Do you kiss other people's children with that filthy mouth?

Actually I don't. Sorry to disappoint. At least I don't kill 'em. That's what you do.

(sniff!) Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thanks for reminding me what a shitty Christian I am, Marcie. I'll try to be more like you.

Well, Gid...like YOU would say, "It wasn't a Christian response." Can't I be a part time Christian like you? You're my Christian idol, you know. I want to be a Christian just like you! Arrogant (I honestly don't understand why you think that's a good trait to possess), rude, only kind to those I want to be kind to. Oh I hope I can do it! My halo will be so shiny when I meet Jesus! Yes it will!

The more I read this, the dumber it becomes. It's become a "race to the last word." You can have it, because I don't care. I have 20 students to prepare for and homework to complete.

I am a 400 lb. mad cow that attacks small children, throws hundred dollar bills on the street, and am wildly psychotic. You've got EVERYTHING right.

What a waste of time and space.

I've made one comment out of the last 30, and you're going to tell ME it was a race to the last word? The more I read of you, the more I am convinced you may actually pose a legitimate danger to the children you're charged with protecting. Not my concern, mind you, and I'm not one to go butting in, but you may want to reign it in before your fellow teachers start copying your blogs to show others once again, Marcie.

I see you went on an article deleting spree again, Marcie!

Surprising? Not REALLY!

The comment wasn't directed towards you, Gid.

And I deleted my articles well over a month ago. You and Sabrina are nuts, and I don't trust you any farther than spit.

Watch your step, bitch.

So...it's okay for you to say absolutely HATEFUL things CONTINUOUSLY, but I have to "watch my step" when I tell the truth? Nice.

Whatever. You're a liar through and through, and I'm done with you. Like you would say, "Goodbye, and good luck. You're going to need it."

Bullsquat, Marcie. I have NEVER used someone's words against them from this blog in REAL LIFE...EVER! And I honestly resent the insinuation that I have.

If we really want your words, we could get them through google cache, marcie. The thing is, it's just not that important.

Look, I know you don't like me, but I'm asking you as someone who recognizes the signs of depression, please get into the doctor before it begins affecting your job.

I'm guessing stress has a lot to do with it, Marcie, and I understand that. I've been there, done that. But you need to be careful not to let yourself self destruct; that would be absolutely the most catastrophic thing that could happen to you two at that time.

I never said I don't LIKE you, and I don't think that has anything to do with the discussion at hand. In general, I think you're pretty cool, but that, too, is beside the point. And I wasn't insinuating that you HAD, but there always is the potential, isn't there?

To ease your mind, because it certainly seems like you all think I'm going to freak out and injure a child in my care, I have an appointment for a physical on the 15th. I don't have a doctor I call my own, but at least this one seems to have openings with some regularity. At any rate, we will be discussing a myriad of issues, including my current medications. And you're right, Gid, there is a lot of "stress" going on right now. But normal people can handle it, right? So what's wrong with me that I can't?

There's a big difference between an adult who knows better and a child who doesn't. When a child says spiteful, hurtful things, especially children the age I deal with, its usually because they either a) don't know any better, or they want to see what I'll do. I've got some very interesting children this year, They might shock me, but I don't let them know it. They might scream in my face, or scream in another student's face, but I respond in calm. Believe it or not, I fully realize the preciousness and the great responsibility of who I teach each day. My students are very special to me, and I know their parents trust me, and I surely won't misuse that trust. If I need a mental health day, I'll take it (heaven help the sub! lol).

I might need some adjusting, but we'll be okay. Thanks for your concern, Gid. Lots of people who have said the things we've said to each other lately wouldn't give a rat's behind.

No prob. The upside of arrogance is, once you come to grips with it, you don't let the little things shake you quite as much...lol!



"Normal people" often mask it with drugs, alcohol, or food, Marcie. Weakness is something we don't talk about.

The fact is, you're going through a move, a job change, uncertainty about Ryan's job, as well as trying to finish your Masters. That's not a small load, not by any stretch. Add to that the financial concerns, and it CAN be a potential powder keg.

