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Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024

9:59pm EST

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Hey, life? Are you kidding me?

by audra_branson

Rated: 18+ · Book · Experience · #1578384

You never know what you'll find - humor, ramblings, rants, randomness- it's all me!

This description part is challenging. I never know what I will blog about until I start typing. I do know there will be typos. I don't reread or correct my blog. Otherwise it turns technical instead of my feelings and thoughts. Trust me, on stories and poems I'm a grammaraholic, but this is freedom. Sometimes to keep it from getting too personal, I even turn my head away while I type. Weird, right?. I hope you find this somewhat entertaining, thought-provoking, and humorous.

A little about me. The most important things in my life are family, especially my son, Reese, and my husband, Bruce, my walk with God, and making a positive impact in some way. I am a teacher, currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts. While at times my job can be trying, overall, it is one of the most rewarding passions in my life.

Figured since my son is about to graduate high school, I might want to update his pic.

This is my wonderful son, Reese. He is now 20 and and a junior at Oklahoma State University. I may be partial, but he is an exceptional kid with the best heart I've ever known. He makes me laugh, think, and want to be a better person. We are both huge Oklahoma State Cowboy fans - Gooooooo Pokes!

This is Reese's dog, Betty. She shares a name with my mother. Reese named her that because she was beautiful and kind just like his Nanny (my mom). I'm not sure my mom is quite convinced it is a compliment though. Betty is a huge part of our family. She even had her own blog for awhile.

Poke around at your leisure and shake your head at some of things that go through mine. I always return reviews/comments, though admittedly, sometimes it does take me awhile depending on what life is serving me at that point.

Keeping the faith,
Audra

Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

Leger~

Sep 2, 2024 at 9:01pm
In response to "Walks are like Days"

I can't say I've ever doubled up but I do enjoy freedom.

Kåre เลียม Enga

Sep 2, 2024 at 3:05pm
In response to "Walks are like Days"

I lose thoughts between here and there. I try to remember to carry a notepad and pen/pencil at all times. As I age every thought seems more precious.

I walked a lot in Thailand. I use to walk a lot in Missoula... but I don't anymore. My excuse today: the sky is white from smoke.

It's afternoon and I haven't had my coffee yet. I'm boiling a pot of the devil's brew on the stove... must remember.

Every walk is unique, just like any day. I need to get back to wandering.

Wordsmitty ✍️

Sep 2, 2024 at 1:35pm
In response to "Walks are like Days"

I understand, probably because I get a similar vibe when I do my morning walk. Sometimes it seems the world is carrying me along and sometimes it's uphill against the wind (besides the hill I usually go up where the wind is usually is blowing down at a good clip). There are several intersections where I can make a choice, but it all ends getting home. Going out each day into the world may be a fine experience or a downpour of frustration. Also, thinking is easy with great ideas when walking, but where do those wonderful words go when it's over?

Hope your walks are enjoyable and your days flow smoothly.

Leger~

Jul 8, 2024 at 12:23pm
In response to "Religion in Schools?"

And so...what happened to the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause...

Kåre เลียม Enga

Jul 7, 2024 at 3:03pm
In response to "Religion in Schools?"

Thank you for this.

A friend I stayed with years ago lost her job in the Southern Baptist town of Pryor because she had gay friends. She worked in a taco joint. I guess sex and gender are important qualifications for giving change for a bean burrito. "Death by association" can be a real hazard in small towns.

I realize that this isn't exactly analogous to your job; but, will only graduates from Bible College be hireable in Oklahoma? As is OK is ranked #44 among states in education. Among 34 nations USA is ranked 14th (reading), 25th (maths), 17th (science) according to OECD and PISA; however, "America’s problem on PISA is poverty and inequality, not curriculum and instruction." Not sure how this relates to your situation but rural Oklahoma has pockets of deep poverty.

I don't see how the Bible is going to help in those three categories. I am sceptical that it has helped with poverty in OK as neither the state nor churches seems to have made reduction of poverty their main priority.

