Why is education always last on people's list?

Ok here is my angry tirade about the state of education, specifically in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Ok, so I get it the economy sucks, most people and most organizations & businesses have had to make cut-backs. It is certainly understandable given the fact that too much money was spent for too long, and people get greedy. People (myself included) need to learn what is really important.

HOWEVER, why oh why must the most be taken out of education the majority of the time. It's like cutting from education is the first thing on the chopping block. And furthermore why oh why is the first thing teachers! Don't people realize that will negatively impact students!!! I know that part of this is because I was laid off due to budget cuts, but even so I mean this is just crazy. Students, no matter how intelligent and hardworking, cannot learn in classroom full of 50 other children!!!

You know I wonder how much money the school systems would save if there wasn't as much as much being spent on testing...

What I want to do but don't know how to do it

So this series of thoughts came to me as I was trying to fall asleep last night. I feel like this is something that I want to do with my life, but I don't know how to do it or go about even beginning.

I want to create a place to help adolescent and college age women develop into prosperous and happy adult women. I want it to be a place that can help improve their self esteem and self image. A place where they can learn how to have healthy relationships and good friendships with other girls, stop this crazy catty combative competition (how's that for alliteration) with one another. A place where they can learn what a healthy romantic relationship is and isn't (gay or straight). A place where girls can develop their interests that might be outside of the "typical" realm. A place where they feel safe and secure. A place where they can get counseling if they need it. A place to have fun!!! A place that can provide necessary resources for furthering their education and to help make them into self-assured self-sufficient members of society.

I know that there are GREAT organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy & Girls Clubs, and of course different religious groups and I am grateful that they are there. I just want one that focuses on adolescent girls specifically. Like the facility created in the movie "The First Wives Club" but for teenage women. I don't know how or where to start, but it's something that I want to do.

Minnie Lee Mabry

I feel like I need to avoid anyone in my life that is over 75, because they all seem to be declining in health. I know it's part of the aging process, but sometimes I think that it is just cruel.

I feel this way because my paternal grandfather passed away right before Christmas and now it is looking like Scott's grandmother is not going to be around much longer. Granted we all thought this about 2 years ago when she first fell and got sick, but she did not lose the ability or desire to eat. Her blood pressure is really low, and she has been in SO much pain for so many years that has just gotten reall really bad over the past few months. I hate it for my husband, and especially for my mother-in-law. It is just so sad.

Minnie Lee is such an amazing woman. It has only been recently that she has complained of pain. She has always been so sweet and caring. So faithfilled, and never feeling like God has abandoned her. Her mind has stayed sharp, even though her body has continued to detirorate. I pray that my mind is that sharp at 92. I also pray that I am that positive and caring at that age.

She is in the ICU at the hospital. We are just praying that if it is her time to go, it will happen soon. We just don't want her to suffer anymore than necessary.