What you can do before going to the doctor, is take a deep breath and remind yourself that any way it shakes out, the sun's coming up tomorrow. And getting out of town for a drive, even if just for a few hours, could make a difference.

lol...I could use a touch of your arrognace, although I doubt I'll ever acquire that trait. Ryan has helped me let the little things roll. I'm *trying* to be better at that. I come from a long line of spazmo's. Genetics is a hard thing to overcome.

I think I do okay with the school stress. I come home, scream a little, cook supper, and let the day's troubles be sufficient. You're right. Tomorrow's another day (I try to teach my students that, too...we always start with a fresh slate the next day). How can I teach them that if I don't do it myself?

It's the other stress. BUT...anyway. Thank you for your undeserved kindness. Sometimes I get the shorts in a twist and things come out mean. I hate when I get like that, and there's no one to blame but myself. So...I know you said you wouldn't accept an apology, but I *am* sorry for the disrespectfulness and unkind words. I'm a work in progress, that's for sure. I'm working on that, too...along with a bazillion other things.

Exactly. If we as a family of five can manage on one income (and don't you DARE tell me that enlisted military members make a butt load of money, Ziggy.) I fail to see how they with their 'family' of only two can't make it on Marcie's income alone.

I was going to write a long-winded response extolling the virtues of second hand and gently used 'stuff', but I've decided to write an article about it instead.

Selective squeamishness is the enemy of thrift.

I'll look for it, dharma!

As you know, I pride myself on being a cheapskate. For us, it's a necessity.

Seems to me you've answered your own question, Ms. Matson. (Didn't think I knew that, did ya? I know your married name too. And where you currently teach.) My most recent 'advice' (to watch your step) stands. Your comment didn't hurt me, Marcie, but it did show the world what a fucked up, nasty, and hate filled creature you truly are, and I have saved it for posterity so spare us another deleting spree, mmmk? Besides, I thought you were ALL FOR abortion, that you considered it a 'personal choice' rather than the murder of an unborn child, so if you and Ziggy ever manage to manipulate your fat rolls enough to actually copulate, I might suggest you look into it yourself if pregnancy occurs. You wouldn't want to bring another 'spazmo' into world, would you?

You would. And "fucked up, nasty, and hate-filled" are words that could be used to describe YOU as well. It's okay for you to be an asshole, but when someone else does it to you I have to "watch my step." Whatever.

Marcie -

You're the Christian. You're the teacher. What are you doing? LW isn't those things. People will still buy her stuff no matter what she posts. Will they still hire you as a teacher? Maybe. Are you furthering the Kingdom by posting hateful, spiteful things? No. What good does it do?

That's a good question for yourself, actually.  If you are coming home so stressed out that you have to scream and get over it, then you need to do some soul searching and figure out what you need to change in your life.  That is simply not normal, especially considering the job that you have, and the fact that you are not also raising a family.  For contrast, I am one of the VPs here, I have a family, animals that I care for and I volunteer at an animal sanctuary.  At no point am I so "stressed" that I have to go home and scream or anything else.  If school is *that* stressful, you are in the wrong profession.

That's a good question for yourself, actually. If you are coming home so stressed out that you have to scream and get over it, then you need to do some soul searching and figure out what you need to change in your life. That is simply not normal, especially considering the job that you have, and the fact that you are not also raising a family. For contrast, I am one of the VPs here, I have a family, animals that I care for and I volunteer at an animal sanctuary. At no point am I so "stressed" that I have to go home and scream or anything else. If school is *that* stressful, you are in the wrong profession.

While I've taught before, I've got LOTS of new "stuff" this year. I have my own class this year, versus small groups going in and out like last year. And I mis-spoke (aren't I good at that? lol). I don't come home and "scream" persay. I might vent a little to my husband but then its over. I'm able to go in the next day and start anew. I have some challenges in my class this year, and I'm working with other teachers to help me get better at handling those behaviors (I have the class that the other teachers chuckle at and thank heavens they don't have). The best thing about being a teacher is LEARNING. It's neat that I can share with my students that I get to go to school and they get to go to school and we're all learning a bunch about each other and how to be the best people we can be.

