I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually grateful to be in the situation I am in at present. The Swine 'Flu is going through the school system like crazy. I'm being spared that.

I've heard from Vicki today. After speaking with her, I've decided that teachers have less than 10% chance of being able to discipline the students when they become out of control. And parents who back their wild children sue if the teacher tries to regain control of the classroom. It makes me glad I'm not teaching at present.

I don't know what the world is coming to. I don't worry about such things. I am content to take care of my small part. I'm ever so grateful to be at a peaceful place in my life right now. Sure, there are things I dislike about my situation but I've learned that those are the things I have the least amount of imput about. So, I resolve to become content whatever my situation may be. It's easy enough to focus on the things I do not have. But where would that get me? I'd rather concentrate on the things that are being provided for me. By doing that I remain in the moment and maintain an attitude of gratitude.

Yesterday I heard from three of my four sponsees. Becky wants to do lunch one day this week. She feels the need to escape work. Not sure what's going on but I'm grateful she chose to escape with me. Elyce needed to vent and to calm down. I'm still unsure how I came to be the calm one. Seems rather strange to me. I always had such a hair trigger temper. Linda wanted to talk about the latest snags in her house hunting. She also wanted to issue an invitation to visit any time I want. I know I can visit. The problem is that I financially can't.

Uncle Billy Bob called last night. Yes, I actually have an Uncle Billy Bob. I also had an Aunt Bea at one time, too. I guess that makes me the quintecential Southerner, huh? Any way, Uncle Billy Bob called to ask about my brother. It seems Barry called him a little while back. He was impressed at how much calmer Barry is and wanted to know how he came to be living in Lebanon. It's kind of funny to me. None of the family wants to be involved with decision making when the problem is up close in personal. Oh, they'll support any decision you make but to actually get their hands dirty- forget it. You might as well be on a deserted island. No one shows up. At least that's what my experience with both sides of the family has been. But Uncle Billy Bob did remember that I tried several years ago to get Barry into a situation like this but failed. So, maybe it wasn't such a bad conversation.