So, the other day I heard that a group of people at my kids' school are still upset about the new rules and are planning on boycotting the school festival, which I'll call Schoolfest.  I did a little digging and found out there are some numbers (less volunteers, etc.) that could support this.  There could be other explanations such as the government shutdown causing people to be tighter with money right now, but those people should have more time to volunteer.  Either way, I thought I'd do a little plug for the festival because it's such an awesome fundraiser!  

Schoolfest raises more than $100,000 for the school.  The kids love it, they participate and are excited about it, which is significantly better than having to go out and sell candy, candles and wrapping paper door to door.  The festival runs from 11-4 and features games, some rides, cake walk, silent auction, raffles, food from local restaurants, performances from local dance/singing groups, and a chance for the kids to run around and have a great time with their friends, family and teachers.  The whole school plus many parents have been working for a year, and the kids have been preparing since the first day of school.

The money raised purchases things like sun shades for play structures, ipads for classrooms, technology training for teachers, school improvements and so much more.  The kids and their classrooms directly benefit from this, and it is something that makes our school great.  In fact, I've talked to 2 separate people (random strangers) recently who said they moved to our community specifically for the schools.  

Now, the festival is a big undertaking, and I often have a hard time committing to volunteer the day of (due to schedules, traveling husband, etc.), but I always commit to at least an hour of volunteer time plus helping before the event because my kids directly benefit from it.  It's pretty amazing to see the whole community come together to support education, and it's a great way to get to know other parents in the community.  

If you are a parent at the school, I encourage you to take an hour for our school festival and volunteer.  This is a great opportunity for working parents who can't otherwise help at the school during the week.  If you are a community member, I encourage you to bring your kids or grandkids for a couple hours of fun.  All the money directly benefits the children in our community, and nothing is more important than educating our kids.  Plus, it would be really sad if we couldn't fund some upcoming improvements for the school because we didn't raise enough money!

So, come join us next Saturday, October 19!

I hate politics, and find it all difficult to follow mostly because I also find it horribly boring. With that being said, I try to pay attention and understand what's going on since it is our government.  

This week I am disgusted with our politicians.  From what I can tell, the events of the past week show that our politicians are interested in nothing more than siding with their party at all costs.  It seems it has become a nothing more than a childish game of whose side wins regardless of what is best for the country.

The Government has shut down.  As a result, hundreds of thousands of hard- working Americans are without pay.  Congress, however, still gets paid.  My husband, who flew out of town yesterday to attend a meeting that begins today, must fly back immediately or be formally reprimanded.  He does not receive a paycheck until the Government re-opens, and is not allowed to do ANYTHING related to work.  He is our only source of income, and there are many, many families in the same boat.  Luckily, we have some savings to fall back on, but there are many families who don't.   

Everyone is worked up about Obamacare, and I certainly don't know a lot about it.  But, as far as considering the good of the whole country, it really doesn't seem that bad.  It gets rid of pre-existing conditions, adds mandatory coverage for mental health, and allows children to be covered under their parents for longer.  

It also requires everyone to be covered, which I know many people are upset about.  Here is one scenario I would like people to think about.  There are many people uninsured by choice, understandably since it's so expensive.  However, what happens when those people have a catastrophic medical situation?  I've known families like that, and when a life or death medical issue arises (think appendicitis, car accident, high risk pregnancy/birth) that ultimately costs $20,000, $30,000 or more, those families had those costs reduced to almost nothing since they didn't have insurance.  The cost of the medical care was not erased from existence, but paid for in a round about way by the rest of us who pay for our medical costs.  Now, that seems more unfair to me than asking those people to have insurance in order to cover their own costs.  

Anyway, I hope Congress can get their act together and start thinking about the good of the whole rather than what is going to get them elected next or make them appear 'strong'. Newsflash: compromise is not a sign of weakness.  I hope they start thinking more about the American people, especially the ones who are now suffering financially because they can't figure this out, and learn to get along.  The extreme partisanship in our government is nauseating.  And they keep saying they are speaking for the people of the country, but somehow it seems they've lost touch with the American people in their efforts to win, win, win. 

And, so, I guess I'll be enjoying a little vacation with the husband this week.  We need to finish season 5 of Breaking Bad, so I have that to look forward to.  Thanks Congress.