We're only a month in. I'm learning where my students are and where I need to meet them, and what *I* need to do and learn to best help them succeed. We'll get there. I feel like I'm doing lots better this year prioritizing, organizing, and knowing what's important. I really struggled with that other years when I had my own classes. I don't bring NEARLY as much home with me--both emotionally and work-wise. Previous years I would bring probably four hours of work home with me. I bring probably one at the most this year. And I make sure I'm ready for the next day before I leave, and I make sure I leave as much of the day and it's happenings at school as I can.

You're a pro at what you do, K. You've been doing what you do for what, a decade? I think I'll be okay. I'm going to talk to the doctor, and keep on trying to strengthen the things I feel are weakenesses professionally and personally. If I had it all figured out all ready I don't know that life would be worth living. Hopefully in a decade I can be as with it as you are in your position.

(and don't you DARE tell me that enlisted military members make a butt load of money, Ziggy.)

Why would I? My dad was in the navy, as well as Marcies dad and uncles. My step brother (former) is a captain in the army.

I fail to see how they with their 'family' of only two can't make it on Marcie's income alone.

Because, you fail to completly understand where our finances lie. Currently, with our trailer and apartment we have about 2,100 in housing expenses alone. Credit card and college loans and a line of credit add up another 600ish a month. Plus an MRI that medical didn't cover for Marcie. Bike and car payments, plus insurances for the car, bike, and trailer. Then after that, add any utilities. Then figure in gas, groceries...etc.

On the bright side (there is one) we have paid off a bit in various credit cards and debts over the past year, so we are actually at this point in time doing a lot better financially in terms of debt. The trailer is a big thing, but we listed it on Friday. As soon as that sells, that frees up another 1200 a month or so. Im going to go start training this week and three weeks after that is my first paycheck (training pay)...depending how good I am and how my trainer feels...I could start earning my salary pay the week after that. Then we should be OK because I will make the same as I would this year had I kept on teaching in my old district. Im working on getting some arrangements with some companies in order to help with the $$.

I was going to write a long-winded response extolling the virtues of second hand and gently used 'stuff', but I've decided to write an article about it instead.

It's hard to find fat mad-cow woman clothes at rummage sales and thrift stores that I can wear to work. Whenever I go to Fargo I stop by the fat mad-cow woman only thrift store and check out what they have. I NEVER buy anything unless I can get it on sale and I know that it's something I can wear for seasons to come.

Kids clothes...I don't know why ANYONE would purchase those from a department store. I plan on hitting every garage sale and thrift store around for kids clothes. I had a blast this summer clothes hunting for my cousin's little one. They grow out of them so fast...what's the point of buying new?

Not really.  I have only been in the position that I am in right now for about 4 years.  Prior to that, I was a Director, and prior to that, I was a manager, and prior to that, I was just an office person at a start up company and worked 60+ hours a week and only got paid $7.00 and hour for a 40 hr per week salary.  (don't do the math on the actual $ per hour- it's not pretty).  I've never felt stressed out unless I let something get under my skin that didn't need to.

Even when you are learning, you shouldn't really feel very stressed.  If you are working at the job that you should work at, you should look forward to the next day and not bring home stress.  I bring home work, but not stress.

You are the only one who really knows how you feel.  All I know is that stress is not healthy, and you should talk to somebody if you really do feel stressed a lot.  Stress will not help any of your life, and can actually hold you back at work if not controlled.  Only you can make the call on how much it effects your life, though.  I'm not saying this to criticize, it's meant as a sincere suggestion.

I know you are defensive about this, but I'm going to ask anyway: How much does the bike actually cost you per month, and can you really justify keeping it?  If you add up the payment + insurance + interest on other debts that the money could be paying off instead, what does that end up to be, and can it really be justified?

As an example, let's assume that the bike costs $300 per month and has a $20 per month insurance on it.  Say it cost $15,000 to start and you owe 50% (these are all just numbers, yours will vary).  If you sold the bike for $11,000, you would pay off the remaining $7500 and have $3500 to pay off other debt with.  On top of that, you would also have the $320 per month to pay on debt, plus save the extra interest on the loan(s) that were paid down.

