jimmy spako wrote: I just got a letter that my little dude, who starts first grade in September, made it into the public bilingual (German/English) school program we applied for here last fall.
I am extremely happy and relieved.

Congratulations! I know that feeling of relief. It's important to take a minute to feel the good news, and appreciate it, when it does happen...

It's been (gosh) ten years since my daughter got in to the school we'd hoped for, now there's another milestone right around the corner: we find out about high school acceptance next month. NYC high schools are kind of a mini-university process involving tests, tours, auditions, essays, rankings, etc. Kind of wild for a 13-year old.

Dave N. wrote: Wed Feb 08, 2023 3:38 pm Austin has strict tree canopy laws that often cause a push-pull between conservationists and developers. We’ve got a pair of 200 year old oaks in the yard that have been under scrutiny from the city, since we have a construction project going in the backyard. We had a limb removed for safety and access reasons, and the city inspector threw a fit. I’m all for this kind of oversight, but I’m betting things are going to change after this last storm.

You can trim your trees or, sooner or later, nature will trim them for you. Unpredictably.

I only recently learned that Greg Abbott was paralyzed by a fallen tree limb while jogging after a storm. There's probably a cautionary tale in there about the Wild Wild West spirit that Texas likes to pretend to embody. But whatever, he's a piece of shit either way.

If only a coconut could land especially hard on Ted Cruz' face..

penningtron wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 10:40 am I only recently learned that Greg Abbott was paralyzed by a fallen tree limb while jogging after a storm. There's probably a cautionary tale in there about the Wild Wild West spirit that Texas likes to pretend to embody. But whatever, he's a piece of shit either way.

If only a coconut could land especially hard on Ted Cruz' face..

Abbott was paralyzed by a tree when he was 27, then sued the neighbor who owned the tree, along with the neighbors tree trimming service. He has received $9,000,000 for the settlement, spread out over the course of 30 or so years. As a politician, he has since pushed for tort reform to keep people from doing what he did. What a piece of shit.

Went inside of a bodega looking for one packet of taco seasoning. The lady giggled and said they don't carry packets of taco seasoning, then proceeded to tell me how to make my own. I've never been so mortified.

I told a bunch of mostly old ladies who were demonstrating against abortion on a street corner they were "sanctimonious assholes". Cliche debate ensued until the light turned green. I don't usually call strangers let alone old ladies assholes. I don't regret it, but it's comical in retrospect.

Spending a sunny afternoon reading about the mental health of teenage girls (especially LGBTQ teens) hitting near crisis levels. This is disturbing on its own, but especially thinking about my friend circle & PRF friends/peers with kids that age. Can't even imagine what it's like to grow up right now..

penningtron wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:54 pm Spending a sunny afternoon reading about the mental health of teenage girls (especially LGBTQ teens) hitting near crisis levels. This is disturbing on its own, but especially thinking about my friend circle & PRF friends/peers with kids that age. Can't even imagine what it's like to grow up right now..

I have a 14 year old daughter who came out as a lesbian a couple of years ago.

Best thing to do of course is to be as supportive as possible and encourage her to find like-minded friends.

Thankfully, there’s a healthy LGBTQ crowd already in band. Thank the heavens for high school band.

Honestly, she’s happier than she has ever been right now.

I don’t mean to second-guess what you’re reading, but there are far fewer boys out of the closet at her school. I don’t know for sure, but do wonder if it’s more difficult for LGBTQ boys.

rsmurphy wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:36 pm Went inside of a bodega looking for one packet of taco seasoning. The lady giggled and said they don't carry packets of taco seasoning, then proceeded to tell me how to make my own. I've never been so mortified.

My tacos were bussin! In addition to the regular seasonings one would use I added some Midyett Premium Rub for a bit of je ne sais quoi

Teacher's Pet wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:14 pm

jimmy spako wrote: I just got a letter that my little dude, who starts first grade in September, made it into the public bilingual (German/English) school program we applied for here last fall.
I am extremely happy and relieved.

Congratulations! I know that feeling of relief. It's important to take a minute to feel the good news, and appreciate it, when it does happen...

It's been (gosh) ten years since my daughter got in to the school we'd hoped for, now there's another milestone right around the corner: we find out about high school acceptance next month. NYC high schools are kind of a mini-university process involving tests, tours, auditions, essays, rankings, etc. Kind of wild for a 13-year old.

Thank you! I managed to appreciate it for about five minutes before doing my usual thing and turning to unfinished business in my head, but I hope to have some quiet time soon to really let it sink in and cultivate the gratitude I feel deep down. We are really lucky. Best of luck to you guys too!