Well, the weather outside is … freaking freezing. There was a solid layer of ice on all surfaces. Even though the roads are plowed, I don’t trust the streets. Yesterday there were two cars who had spun out and were facing the wrong way on the highway.
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My husband and I discussed what he informed me is an age-old question — how to make a Web site look and act the same in every browser. As usual, the technical jargon was lost on me. But this is how I understand the quandary of computer programming (or at least html language) as it plays out in different browsers: It’s like IE8 is Texas and Firefox is Colorado.
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In previous posts I discussed corporal punishment and my Texan friends’ acceptance of it. Looks like CNN followed my lead.
While James Dobson is against corporal punishment in middle and high schools, he agrees with teachers physically harming the young and vulnerable elementary school students:
"It can be useful for elementary students, especially with amateur clowns (as opposed to hard-core troublemakers). For this reason, I am opposed to abolishing spanking in elementary schools because we have systematically eliminated the tools with which teachers have traditionally backed up their word. We’re now down to a precious few. Let’s not go any further in that direction."
My last entry on punishment in school has spurned on several conversations with friends who think paddle swats are normal. The rest of us just shrug and remember sitting in a non-violent detention.
One friend, who asked to remain anonymous due to the controversial nature of his story, told me about his experiences in junior high. Misbehaving children took a specific stance and the principal hit them with a paddle. But between beatings, the principal told Aggie jokes. That is so Texas.
For people who are unfamiliar with the Aggie people group (insert: collective Texas gasp of disbelief) they are alumni or supporters of Texas A&M. I’m pretty sure that when you get your driver’s license here, you have to check a box if you want to donate organs and a box if you are an Aggie. It’s a love, hate option, except for those of us from out of state who just think that A&M football games are cool but weird.
Today at work, I gave a presentation to a couple. As they were leaving, the man said, “Thank you. You have a great job.” And I said, “Yes, I agree!” with a most upbeat nod. He gave me an odd look and walked away. Then I realized he actually said, “Thank you. You did a great job.”
Humility is my strong suit.
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I just have one feeling as back-to-school time is upon us: Pity.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved school all the way through. I eagerly set out my clothes the night before, organized and color-coded all binders and folders and had butterflies before the schoolday started for at least the first week.
But I also lived in Colorado and not Texas. Don’t worry, y’all, I’m not messing with Texas. I’m just being honest.
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