2/3/06

It’s spring, which means it ‘tis the season for job searching.  I’m trying, yet again, to return home to my beloved San Antonio.  The problem is once people get hired there they don’t leave.  My current job is still excruciating, but I teach as best I can in spite of all the problems.  Actually, work is not in my mental crosshairs, since I’m preoccupied with my father’s struggle with alcoholism.  His disease has progressed to the point of alcoholic diabetes and delirium tremors.  Mom has been too passive for thirty years, but has finally decided that Dad needs to be put in rehab.  He admits his problem, but is still insisting he can handle it without help – yes, typical response.  My Mom has to take care of my grandmother and her husband, which of course, is draining her.  I am the only child, who happens to live over two hours away, so my ability to help is limited.  I hope Dad realizes his need to go to rehab or at least AA.  He has a counselor, but he can only manage to go four or five days without sneaking a drink.  Shit, shit and double shit.  I’m going home next weekend to judge a contest and celebrate my birthday.  I imagine I’ll end up cooking something for the family, since Grandmother cannot navigate in crowded public restaurants.  That actually doesn’t bother me; I’ll get to choose the menu as the “Birthday Boy.”  This is the year of my twentieth high school reunion – fuck that.  I hated high school and have no desire to see those mo-foes again. 

So, our country is addicted to oil…..and W is addicted to oil money.  I won’t hold my breath waiting for a major shift in energy policy.  By the way, most of our oil is imported from Canada, not the Middle East.  Hmmmmm.  I’m sure the new awareness of our addiction to oil will improve our environment and economy just like the “No Child Left Untested” act improved education.  Actually, there are major reforms needed in schools, including making it easier to fire bad teachers.  They stigmatize all educators and demean the profession.  The same must be true for bad administrators, but it seems odd that is seldom mentioned.  The parents who think their children can do no wrong should be forced to home school their little fuckheads to test their theory.  This weekend is going to be a Foodie’s delight.  On Saturday I’m making shrimp tacos with mango/chipotle aioli and avocado/tomatillo salsa, and on Sunday I’m preparing red chili glazed pork ribs and hot bacon potato salad.  YUMMY!