school--not me) for their final project. It is something he/she will have to live with until the end of the course and hopefully build a great philosophy project around. It is a question which they explore and research theories about in order to build their own answer (build upon the ideas of the greats of course).
Unfortunately, too many students DO NOT DO THIS. They pick a topic they feel they know ALL about and proceed to "preach" (literally) to me in their OVERLY personalized pieces without citing any sources. CHECK THAT! They actually include one citation if I am lucky. To guess what?
THE BIBLE.
I know I know. It is a source of infinite knowledge and wisdom and....well...sorry to say, blah blah blah. THIS IS NOT a Bible study course. This is not a Christianity course. It is not even a world religions course. It is a PHILOSOPHY COURSE in which they should be demonstrating their new found knowledge on the topic of...you guessed it! PHILOSOPHY.
I dread this topic-picking assignment because most students pick the hardest topic to do and never do it justice. There are so many interesting topics, but too many students feel "oh, I know ALL ABOUT THIS" and then fail to recognize the purpose of the assignment---or the numerous, VERY visible and spelled-out, REQUIREMENTS.
I get that many are very good Christians who feel compelled to share this knowledge with me or anyone else, but when did school become the place for that? When did requirements become optional? When did students start writing EVERYTHING in first person and talking to me like a buddy they are emailing? Since when did "research" become reciting memorized passages from the bible to back up your own ideas?
This is tough for me in some ways because I GET where they are coming from (in their personal lives and experiences and their obvious conviction for their religion), but I am also an educator. I am there to do a job and disregard for MY purpose and clear instructions PISSES ME OFF!
I bitch about this every time I teach these courses and my husband gets an earful, so I thought I would take my annoyance elsewhere for a change!
There. I feel better. :)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Good news and bad news
Thank goodness I survived week one! I now only have nine more weeks of grading for this course! :)
I got offered two more classes that overlap with these and I don't think I can handle it. I love the idea of the extra cash, but it is HARD staying on top of grading.
It is one minute to midnight here and I am ready for the week with one hour to spare. It took a LONG time to get things ready between eating meals, going to church, feeding my milk loving baby and trying to talk her out of her screaming fit earlier. UGH it was a loud, long evening!
I have managed to survive the first week without falling behind. Good news is that I did it. Bad news is that week one is always the easiest week! I have high hopes that I can balance things and keep moving forward this way!
The other bad news is that I have time for little else. I think of the fun summer things I want to fit it and it is hard when the majority of my work falls on the weekend. It is hard to squeeze family stuff in when Saturdays and Sundays have to be set aside for working. I have grading to get done and the week of posts to prepare but also, this is the best time for working since hubby is around to watch the kids while I work! I do work during the week, but because of due dates and when our week begins (Monday), the weekend is the best time for working!
I knew this was coming and I just hope that we are still able to fit in some fun stuff along the way, either during a really slow weekend or after these classes end. It all depends on if I get a break before starting new courses or if I overlap the next set with these.
The other good news that my little girl is changing! She really is starting to come into her own in the looks department and it is facinating to watch! :)
MORE bad news is that my eldest is making life hard sometimes. She wants to go run and do constantly and with classes and an infant in tow she is HATING how things are slowing down. Things cost money too and she is oblivious to that. "Just go to the bank" she tells me. IF ONLY it were that easy! It must be great being four!
She doesn't think it is so great though. She is in a rough spot being that she thinks she is a teen most days. She knows what she wants to wear (regardless of the weather, if its clean, if it fits, etc) and I don't know anything. She knows what she wants to do, and again, I know nothing! :( It sucks being so stupid! ;)
I look into my little one's innocent face and wonder if I am in for more of the same or if she will be dramatically different. Don't think I can handle TWO divas!
I am tired so no more news for now. Look for pics on the other blog! About to put some up!
I got offered two more classes that overlap with these and I don't think I can handle it. I love the idea of the extra cash, but it is HARD staying on top of grading.
It is one minute to midnight here and I am ready for the week with one hour to spare. It took a LONG time to get things ready between eating meals, going to church, feeding my milk loving baby and trying to talk her out of her screaming fit earlier. UGH it was a loud, long evening!
I have managed to survive the first week without falling behind. Good news is that I did it. Bad news is that week one is always the easiest week! I have high hopes that I can balance things and keep moving forward this way!
The other bad news is that I have time for little else. I think of the fun summer things I want to fit it and it is hard when the majority of my work falls on the weekend. It is hard to squeeze family stuff in when Saturdays and Sundays have to be set aside for working. I have grading to get done and the week of posts to prepare but also, this is the best time for working since hubby is around to watch the kids while I work! I do work during the week, but because of due dates and when our week begins (Monday), the weekend is the best time for working!
I knew this was coming and I just hope that we are still able to fit in some fun stuff along the way, either during a really slow weekend or after these classes end. It all depends on if I get a break before starting new courses or if I overlap the next set with these.
The other good news that my little girl is changing! She really is starting to come into her own in the looks department and it is facinating to watch! :)
MORE bad news is that my eldest is making life hard sometimes. She wants to go run and do constantly and with classes and an infant in tow she is HATING how things are slowing down. Things cost money too and she is oblivious to that. "Just go to the bank" she tells me. IF ONLY it were that easy! It must be great being four!
