Response to the Governor

I woke up angry this morning in my stuffy upstairs bedroom. I was wishing that my ceiling fan would work a little harder, and wishing that I wasn't already thinking about Sam Brownback at 5:30am.  Guess I shouldn't have read the news right before going to bed:

Firing of staff stuns Kansas Arts Commission

TOPEKA | Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration has told the Kansas Arts Commission that its five employees will lose their jobs and the agency will be shut down next month.
Secretary of Administration Dennis Taylor sent a letter Tuesday telling the employees their jobs would end June 10.
Brownback wants to eliminate the commission and replace it with a nonprofit foundation relying heavily on private donations to finance arts programs.
Legislative negotiators plan to include $689,000 in the next budget to keep the commission alive, but Brownback is expected to line-item veto the funds.
Arts Commission Chairman Henry Schwaller said the agency was shocked by Taylor’s letter. Schwaller called the move a back-door attempt to circumvent what Kansas residents want.

| The Associated Press

Posted on Tue, May. 10, 2011 10:15 PM

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/10/2865742/brownback-fires-arts-commission.html#ixzz1M3t5F79t

I've been thinking about my response all day.

Dear Governor Brownback,
As a U.S. History teacher at Topeka West High School, I spend a lot of time focusing on how the checks and balances in the Constitution have enabled our governmental system to exist continuously and develop positively through the past 200 years.

My students and I extensively discuss the importance of compromises between those founders who championed a large central government, and those who cautioned against establishing a government with too much power.  Only through this delicate balance can we now enjoy a system that is both able to lead our nation effectively and speaks for the rights and wishes of our nation's people.

By promoting the balancing of the budget through cutting spending and shrinking some KS government programs, your proposals throughout this year's Kansas budget discussions have remained consistent with a belief in a government with limited powers and responsibilities.  

I was extremely frustrated and angered to learn of your recent act of prematurely dismantling the Kansas Arts Commission.  I find it highly inconsistent that you argue for a smaller government while simultaneously abusing powers that are beyond the responsibilities that have been democratically delegated to you. 

Given the two options, I would prefer to pay higher taxes for a program that the populace of Kansas has spoken in support of (both through their own voices and through their elected representatives), than to have a governor that feels free to act unilaterally and even against the will of the legislature.  

This action was not only hypocritical in the light of your belief in limited government, but it also make a mockery of the system of checks on power that are the basis of our governmental system.  It brings to light just how vulnerable any governmental system is to a leader who does not stay within the bounds of the leadership role to which he or she was elected.  

Do not let hubris, impatience, or frustration get in the way of fulfilling your responsibilities to those who elected you.  Reinstate the Kansas Arts Commission until the budget issues surrounding it are resolved through democratic means.  The people of Kansas--and the students of Topeka West High School--will watch and hold you accountable for your actions.

Sincerely,
Miriam Friesen

Why I Am Going to Law School

This week I broke the news to my German 1 and 2 students that I would not be returning as their teacher next year; that I'm going to law school instead.  Since they would have had a chance to have me as a teacher again next year, I figured this decision affected them the most out of all of my students.

Realizing this moment was coming a few months ago, I decided to sit down and put together an outline of my thoughts on why I am going to law school, just in case it turned into a teachable moment.  You know how I love outlines and organized thoughts anyway...

In the end, the response to my news did not evidence much concern, even on the part of my best-beloved students.  One response was "We'll be students at KU at the same time! We can go to keg parties together!" (...um... no thanks...) and another response was "Hey, how do you say 20 in German? I forgot and I need to know for number 5 on the homework."

It relieved a little of my guilt complex, that they didn't seem too traumatized by the idea of my departure from Topeka West. But, shoot, it just didn't give me a chance to delve very far into the answer that I had begun carefully constructing.  Guess what, blogs are an excellent outlet for expressing thoughts that are desperate to find an audience.

Ahem: "Why I am going to law school," by Miriam Friesen.

A few years ago I got started thinking about food and farming.  I'd like to credit my parents for this.  Many a family supper in high school and college was strongly flavored by my dad's thoughts on local food economies, sustainably produced foods, biodiversity, and preventative healthcare based on healthy eating habits.  I recall our meals during that time period being generously sprinkled with clever quotes and pithy tidbits from Wendell Berry, Joel Salatin, Gene Logsdon, and Michael Pollan.  Before I read any Wendell Berry for myself, my sister and I had a running inside joke about him.  Any time one of us asked an opinion about something, the other one of us would put on a very serious expression and start our opinion with, "Well, I think Wendell Berry would say..." (hehehe... Sorry, Dad!)
  
