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Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024

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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.

June 15, 2024 at 8:01pm

#1072709

When you have to go!

Read at your own risk!

A couple of people have politely asked me why I drive my gator down to where I walk instead of walking there. It's a fair question. The answer is two part.

1. Despite growing up in the country and then marrying someone who lives in the country, I am not a squat and pee girl. I simply don't have the coordination or the bravery to do it. I can just imagine a wasp or, God forbid, a snake biting my 'business'. Not only would that really hurt, I don't want to ruin a doctor's day by having to examine that.

2. I have Teacher Bladder. Google it (or simply believe me), it's a real thing. The first time I went to a urologist (for kidney stones), he asked me if I was a teacher, nurse, or mail carrier (which I now think is my dream job). Seeing my confused look, he explained my bladder was not in good shape which usually happens when we hold our urine instead of going when nature calls. Easier said than done when you are a teacher.

For one reason, who ever designs schools thinks we only need one bathroom for teachers. Wrong! There all a lot of us - teachers, administrators, para-professionals, volunteers, janitors, etc. For one bathroom! And, a lot of time we are on break at the same times. Honestly, it feels like a foot race against your coworkers. We are torn between being nice and tripping them. And God forbid a little unknowing child uses our bathroom! I'm afraid he will be secretly shunned by normally reasonable teachers.

Well-meaning people have suggested usually the students' bathrooms since they have multiple stalls. These people have never seen the shocked look on a student's face when you come out of stall. The fact that teachers pee is disturbing! Also, I teach preteens, and no amount of bath and body can make them smell lovely. So their bathrooms smell like lavender, sweat, funk, and yuck. (Don't even ask about the boys' restroom).

You can't leave the darlings alone while you run to the bathroom, because in a matter of two minutes, best friends will be fighting, some one will bite some else as an experiment, and the office will have called four times.

So, if you ever are in charge of designing a school, GIVE US MORE BATHROOMS! Teachers' bladders matter too!

In short, I'm extremely thankful for Bruce's gator so when nature calls, I can make it to my own personal bathroom.

3 Like • Comment • View 3 comments

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