The World is Upside Down

Since when does school get canceled in the beginning of June? Isn't that like seeing the Easter Bunny come down the chimney in December? But I suppose, in case you hadn't heard, it was the record-breaking heat. Is it because their poor, young minds couldn't possibly function or because of the potential law suits when little Johnny came home and said his hand melted into his pencil because his mean, awful teacher still made him try to learn? Either way, it seems to me we've gone soft America. There are little children in New Delhi sweltering in 120 degree heat but still, they go to school. They may have to sit in a classroom and share desks or books, but they don't just cancel school because of the weather (Ganesh's birthday? Obviously. But that's different, isn't it?). But there is a race taking place here, besides the US Presidential race, and we may end up like Hillary. How can we expect tomorrow's global leaders to be successful when we let them take the day off to play in their pools because it is a beautiful day? We may have better computers and more supplies but what good is it if all we are using the computer for is to play games and download music? I mean honestly. Do you think my 5 and 7 year old niece and nephew get this? No. As we sat and sang Carolyn's catchy, new, made up tune, "It's a Brand New Day to Play" (whose lyrics consisted of repeating that phrase), there was not one mention of school or homework or the state of the economy. We'll see what the brand new day brings when someone's got to work in a sweatshop making toys for little Chinese and Indian children.

Perhaps I should've made my stance on serious education for children clearer in my interview or I wouldn't be here still waiting for an answer, getting closer to "no thanks" with every minute that passes. Are you out there and listening, school district that will hire me?

Maybe it's that we bypassed winter this year because it did feel hot, but not "the world is on fire hot" like the local news tries to claim. And this is coming from someone who is currently living in the equivalent of a brick oven. "Why would we open any windows when it might rain...someday," says the woman lying in bed with a cloth to wipe her sweat. But I guess we needed a good headline, until we can really figure out what's going on with Tomato Turmoil 2008. (Gas prices are getting a little old now.) Didn't I come half-way around the world to get away from random food parasites and potentially fatal diseases? The other question this recall raises is how am I supposed to know where the tomatoes I bought at Stop and Shop are from? And isn't that a little frightening that we don't even know where our food comes from? Maybe I should add "organic farmer" to my list of potential future jobs. Either that or I can practice using just the right touch of outrage and concern about the weather, the state of education, or contaminated tomatoes, and try my luck at being the local anchorwoman.