But in spite of our rolling eyes, the thoughts and questions sank in... of course.  And then all in the same year or two, my parents moved across the country to start a farm of their own; I joined in on the Oxfam campaign to reform the most recent US Farm Bill; I read An Omnivore's Dilemma; and I was suddenly surrounded by other people who were concerned about some of the same issues I was.

It was clear to me: the American food system could use some restructuring.  The more I read and think about it these days, the more interconnected all of the parts become--farmer's market rules are related to state food safety laws are related to big agribusinesses are related to standard farming methods are related to farm subsidies are related to food prices are related to capitalist principles are related to international commodity trade is related to food availability overseas is related to seed patents are related to biodiversity of crop species is related to food security is related to local food production is related to farmers markets...

I could go on... forever probably... but when I take a step back from this interconnected web that I am weaving for myself, I see a common thread: All of these things are shaped by, or themselves shape, US and world policies related to agriculture, food, and trade.

I want to understand those policies!  I HAVE to understand those policies!  I want to know the ins and outs of how they work, and who gets a say, and why.  I want to know what's been tried in the past, and what ideas there are for the future, and the potential problems with both.  I want to put myself in a position where I am able to speak both the language of the laws and the language of farmers and consumers.

I've come to the conclusion that there are two ways to have power in this or any discussion: to have money, or to have knowledge.  Of course, I have money in the "vote with your dollars" sense of having money, but I don't have the money to fund lobbyists and ad campaigns (that would be fun, wouldn't it?).  What I do have is the desire and the ability to work towards becoming a coherent voice in the discussion of the world food economy.
Just as importantly, I hope to become a communication channel and line of defense for those whose lives are greatly affected by these policies, but who lack the power to make their voices heard. I want to help ensure that their rights speak just as loudly as money does in the shaping and enforcement of agriculture and food policy laws.  (And just so you know, I get so excited just thinking about this, I'm having to hold myself back from using exclamation points at the end of each sentence!)

At this point, I always feel the need to issue this caveat so that you know I'm still in touch with reality: I know this is all very theoretical and idealistic. I understand that law school does not allow a tunnel-vision focus on one issue, and I'm aware that it's a big investment of time and money.

But if the above doesn't sound like a fascination with law and an inspiration to bury myself in its study for three years... Well, all that is left to say is that I've never been so excited about the future of my career, or so convinced that this is the direction I am supposed to be going!

PS Here are some of the thoughts that have been living on my bookshelf recently:

Morale and Motivation

I came to school today in a great mood, for three reasons in particular: One, the trip to see my sister's senior art show in Indiana provided me with a long weekend away from work; Two, I was wearing new red shoes (courtesy of my generous new friend Maggie, who let me adopt them for my very own, even though they were probably her best Goodwill-find ever); Three, I was carrying a bag of dark chocolate that I bought for the road trip, but forgot about until this morning when I unpacked. 

However, after unwrapping and devouring my third dark chocolate piece in the first two minutes of my plan period today, I realized it might not be the best idea to bring chocolate with me to work (long weekends and new shoes, on the other hand, remain a great way to bolster morale).

The inspiration for my manic chocolate-eating was the stack of US History tests that I was putting off entering into the grade book.  The curve of grades looked more like a steep upward climb than a bell, which usually means that something went terribly wrong. 

But as I paged through the open-note short answer tests, a few patterns reassured me that the error was not on my part.   Instead of answering all 8 short answer questions, some kids stopped after 4 or 5.  Far from writing the minimum 2 sentences, some kids wrote three words.  Instead of sentences, one kid copied a T-chart out of his notes.  I might have been tempted to award him with a point or two anyway, but the chart was unfortunately unrelated to the question he indicated he was answering.

It really pains me to have to hand out bad grades, but I just had to admit it was clear that the only thing wrong with this test was carelessness and lack of effort on the part of my dear angels.  Sometimes I just don't get them, and it is so difficult to predict what assignments will inspire them, and which will cause them to sink into the depths of hopelessness and whininess. 

One student today, a college-bound senior doing independent study, sighed dramatically and said "Really, Ms. Friesen? A TWO-page paper??" I laughed, embarrassed at my ridiculously low standards, and replied, "You're saying that because it's so short, right?"  He wasn't. 

