LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace

Author Archives: erin.almond


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Random Ramblings

I really should be working on a lesson plan.  Or several lesson plans.  But for some reason, my ability to focus has gone out the window.

I report to work on Thursday for new teacher in-service training/orientation.  And you’d think that the fact that Thursday is getting closer would motivate me to get on it.  But there are just SO. MANY. OTHER. THINGS. that I’d rather be doing right now.

Well maybe not.  I love taking this time to plan lessons, brush up on my own history knowledge, and try to prepare to be the best history teacher ever- I just can’t focus.  I think it’s because I’m really nervous- so it’s like performance anxiety or something.  At any rate, I need to get on it, because time is ticking away…and I’m only on Chapter 2…of 30.

On another note, I just completed a whirlwind mother visitation.  My mommy came and helped me get completely settled into my apartment, which of course meant saying things like “Why did you put this here?” or “Don’t you think that you need to get ___________” and “I’m not saying you have to do this, but if this were my apartment, I would _________________.”  With her help, my apartment is now a cozy little home complete with a microwave, toaster, and vacuum cleaner.  THANKS MOM!

I’m starting to get used to the idea of living in Florida- at least for right now.  I’m a big believer in making where you are where you want to be.  And, I think the change is quite welcome for me.  However, I will say that I do need to venture out and do the things that people do to meet people.  I started the church visitation process (another post completely), but if there are any South Floridians out there that know of some nice adult things going on…feel free to let me know.

Until then- I’m going back to lesson planning.  Be encouraged 🙂


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Apparently, It’s Not Too Late to Apologize…

Yesterday, the House adopted that policy when they issued an apology for the African Americans for slavery and for Jim Crow.

Here’s an excerpt of the article that appeared on MSNBC.com:

The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws…

Congress has issued apologies before — to Japanese-Americans for their internment during World War II and to native Hawaiians for the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. In 2005, the Senate apologized for failing to pass anti-lynching laws.

Five states have issued apologies for slavery, but past proposals in Congress have stalled, partly over concerns that an apology would lead to demands for reparations — payment for damages.

There was no mention of reparations, and I think that’s okay, for a number of reasons.  For one, we are all so intertwined, that I can see people being upset when people who aren’t African Americans receive benefits.  Additionally, I’m not so sure what issuing a check would do- other than be a symbolic attempt at what had been previously promised (40 acres and a mule).  Perhaps that’s important; however, I can’t see that being something that fares well in the United States.  I also see that being something that will divide more than unite.

But, as we’ve learned- it’s not too late to apologize.  And I am glad that it’s happened.