Literally.
At AWANAs Wednesday night, she and another child, a boy, got into a scuffle. In a matter of seconds, she had him on the floor, sitting on him.
He pinched the crap out of her--left a bruise and everything.
Aside from the obvious "you shouldn't be fighting" and "it's not nice to sit on people," her father and I can't help but giggle that our girl--always a lady--gave this boy a beat down. Even if he doesn't have bruises on him, and she does, she gave this boy something to consider:
It's not nice to fight and it's not nice to fight a girl. Especially MY girl.
Of course, we gave her ice for the bruised arm, and I spent the trip home discussing the finer points of Wrong (as in, it's not a worse wrong to pinch the crap out of someone who is sitting on you--it's ALL wrong. The sitting AND the pinching.)
I had to work to not giggle and laugh while hearing about the incident. And I had to also try to explain the nature of sin: To God, all wrong things are the same. To us, there may seem to be degrees of wrongness, and some things may seem to be more wrong than others, but to God, ALL Wrong Things are WRONG. And, in this case, sitting on top of someone and pinching the person sitting on top of you are BOTH equally wrong.
My Sweetie, however, seems to have blind spots to his "not my daughter" and his "my daughter will be" insanity. He was downright proud that his daughter kicked ass.
One thing we did have to note, though, is that while AWANAs is a Christian based program, run by a local Baptist congregation (one that has, in my lifetime, had very strict guidelines for girls behavior) handled it with love, care, and humor. They did not get their panties in a wad over my girl's lack of decorum, unlike my niece's preschool teachers, who got all knickers in a knot over an "incident" involving UNO cards and a register grate, and her lack of interest in Abe Lincoln.
Given my life-long experience with both denominations, I can say that whatever trepidation I had in entrusting my not-overly-ladylike daughter to a group of Christians with a history of narrow-mindedness (my opinion, thank-you-very-much) and hearing about the "incidents" my niece is causing at the local Catholic institution, I'm rather glad that we chose the local Baptists.
At least the Baptists love and respect my little spitfire for who she is--and they handle her indiscretions much the way her father and I do. No one approaches us with faces that look like we've shoved cat turds under their noses and no tidy-whities twisted over what amounts to being run-of-the-mill situations when you have groups of children ages 5-7 together for an hour and half every week.
And before you get your boxers in bunches, this is not a rant about other faiths. I give all faiths a generous helping of skepticism. Even mine. Maybe even especially mine. I have my doubts and concerns over some of the tenets of the Episcopal (Anglican) traditions and beliefs, too, but those are diatribes for a different blog, not this one, and if ever our church begins imposing inane and insane gender biased pronouncements upon my daughter, they'll be getting their holier-than-I Hanes unstuck from their cracks.
Oh, and for the record, my daughter does wear her panties each and every week when attending AWANAs, which is better than her record when she attended preschool there.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Update
Don't read any further if you're sick of hearing about the PTA. This is yer only warning.
So, last night was the mee-in. The Prez is still MIA, although there are reports that she's marginally mobile. The VP she's dumped everything on hasn't heard from her either.
The rest of the executive board is AWOL, too. No one's seen nor heard from them. Woo-hoo. Way to learn from your mistakes. It's a month later, and they have to know by now that their radio silence is the biggest problem the PTA has. Did they do anything to change it? Heck, NO! The only thing they did was to put a slightly snippy notice in the newsletter that WE are to communicate with THEM. But, when we do, we talk to the machine, and don't have any clue as to whether or not they got the message, and certainly not a call-back with the information being requested. The Prez husband admitted that he just deleted all the messages, without, of course, specifying whether they were heard or not, so assume that they weren't.
The Treasurer is conspicuously absent meetings since Christmas. There are two people who have heard from him, and one is the VP who is now in charge. And he didn't give her what she asked for--I have a sneaking suspicion that when this is all over, we'll find he's done NOTHING to keep the account in order. Sure, it's all there--I have no doubt about that, but I betcha he hasn't even balanced the stupid thing. He was remarkably clueless at the December meeting, and now he's not even showing up? Probably because he knows he's gonna get asked specific questions and he's not gonna have answers.
