Perspective

Complications

Not that it's anybody's business, but I have been potty-trained for a long time. More than 50 years. That would be 350 in dog’s years. I’ve been at it for a while. It’s fairly simple once you get the hang of it. You go in. You do what you have to do. You’re done.

You’d think.

My employer has decided to make a fairly straightforward and simple process more complicated. In the interest of “saving the planet,” they’ve installed these new-fangled toilets in the restrooms at my workplace that are designed to save water. Now understand, I’m all for saving the planet, but at what cost? Yes, we need to be sensitive about others. I know we are blessed with a bounty of clean, drinkable water in this county. I realize that we are in a drought situation here and need to find more inventive ways to use our natural resources. Of course we should not be wasteful. But this “better for the environment” crap is getting ridiculous. We're complicating things.

I’ve been at this for over a half-century. NOW, at my advanced years, I’m expected to adapt to a new way of doing things. Old dog – new trick? It's not that easy.

First there is the sign explaining the new fixtures. I generally don’t take my glasses into the facilities because after all these years, I can usually accomplish the tasks at hand without actually having to see anything. So, now I have to go back and get my glasses so I can read the sign. The sign explains new “protocol.” Now there’s something new in life to remember. As if I don’t have enough to remember, like use your turn signals and don't smoke while pumping gas. At my age it’s getting more difficult to remember things. Damn. One more thing!

Next, I have to keep track of what it is that I’ve “done.” I pay very little attention to the specifics of my trips to the restroom. I mean, it’s like breathing. You just DO IT. You don’t make a big deal of it. So now, if I’m going to appropriately participate in this endeavor, I have to be cognizant of the process so that I’m sure to push the handle the proper way. The handle goes "Up" for one thing. "Down" for another. What if I screw it up? What if I push "down" for the wrong thing?

Do you self-report? Do I call my boss? What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Life gets more complicated by the day. Technology, designed to make our lives easier, has infringed upon the last place of solace. The bathroom.

What's next?

I would ponder that, but I have to go, uh, you know...

check my email.

I am so naive.

I really thought, when it came right down to it, the School Board would make a deliberate, measured decision.

I was wrong. Again.

From the Charlotte Observer:

“Duncan, the board chair, said before the meeting that both
finalists made a good impression, but “there is a legitimate
compare-and-contrast to their backgrounds.” Prince, the 2007 N.C. superintendent of the year, is a lifelong educator, but has never run a large urban district.”

On the other hand, Green has never been an educator nor has he run a large urban district.

I wish that the Guilford County School Board could understand what’s at stake here. This seems incredibly risky to me. It appears he was hired on the strength of his ability to inspire people around him. So? He’s a good cheerleader. I’m not sure that’s enough.

We’re gambling our children on this and that is not a gamble I’m willing to take. Are you?

Stay tuned.

MY choice for superintendent...

"I won't be looking for average," Green said to employees at Southern High School. "If that's what you want, then I ain't the one you want." (N&R)

Yep! That's the one I want improving our test scores in math. And English.

Oh No! Where's Sue?

Sue's home safe and sound. Well, safe at least.

I'm glad this wasn't her ride.

The world just got a little smarter and a little more beautiful...

Baby update.

It is nearly 7:00 p.m. and progress is slow. SLOW. SLLLLLOOOOOWWW.

But good things come to those who wait. I'm guessing middle of the night.

Did you know they keep a very close eye on the good drugs at the hospital?

Bundle 1 is doing the whole earth mother, non-medicated thing. I say if she's not using HER drugs, why can't I have them.

This grandmother stuff is tough!

The birth will NOT be live-blogged...

... because sometimes a little privacy is warranted.

Boy, have things changed in the 20 years since I gave birth!

Bundle of Joy #1 has just been admitted to Women's Hospital in Greensboro where she will have her little girl and more importantly, my first GRANDBABY.

I guess I'd better go listen to some classic rock to get a grandmotherly vibe going.

I will update as things progress but this is the first baby so it could take awhile. Apparently this kid is coming into the world with a BANG!