allow things to unfold naturally.

I stopped in the library to both drop off and pick up some items. I logged onto the system to view my account and discovered I was being charged to replace a tape that was past due. This tape was in my vehicle when it was stolen almost a month ago. I decided to sit and read while I thought about whether or not I wanted to pay the fine today, not being sure whether the tape is still in my van undamaged. (It’s still in the shop) After reading, looking out a second floor window at the rain and weighing it all out, I decided to pay the fine and not worry about it. When I got in line to check out, I had money in my hand and stated to the librarian that my vehivle had been stolen and the tape was in it. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s still there, undamaged. She refused to take any money from me until I find out for sure. She wouldn’t even let me pay the other dollar I owe for a late fee. I was not expecting such understanding, but am glad to be the recipient of it. There are many kind-hearted people on my path~

Though I’m calling it a wrap with my return to work after the strike. Life is about allowing things to unfold without force. Trusting the process and knowing everything happens for a reason and things always turn out well. Especially when I focus on the lesons, blessings, and growth incurred~

This is the first time I’m teaming with another teacher so it lightens my load. It is also the first time I’ve seen 55 different students (to instruct) in one day. My morning (homeroom) class is pretty calm, the afternoon class has a ton of energy. They are like day and night ;)

I woke up early this morning and will be retiring early to get some rest. No matter what is happening, beyond my control, I will do my best to focus on what’s right, positive and productive~

The vote at Cobo seemed split. However our Union President said more were in favor to return to work. We’ll see what happens when we use a real ballot (for an official count), which should be soon.

I had very mixed feelings about our tentative agreement. I guess I don’t understand why we stayed out if we still took so many concessions.

I’m very unhappy that there is no gym, nor recess. There are 4 women (lunch aides) to look over 700 children at lunch. No music, choir, instruments. No balance! We now have 4* different paper forms to take attendance- when some schools do it once on a computer. This is hard to understand. I love my job, but do not like the conditions!

We now pay 10% of our health benefits, had 5 vacation days put on hold until we *retire. 4 specials a week, so there’s one day we get no planning time. No raise until next year 1%...Wow. The following year I believe it’s 2 1/2%. Oh yeah, teacher’s who are assaulted may see the same kid show up again, they did nothing but plan to form a committee to address the issue. I couldn’t believe it when I went into the staff lounge and saw that it had not been cleaned… we have not been in the building, which means it just hadn’t been cleaned in a while!Phooey…

The final topper for me- Our district has adopted a new math series. I have no teacher’s manual, student book, or any materials to at least give me a preview of the program. This makes no sense!!! It seems they do their best to set us up to not do well!

Now, I’m going to find something positive and dwell on it. Otherwise, I might go crazy~

We vote on a tentative agreement… I’m ready to go back to work~

There will be a news conference with more details at noon. I believe we (the DFT) will be voting on it as early as tomorrow morning~

We went to Cobo Hall to hear the court order read by our union president. You could barely hear her reading anything! The overwhelming response was No Contract, No Work! Tomorrow will be another day on the picket line~

From a friend and former flame… he wanted to know how I was doing, dealing with the strike and being ordered by the judge back to work (Monday). I can’t control the things or people outside of myself! I’m not sure what will happen at our general membership meeting tomorrow, but I do know that no one wants to return to work without a contract! If you believe in the power of prayer, please pray for peace in this matter. Peace and justice for our students… and a fair deal (I’ll accept better than fair) for the teachers!

Yesterday we were told we’re in this for the long haul… The district decided to open the schools on the first day. The students were supposed to be taught by the substitute teachers (who are part of our union) and the administrators. Many walked into the school with their parents and came right back out. They reported that nothing was happening, really. Needless to say, schools are closed today.

Now we’re doing shifts so I may go in after Ballys. Otherwise, I’m scheduled for duty tomorrow.

United We Stand… no contract, no work~