The newsletter was also sans Prez letter. When she drops off the planet, she really drops off the planet.
And about the newsletter--the idea of a schedule of upcoming events was implemented so that regardless of when the newsletter gets out to parents, the next month or so of dates and events would be out there far enough ahead that parents could actually attend if they chose. She's back to just putting in the current month's events, and the crap we can all pull off our own calendars--like the first day of spring.
She also does not respond to let you know she received the information. I emailed her twice, once with a "return receipt" attached, and still don't know if she got the information. I sent the hard copies to her again, with a note specifying that I didn't know if she received them the first time, or if she received my emails. And, when the topic came up last night, I told 'em flat out--even with a return receipt attached, I STILL don't know if she got them, or even if she did, if my attached word documents would open for her.
It's like instead of learning from the "constructive criticism" that's been flying around, they're digging themselves in deeper. I realize it's "just the PTA" and nobody should be so involved in the PTA (or any one thing, really) that their self-worth and self-image is based on the PTA, but this is ridiculous. It's like they're pitching this big tantrum, saying it's everyone else's fault that nobody knows what's going on.
Well, here's a flash for them: In the upcoming months, I will be receiving the proceeds from a fundraiser. And when I get them, they're getting a phone call so the money can be deposited. And if they don't call me back, and I have to jump through hoops to get the money deposited, I will make it clear to any and all askers what's going on (and I'll make sure I have copies of the deposit slip for my own proof, thank-you-very-much.)
And I will need to get funds for an event happening in May. I'll have what I need, or I'll be screaming enough to wake the dead--and the dead will awaken, and beat them more senseless than they already are. I've worn down corporations for $10, you bet yer bippy I'll get the funds I need, when I need them, or they'll be threatening me with a restraining order--which will get laughed at because, DUH, if you're the treasurer, and this money is approved by the organization, you are required to cough it up in a timely fashion.
Wonderfully enough, there was talk last night of deposing this government. How bad is that? How many times have you heard of a PTA being run so poorly that people actually start talking about firing it's volunteer executive board?
I have a sneaking suspicion that next year, none of these people will be allowed to head up so much as a trip to the bathroom. And then they'll complain to anyone willing to listen that they were treated badly. I hope I'm there so I can laugh heartily and explain it to them in small words.
So, last night was the mee-in. The Prez is still MIA, although there are reports that she's marginally mobile. The VP she's dumped everything on hasn't heard from her either.
The rest of the executive board is AWOL, too. No one's seen nor heard from them. Woo-hoo. Way to learn from your mistakes. It's a month later, and they have to know by now that their radio silence is the biggest problem the PTA has. Did they do anything to change it? Heck, NO! The only thing they did was to put a slightly snippy notice in the newsletter that WE are to communicate with THEM. But, when we do, we talk to the machine, and don't have any clue as to whether or not they got the message, and certainly not a call-back with the information being requested. The Prez husband admitted that he just deleted all the messages, without, of course, specifying whether they were heard or not, so assume that they weren't.
The Treasurer is conspicuously absent meetings since Christmas. There are two people who have heard from him, and one is the VP who is now in charge. And he didn't give her what she asked for--I have a sneaking suspicion that when this is all over, we'll find he's done NOTHING to keep the account in order. Sure, it's all there--I have no doubt about that, but I betcha he hasn't even balanced the stupid thing. He was remarkably clueless at the December meeting, and now he's not even showing up? Probably because he knows he's gonna get asked specific questions and he's not gonna have answers.
The newsletter was also sans Prez letter. When she drops off the planet, she really drops off the planet.
And about the newsletter--the idea of a schedule of upcoming events was implemented so that regardless of when the newsletter gets out to parents, the next month or so of dates and events would be out there far enough ahead that parents could actually attend if they chose. She's back to just putting in the current month's events, and the crap we can all pull off our own calendars--like the first day of spring.
She also does not respond to let you know she received the information. I emailed her twice, once with a "return receipt" attached, and still don't know if she got the information. I sent the hard copies to her again, with a note specifying that I didn't know if she received them the first time, or if she received my emails. And, when the topic came up last night, I told 'em flat out--even with a return receipt attached, I STILL don't know if she got them, or even if she did, if my attached word documents would open for her.