She doesn't think it is so great though. She is in a rough spot being that she thinks she is a teen most days. She knows what she wants to wear (regardless of the weather, if its clean, if it fits, etc) and I don't know anything. She knows what she wants to do, and again, I know nothing! :( It sucks being so stupid! ;)
I look into my little one's innocent face and wonder if I am in for more of the same or if she will be dramatically different. Don't think I can handle TWO divas!
I am tired so no more news for now. Look for pics on the other blog! About to put some up!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Hi-ho, Hi-ho...Off to Work I Go (errr...STAY)!
BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay I love what I do, but honestly, doing it NOW is the furthest thing from my mind. I do NOT feel like dealing with the grading and stress right now when I have so much else going on. DANG ECONOMY is not leaving me much of a choice though.
I start work next week and I am dreading it.
The worst part is that I do not have a regular job where you drive there, work there, then leave it there. I work AT HOME and never get to leave it. I have to fit it in between feedings, diaper changes, play dates and trips to the grocery store or park and naps! It is hard to get the work done, especially when I am not good at keeping my comments to students brief. I need to work on that and keep saying I will, but it is so hard when the classroom is a virtual space.
The best part is that this job allows me to avoid day cares or babysitters. I am with my children 24/7 and I realize how blessed that makes me.
There is no such thing as a free lunch though, so it is a huge sacrifice and a blessing all in one!
The things we do for money! :(
Okay I love what I do, but honestly, doing it NOW is the furthest thing from my mind. I do NOT feel like dealing with the grading and stress right now when I have so much else going on. DANG ECONOMY is not leaving me much of a choice though.
I start work next week and I am dreading it.
The worst part is that I do not have a regular job where you drive there, work there, then leave it there. I work AT HOME and never get to leave it. I have to fit it in between feedings, diaper changes, play dates and trips to the grocery store or park and naps! It is hard to get the work done, especially when I am not good at keeping my comments to students brief. I need to work on that and keep saying I will, but it is so hard when the classroom is a virtual space.
The best part is that this job allows me to avoid day cares or babysitters. I am with my children 24/7 and I realize how blessed that makes me.
There is no such thing as a free lunch though, so it is a huge sacrifice and a blessing all in one!
The things we do for money! :(
Friday, May 1, 2009
Porkulosis ...or the Other White Flu
LOVE those two alternative names suggested on CNN for what is now known as Swine Flu. They have tried to rename it, more seriously, as N1H1 but that lacks something and doesn't really roll off the tongue.
It seems this flu strain is basically the same as regular flu--as it occurs in humans thus far here in the United States. I have never had either, so I don't know I'd know if either hit me, but the first cases in the states were found here in good ol' Tejas. As a matter of fact, they were found just miles from where I live.
Initially, I was quite frightened about this, expecting it to spread more quickly and to take lives as it has in Mexico. Thank god that has not been the case, and hopefully it will continue to not be the case. With a newborn (or with a child, period), the idea of an epidemic is more frightening that it might have been otherwise. THANKFULLY it is appearing that the hype was uncalled for.
So people are now back lashing against the media. They are causing panic and hysteria. They are covering it TOO closely and TOO much. Honestly? Has anyone stopped to think that this very media coverage is what has kept keep a pandemic at bay? Knowing that there is "something" out there and that it can be deadly has probably led many to wash appropriately and change their habits accordingly to keep the disease from spreading.
People are now doing what they should have been doing all along--Washing their hands and being attentive to their symptoms. People are probably not ignoring the sniffles, sore joints, coughing and other issues that they might have ignored before. THIS IS A GOOD THING!
Perhaps the spread of Porkulosis has been kept to a minimum DUE to the media's coverage. I believe that the spread of REGULAR flu has probably also tapered. THIS IS ALL very positive and I think we should thank the media instead of vilifying them for it.
MUCHAS GRACIAS from this mom who really doesn't think she could have taken the stress of a quickly spreading, deadly, mutating virus just yet. Let me rest up for a few weeks and get back into fighting shape before we go there mother nature!! ;)
It seems this flu strain is basically the same as regular flu--as it occurs in humans thus far here in the United States. I have never had either, so I don't know I'd know if either hit me, but the first cases in the states were found here in good ol' Tejas. As a matter of fact, they were found just miles from where I live.
Initially, I was quite frightened about this, expecting it to spread more quickly and to take lives as it has in Mexico. Thank god that has not been the case, and hopefully it will continue to not be the case. With a newborn (or with a child, period), the idea of an epidemic is more frightening that it might have been otherwise. THANKFULLY it is appearing that the hype was uncalled for.
So people are now back lashing against the media. They are causing panic and hysteria. They are covering it TOO closely and TOO much. Honestly? Has anyone stopped to think that this very media coverage is what has kept keep a pandemic at bay? Knowing that there is "something" out there and that it can be deadly has probably led many to wash appropriately and change their habits accordingly to keep the disease from spreading.
People are now doing what they should have been doing all along--Washing their hands and being attentive to their symptoms. People are probably not ignoring the sniffles, sore joints, coughing and other issues that they might have ignored before. THIS IS A GOOD THING!
Perhaps the spread of Porkulosis has been kept to a minimum DUE to the media's coverage. I believe that the spread of REGULAR flu has probably also tapered. THIS IS ALL very positive and I think we should thank the media instead of vilifying them for it.
MUCHAS GRACIAS from this mom who really doesn't think she could have taken the stress of a quickly spreading, deadly, mutating virus just yet. Let me rest up for a few weeks and get back into fighting shape before we go there mother nature!! ;)
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