Watercolor Delight

Public Schools vs Strong Military

I became a teacher not only because I love working with children but mostly I believe in public education. Being the ONLY person in my family to graduate college, like most teachers, I obtained a master's degree and later, National Board Certification. To do this I have taken out thousands of dollars in loans. My mom, who was a single parent and worked hard to make ends meet with four children, was never in the position to help, financially. Bottom line is, I must have a deeper moral obligation to give to society and create a better future for our children. Public education is under attack! Under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), I find what is currently happening to our schools, our children and our society, an atrocity. I am all for removing "bad teachers" from the classroom but, If you are a teacher, parent or student who knows the quality of education you receive or have received in public school like I did, the time is now to protect our schools and at the very least, your future. Contact your legislator if you have a good public school success story. If you are a public school teacher, be proud of the accomplishments your students who have gone beyond your classroom to do great things. Put these accomplishments front and center, now! How many of your former students wanted to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists and engineers because of you? If we loose our great teachers because of a few bad ones and worse, our treasured public schools, it leaves our society with nothing else but maybe a strong military.

High Rock Fire Lookout 2010

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Waikoloa Village, Big Island, Hawaii

Waikoloa Beach Villas,

Big Island, Hawaii

Photos

I have the best family! We took everyone to Hawaii this summer; I truly believe they would have loved simply playing on Anaehoomalu Bay

beach everyday, but there is so much to see and do on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. We took a drive across infamous "saddle road" to Hilo and Volcanoes National Park. We walked across a lake of lava hiking on the Kilauea Iki Trail and looked at Kilauea, Halema'uma'u, and Mauna Loa. On a subsequent day we took a tour of Mauna Kea and the observatories through Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. Our tour guide, Chris, was very informative and the laser show given by Rick was amazing. They also set-up two telescopes and we were introduced to new stars being born, constellations, dwarfs, and nebulas. Mike served us hot cocoa and mac-nut cookies after bringing a rescue vehicle up to the other van that broke-down that evening. I am hooked on astronomy and only wish we could see more where we live. Mauna Kea is the perfect place for viewing the stars.

"No Worry's" in Cabo San Lucas

"No Worry's" when your in Cabo with Sandy...

PHOTOS

Sandy's husband Doug, drops us at Sea-Tac airport in plenty of time. We have known each other for 27 years. Sandy and I initially found each other learning to relax and breath in Lamaze class. Kristal, her baby girl came one week before Corey and Adam, my twin boys. As the flight to Cabo settles in, we share our past, present and hopes for the trip we will share together. It always amazes me how girlfriends can catch up on conversation in no time, as if the time passed was yesterday.

For most people, vacations are an escape from life to get away and recharge, but for Sandy and I, it was a time to renew girlfriend status with my good friend I've always admired. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Sandy. She knows her way around Cabo, how to

negotiate with the taxi drivers, the owners of the best places to eat, the funkiest holes in the walls to visit.

She knows the cute bellboys, the bartenders, where the ladies nights occur, and she makes one great Mango Margarita served up

with chips and guacamole. We met new friends Lesa and Ruby, other ladies with our same idea. Being mothers is what brought Sandy and I together, but being great friends is what lasts after the kids grow up and move on. Thanks for the memories! Here's a list of the places we visited:

Villa Del Palmar, Pueblo Bonito Blanco, No Worry's, Martini Jungle, El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo, The Giggling Marlin, Hard Rock Cafe, Pepe's, Los Colorines, The Medano Beach Club, Hacienda El Coyote, Maria Corona, Alcaravea, Gordo Lele, La Ricazon...

Paradise Snowshoe

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