It's like instead of learning from the "constructive criticism" that's been flying around, they're digging themselves in deeper. I realize it's "just the PTA" and nobody should be so involved in the PTA (or any one thing, really) that their self-worth and self-image is based on the PTA, but this is ridiculous. It's like they're pitching this big tantrum, saying it's everyone else's fault that nobody knows what's going on.
Well, here's a flash for them: In the upcoming months, I will be receiving the proceeds from a fundraiser. And when I get them, they're getting a phone call so the money can be deposited. And if they don't call me back, and I have to jump through hoops to get the money deposited, I will make it clear to any and all askers what's going on (and I'll make sure I have copies of the deposit slip for my own proof, thank-you-very-much.)
And I will need to get funds for an event happening in May. I'll have what I need, or I'll be screaming enough to wake the dead--and the dead will awaken, and beat them more senseless than they already are. I've worn down corporations for $10, you bet yer bippy I'll get the funds I need, when I need them, or they'll be threatening me with a restraining order--which will get laughed at because, DUH, if you're the treasurer, and this money is approved by the organization, you are required to cough it up in a timely fashion.
Wonderfully enough, there was talk last night of deposing this government. How bad is that? How many times have you heard of a PTA being run so poorly that people actually start talking about firing it's volunteer executive board?
I have a sneaking suspicion that next year, none of these people will be allowed to head up so much as a trip to the bathroom. And then they'll complain to anyone willing to listen that they were treated badly. I hope I'm there so I can laugh heartily and explain it to them in small words.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Lips, God's Ears
Or so the Toad tells me.
Just a few short weeks ago, I mentioned to him, in an encouraging sort of way (oh, yes, it was!) that he should get involved with the local theatre. The Reitz does some pretty good work--considering that a scant dozen or so years ago, it was an old church, with scary old Avenue theatre seats.
The seats have since been refurbished, and the place actually looks like a theatre these days. They have a marquee out front and everything. The local non-profit organization that runs it has done a fantastic job in bringing outside travelling groups, as well as promoting local talent, and is even used by the local private (Catholic) school for their productions.
And the Toad isn't involved. Talented as he is, he's also talented at coming up with excuses. (It doesn't help that the current prima donna running the thing doesn't like my boy--although, I'm guessing it has more to do with the fact that he has more talent than she and her spawn put together do--and she has subtly made him unwelcome. She looks like an aging Rita Moreno on crack. And she thinks she's some sex bomb....when just a not-in-a-good-way bomb about covers it.)
Anyway, my Toadly was working the drive-thru the other night, and his old Middle School music teacher rolls through. She's heading up "The King and I" at the Reitz, and needs more male voices...she basically wouldn't leave until he agreed to do it.
She slapped a schedule on him and tonight, he's off to music practice.
He came home that night and told me he hated me. I had him narrow that down, and this is what it was.
My lips, God's ears.
THANK YOU, GOD!
Just a few short weeks ago, I mentioned to him, in an encouraging sort of way (oh, yes, it was!) that he should get involved with the local theatre. The Reitz does some pretty good work--considering that a scant dozen or so years ago, it was an old church, with scary old Avenue theatre seats.
The seats have since been refurbished, and the place actually looks like a theatre these days. They have a marquee out front and everything. The local non-profit organization that runs it has done a fantastic job in bringing outside travelling groups, as well as promoting local talent, and is even used by the local private (Catholic) school for their productions.
And the Toad isn't involved. Talented as he is, he's also talented at coming up with excuses. (It doesn't help that the current prima donna running the thing doesn't like my boy--although, I'm guessing it has more to do with the fact that he has more talent than she and her spawn put together do--and she has subtly made him unwelcome. She looks like an aging Rita Moreno on crack. And she thinks she's some sex bomb....when just a not-in-a-good-way bomb about covers it.)
Anyway, my Toadly was working the drive-thru the other night, and his old Middle School music teacher rolls through. She's heading up "The King and I" at the Reitz, and needs more male voices...she basically wouldn't leave until he agreed to do it.
