So how about that presidential race? What a selection--a young inexperienced charmer relying upon affirmative action sympathizers vs. a pessimistic grumpy old man who, quite frankly, terrifies me. I don't know what do to. I sure don't trust either one of them. I've got lots of conflicting allegiances:
I'm Mormon = morally conservative (+1 republicans);
I'm an academic (+1 democrats);
I'm fiscally liberal (+1 democrats);
I support the War in Iraq (+1 republicans);
I can't rationalize war expenditures when I see extreme domestic poverty (+1 democrats);
Health care is my greatest concern (+1 democrats);
What to do?
I think it comes down to two basic philosophies. (1) Do you fear change and advocate for the status quo (conservativism/republicans), or (2) do you believe we should risk making blunders and try to change things (democrats)? I guess it really comes down to this--are you a pessimist or an optimist?
I choose to be an optimist. Sure, democrats have plenty of odd fixations and dumb blunders, but I choose to try and make things better. How about you?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
School Resumed
We're back in school and things are moving smoothly. I am teaching HST 109 - the first half of US history. I've got about 170 students (two classes), and I'm getting sick of all the stupid emails. "Professor Garrett, the bookstore is out of books" No, they are not. "Professor Garrett, what are the assigned readings for tomorrow." Read the Syllabus. "Professor Garrett, will there be a quiz on Wednesday?" Good Grief kiddies! Its like I'm teaching 8th grade again!
Jen is also teaching. She is the director for Womens Chorus, and is leading a community choir (Arizona Deseret Choir), the church choir, and Sunday she was asked to organize a major musical production. She is also wrapping up two courses so she is pretty busy.
Abby is Abby. She laughs a lot and loves to be part of the action. She can play by herself for a few minutes, but then needs to be moved someplace else. She rolls pretty frequently, and is starting to pull up on her hands and knees (but does not yet go anywhere). She's getting over another cold but seems pretty good. She still is tiny--only about 12.5 lbs. She is still off the chart for wieght (below 3%) and height for her age, but she is developmentally fine. She is a happy healthy little girl.
All the family visiting last week is gone now, except Jen's mom. She is helping with Abby and doing little projects and reading. Jen and I have scheduling conflicts so we're glad Karen is here to help.
Jen is also teaching. She is the director for Womens Chorus, and is leading a community choir (Arizona Deseret Choir), the church choir, and Sunday she was asked to organize a major musical production. She is also wrapping up two courses so she is pretty busy.
Abby is Abby. She laughs a lot and loves to be part of the action. She can play by herself for a few minutes, but then needs to be moved someplace else. She rolls pretty frequently, and is starting to pull up on her hands and knees (but does not yet go anywhere). She's getting over another cold but seems pretty good. She still is tiny--only about 12.5 lbs. She is still off the chart for wieght (below 3%) and height for her age, but she is developmentally fine. She is a happy healthy little girl.
All the family visiting last week is gone now, except Jen's mom. She is helping with Abby and doing little projects and reading. Jen and I have scheduling conflicts so we're glad Karen is here to help.
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