Part of being fiscally responsible is separating needs and wants.  When money gets tight, you have to really be able to justify any unnecessary expenses.  what made sense and was "OK" at one point in your life may be the one thing that stresses your financial stability later on.  You really need to analyze ever expense and be able to justify it with a real need.  If you can't justify it with a real need, then you should have the extra cash to be able to afford it as a want.  If neither are true, then you should not have the expense if you can possibly get out of it.

How does a Trailer cost that much???  My House payment+ escrowed property tax barely costs more than that a month, and I can guarantee that it is much more substantial than a trailer.  

You are the only one who really knows how you feel. All I know is that stress is not healthy, and you should talk to somebody if you really do feel stressed a lot. Stress will not help any of your life, and can actually hold you back at work if not controlled. Only you can make the call on how much it effects your life, though. I'm not saying this to criticize, it's meant as a sincere suggestion.

No...I understand what you mean. What else do you think I might be good at? I can't imagine not working with people in some way, and I love working with kids. I've got lots of office experience, but sitting at a desk all day drives me about batty. I'm working on my master's degree for elementary literacy...and it really interests me... I wish I had about four lifetimes, because there's lots of things I'd love to do, but would I be any good at any of them, and could I justify the expense of the education? Blech. Just...blech.

As an example, let's assume that the bike costs $300 per month and has a $20 per month insurance on it. Say it cost $15,000 to start and you owe 50% (these are all just numbers, yours will vary). If you sold the bike for $11,000, you would pay off the remaining $7500 and have $3500 to pay off other debt with. On top of that, you would also have the $320 per month to pay on debt, plus save the extra interest on the loan(s) that were paid down.

Right now Im paying about 400 a month for the payment and then 15 towards insurance...a snafu I need to correct come payday. They don't have me under the correct coverage for what I want / need.
If I tried to sell the bike now, I wouldn't break even.

Part of being fiscally responsible is separating needs and wants. When money gets tight, you have to really be able to justify any unnecessary expenses. what made sense and was "OK" at one point in your life may be the one thing that stresses your financial stability later on. You really need to analyze ever expense and be able to justify it with a real need. If you can't justify it with a real need, then you should have the extra cash to be able to afford it as a want. If neither are true, then you should not have the expense if you can possibly get out of it.

I understand this point here rather well. I have been unemployed for about four months, start training next week. During this time, we budgeted and I was able to pay the bike payments on time (actually early to reduce interest). Turns out last month I was pleasently surprised to find out I was a month ahead on my payments. So starting this month is the first time that I can't make the payment. Its not that Im trying to justify (and maybe I am here) it, but this temporary situation in my employment shouldnt cause me to start selling things off when a job will relieve the issue. As soon as I start getting regular pay, I will be back in the saddle again, able to make payments on the bike and other things with no issue. Now, if my unemployment ended differently like a normal job and my income stopped altogether, I would have sold the bike, or if I felt I was going to be unemployed for a long time. But due to my contract with the district I worked for...I spread out my pay for the summer and was able to keep up the payments. I never felt that I wouldn't get a job soon.

How does a Trailer cost that much??? My House payment+ escrowed property tax barely costs more than that a month, and I can guarantee that it is much more substantial than a trailer.

The trailer after taxes cost us about 72k. While we had good credit at the time, we didn't have much of a downpayment and hence our interest is higher. Our monthly payment was 850 plus 175 Lot rent up until last month when the lot rent went up to 225, and then our insurance lapsed so they signed us up for their own coverage which bumped up our payments to 925 and 225. From various people I have heard, the lot rent will continue to go up quite a bit in the future.

OMG. OMG. OMG.

A trailer costs SEVENTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS?!?!?!?!

Hey...it's a high-quality POS that when the wind blows like it frequently does here, the toilet water sloshes about and you feel like you're going to be tossed out of bed. lol

Well, the crappiest single family homes here go for half a mil, but it still blows me away that things can cost so much.

I think we are going to live in a tent when we retire. By then they should probably cost around 40 grand.