She slapped a schedule on him and tonight, he's off to music practice.
He came home that night and told me he hated me. I had him narrow that down, and this is what it was.
My lips, God's ears.
THANK YOU, GOD!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Again with the PTA
Enough already!
Okay, not really. This is the good stuff--if I were Martha Stewart, I'd be saying, "PTA, it's all good." (for the record, I hate that saying and think that a beat-down of Martha and whichever fool is repeating it should be legal--heck, I think it should be required.)
So, I've heard from the school staff--okay, the secretary. My Birthday Book letter came home Friday (and if you wanna know 'bout Birthday Books, email me.) And the "Save the Date" flyer for the March fundraiser (it's at a local restaurant. 20% of the receipts with the ticket/coupon over 3 weekend days) came home Friday too.
Made my calls, and have a few more to do today. One call back, just to be sure we're on the same page--she's volunteering to help me, so I'd better be very sure we're on the same page. I certainly do not want to end up being the featured PTA horror of the year.
Anyway, this is going well.
Oh, and that third idea of mine? The extra easy-peasy fundraiser that was tabled for next year? Shared with the mom doing the 5th grade stuff (trip and recognition--it's not a graduation anymore, thank God) and with the president of another school's PTA president. (and if you want it, you know what? email me.)
I'm just beside myself over this--it's not been that hard--it's about as hard as being homeroom mom was last year. I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop, for people to wake up and realize who they're dealing with, to be declared a "one-hit wonder" and to fade badly into the tabloid press.
Unless, of course, it's truly true. I am no longer qualified for the ranks of indianism, and have somehow catapulted, without my knowledge, into chiefdom.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
(oh, and I can't wait for the PTA meeting--I soooo very much want to report such shining good things about Birthday Books and this fundraiser.)
Okay, not really. This is the good stuff--if I were Martha Stewart, I'd be saying, "PTA, it's all good." (for the record, I hate that saying and think that a beat-down of Martha and whichever fool is repeating it should be legal--heck, I think it should be required.)
So, I've heard from the school staff--okay, the secretary. My Birthday Book letter came home Friday (and if you wanna know 'bout Birthday Books, email me.) And the "Save the Date" flyer for the March fundraiser (it's at a local restaurant. 20% of the receipts with the ticket/coupon over 3 weekend days) came home Friday too.
Made my calls, and have a few more to do today. One call back, just to be sure we're on the same page--she's volunteering to help me, so I'd better be very sure we're on the same page. I certainly do not want to end up being the featured PTA horror of the year.
Anyway, this is going well.
Oh, and that third idea of mine? The extra easy-peasy fundraiser that was tabled for next year? Shared with the mom doing the 5th grade stuff (trip and recognition--it's not a graduation anymore, thank God) and with the president of another school's PTA president. (and if you want it, you know what? email me.)
I'm just beside myself over this--it's not been that hard--it's about as hard as being homeroom mom was last year. I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop, for people to wake up and realize who they're dealing with, to be declared a "one-hit wonder" and to fade badly into the tabloid press.
Unless, of course, it's truly true. I am no longer qualified for the ranks of indianism, and have somehow catapulted, without my knowledge, into chiefdom.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
(oh, and I can't wait for the PTA meeting--I soooo very much want to report such shining good things about Birthday Books and this fundraiser.)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Craziness
The Howler brought home homework today.
It's a list of 16 sentences and about 40 words to know and to sound out.
She's insane. She's upset because she's having trouble with the word "sulk." She's sulking about not being able to correctly pronounce "sulk."
It's the ONLY word on these 3 pages she's having trouble with--and that includes the title "Theme 6 - Week 1 Homework" and the "Parent Signature: (Indicates your child has read all pages to you)" bits.
*sigh*
It's a list of 16 sentences and about 40 words to know and to sound out.
She's insane. She's upset because she's having trouble with the word "sulk." She's sulking about not being able to correctly pronounce "sulk."
It's the ONLY word on these 3 pages she's having trouble with--and that includes the title "Theme 6 - Week 1 Homework" and the "Parent Signature: (Indicates your child has read all pages to you)" bits.
*sigh*
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