...the older you get, the faster time seems to pass...

Toward the end of this last semester of school (December 2007), I finally decided I should go and talk to a guidance counselor to see how I could finagle my way out of having to take any math classes. Since completing algebra in 1962 and geometry in 1963, I have not had any occasion to use either of these forms of math in my everyday life. Since I am pursuing a degree in early childhood education, I see no need for taking college algebra. I thought this made perfect sense when I walked into the guidance office and presented my case. For the past 4 1/2 years, I have managed to take almost every class necessary before I can go on to a 4-year college to complete my degree. I walked out of the office near tears...I found out that the majority of the classes I have been taking are not applicable to a bachelors degree in early childhood education...only to a degree that will allow me to work in a Head Start program or in a childcare facility. I think there is a great need for workers in both of those types of childcare facilities. However, that was not what I had in mind when I began school. My intention was to work in a public school because: (1) there are many of them, and two within walking distance of my home, (2) because I can work either full-time or as a substitute teacher, (3) because at my age I need to make more money to save toward retirement, (4) better benefits, and(5) I wanted the freedom to teach from 3-year-old preschool to 2nd grade. I spoke to a counselor 4 1/2 years ago and explained this, however, I was put into the wrong program. There is nothing I can do about it now, but to keep taking more and more classes; I feel like I am starting at the beginning. And at my age, that is a real problem. I sucked it up, went through the course catalog and signed up for 4 classes for this semester. It takes every bit of concentration for me to be able to manage this, and sometimes I feel like I'm hanging on by my fingertips.

Now, my son's ex-girlfriend, has recently informed us that she is pregnant with our son's baby. They dated from June through maybe mid-August, when he broke up with her. According to him, there was one occasion of unprotected sex. Why would they do this? He had condoms! So, for the past few weeks he has been in denial. She has yet to see a doctor, even though she is due in 8 weeks. I hate to say the obvious...that both are immature, irresponsible, and not ready for parenthood. But it goes beyond that. Neither are working, neither have given a thought to where this child will be raised. I feel very bad for Katrina; her parents are not together (this is her stepfather). Her mom decided she didn't want to be married anymore, and last summer "dipped out" and moved in with her boyfriend. The stepfather is raising their three young children on one salary (had been combined), lost his home, he and 3 kids moved in with his parents and two siblings into a 3-bedroom townhouse. Katrina alternates between sacking out on the sofa, or wherever she can find a space...and her mother's place. But there's no electricity there, and mom just received an eviction notice.

My son feels no sense obligation...they had been broken up. He wants no involvement with the girl. He is not working, and is (barely) going to school...two classes only this semester. So who is going to be caring for this baby, and where? Katrina's summer job ended last August, and she never bothered to find another one. She has no income, and is so far along now that nobody will hire her. My daughter Mallory went out and bought Katrina a bunch of maternity clothes (out of her student loan money that she should have spent on her college text books). I have bought a bunch of baby clothes. Katrina has a good heart, but is just not in a place in her life to provide a good home. Matthew, once he matures someday, will be a loving, and more importantly, responsible father. I suppose that Scott and I will be there for our grandson, and pray that someday the parents will find their footing and become good parents. Wish us luck!