I guess reading the Bible will help with reading skills (Math?, Science?), but so does reading the US Constitution... and the Qur'an and other Scriptures. If they are concerned about behaviour perhaps they should give you a nun's habit and a ruler.

1. I tend to be a rule follower (except for writing).
2. I am not a Christian and do not want it as a state or national religion; plus, which branch will be chosen? The SBC of OK?
3. I am not a teacher (although mistaken for one at times - a compliment imho).
4. I've given thought to the overarching issue of a theocracy but not to all of the specifics.

Again, thank you for posting. There will be those (especially at WDC) who will not engage on these issues.

~Brian K Compton~

Jun 18, 2024 at 1:41am
In response to "When you have to go!"

Leger~

has incited mark your territory, but think of the children.

I’m reminded of pre-schools/early education classrooms equipped with toilets…why stop there? Kåre เลียม Enga

makes a point.
Personally, I forgot until 7th grade, after some teasing, that 5 years earlier I was forced to go number 1 in the ‘chalkboard can’ in front of class…because I didn’t bathroom break at recess and couldn’t hold it in, after repeated requests. Not a good look on that teacher, story shared with my surprised in-laws, both familiar with the woman.
I was also fond of the smell of a new coin purse…another teacher, another year later, and also humiliating.
Times change. And there was no diagnosis for my unique condition back then, which would have had me bubble-wrapped and kept away from sharp things.
Great entry; something I can talk about with my wife’s parents.

Pro Toilets

Leger~

Jun 17, 2024 at 9:02pm
In response to "When you have to go!"

Nice to see you back!
Maybe after a few piddle trails, you could get a bathroom in your room.

Kåre เลียม Enga

Jun 15, 2024 at 8:11pm
In response to "When you have to go!"

Simple solution... a single-serve bathroom in every room!

That would solve a lot of other problems as well. Not all 'children' can safely use an American style public bathroom.

I've been wondering about my 'pee issues'. Although I attribute it to old age I never thought of "teacher bladder". I didn't use shared school bathrooms and didn't like them in university either.

I just can't hold it like I used to...

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Jun 7, 2023 at 11:00am
In response to "The Hug"

A hug in February 1979 saved my life. Never underestimate the power of personal connection. Whether with family, friends, pets or strangers... connections count.

Good to see you post.

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Jun 8, 2022 at 9:10pm
In response to "You Think I'm Scared?! You Betcha!"

🐍 Do you want one in bronze, gold or silver?

In Costa Rica we had non-venomous culebras and venomous serpientes. Some snakes are very useful and others...

Get to know which ones are dangerous and which can be pets.

July 7, 2024 at 12:55pm

#1073645

Religion in Schools?

I am thankful for being given the freedom to write this post. First, here are a few things you need to know about me. 1. I am a rule follower...to a point it causes me to be anxious when the rules are 'bent' which probably annoys those around me a little. 2. I am a Christian. 3. I am a teacher in Oklahoma. 4. I thought about this extensively before writing it.

These are my thoughts on teaching religion in the classroom which is to be implemented in Oklahoma. 1. For me to become a teacher in Oklahoma, I have to take (and pay for) tests to be considered highly qualified to teach the subject area. I have no certification in religion. Therefore, in the eyes of Oklahoma, I am not qualified to teach religion. 2. I teach mainly reading and writing. There are about fifty standards (things I am supposed to teach and have students master). It is nearly impossible to get them all in as it is. Which ones should I not teach to fit religion in? 3. Some families will pull their kids out of schools which is their right. There are great homeschool programs....and there are instances when homeschooling is overwhelming for parents. For me, I know homeschooling would never had worked for my son. This can cause gaps in their education. 4. There is no clear cut plan of how or what we should teach. If we fail to plan, we are planning to fail.

Saying it is for 'historical' purposes....hmmmm, don't other religions have historical relevance?

I will pray for the state of education in Oklahoma, but I will do it in the privacy of my own home.

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