On the other hand, my normally unmotivated sophomores (the authors of the tests above) settled right into a long-term reading assignment today, with no protest at all.  Over the next several days, they will be reading any 50 pages out of a selection of topical history books I picked from our school library.   "We can read 50 pages from any of the books we want?" Yep.  "So, is that 50 pages out of each book, or 50 pages total?" one not-particularly-academically-minded student asked, without a trace of fear or concern in her voice. 

"Um, yes... ONLY 50 pages total..." (And you ONLY have to write a total of 100 facts gleaned from those only 50 pages.  ...Glad you see it that way). During the 40 minutes they read silently today, I only had to send one student into the hall to do jumping jacks (which is a relatively mild fix for this particular student's overwhelming energy and effervescent obnoxiousness). 

Well, I remain mystified about the process of motivating and inspiring teenagers.  But my new shoes are still comfortable after 8 hours of pacing the classroom, and I got enough papers graded during plan to leave the rest at school, so I'm going home satisfied with my day.

Status

My current feeling (such a common feeling at 3:10 pm Monday through Friday) seems so significant that I just feel I have to announce it, right now, but social networking sites are blocked at school, so my blog is my only outlet.

Here it is, world, this is what I accomplished today:

I have survived through another day of teaching, and I didn't kill anyone, and only a small part of my soul withered, and I even think I may still emerge from teaching with part of my sanity and self-worth in tact.

(I'm not sure how people do this day after day for their entire career. Two years is plenty for me.)

Hairspray Costume Diaries, Part 3

Friday 2/4

I gave up on Maybelle's dress. I just didn't think I was going to have time, so I decided to cut my losses and begin perusing the plus size racks.  I ducked into Fashion Bug for a few minutes, but only a few minutes.  Partly because the selection for plus sizes was not very large, but partly because of the concerned salesperson hovering around me.  She finally worked up the nerve to confront me, and inform me that "people your size USUALLY shop on the other side of the store."

I told her I was looking for costumes, and I think she was offended by the suggestion of such a base use for her fabulously fashionable plus sizes.  She suggested checking Goodwill or Salvation Army instead, and hovered until I took her up on her suggestion, and left. 

CJ took me out to eat at Biggs Barbecue.  After we finished I wiped my face, and announced, "I'm going to Salvation Army to shop for some goooooorgeous laaaaaaaaarge clothing.  Wanna come?"  I threw in an eyebrow waggle for effect.  CJ declined the opportunity to accompany me.

My search yielded a magenta polyester skirt suit, a lovely flowered blouse, and a silk dress.  The skirt suit is actually rather attractive on my 2X-size test subject.  The dress, however, was a misshapen, ill-fitting no-go.  Maybelle was less than impressed with his/her clothing options, but I convinced him/her that he/she looked quite 60s-fabulous, especially with the bow tied on the blouse's neck.  We're still working on Maybelle's bra stuffing skills, however.  Hopefully by the first performance Maybelle's faux-busoms will be looking less lumpy and more realistically droopy.

Wednesday 2/8
I schlepped my sewing machine and accessories to school, and set them up on my language lab next to my desk.  I would be spending most of the next 48 hours in my classroom, thanks to parent teacher conferences, leaving me little time at home to finish costume construction before Friday's first dress rehearsal.

I should be complaining and concerned about the very few parents on my PT conference schedule, but instead I was very grateful for the hours of uninterrupted time to sew finishing seams and feather boas onto Edna's dress and skirt suit.

At one point a wandering dad stepped into my room, which I naturally assumed was the beginning of a walk-in conference.  "No, no," he explained, "I just wanted to see what that big purple thing was that you just held up."

Thursday 2/9
I had marked off two hours of my afternoon to devote to Hairspray rehearsals.  One hour of that time was actually used for Hairspray directly.  I met with 1/3 of the cast to try on their costumes for the first time.

This is the most stressful part of the process, because 10 excited high schoolers have LOTS of questions and needs to be met.  By the time that we got everyone's concerns dealt with, I decided I needed a more methodical way of collecting a to-do list while working through a first fitting.  Hopefully I will remember everyone whose pants need to be smaller, larger, more green, less brown, etc...  Disorganization really annoys me, especially when it is my own fault.

The other hour of my blocked off time was spent not in the theater department or on costumes, but on a theater-related effort: attending a rally at the Kansas State Capitol in support of the Kansas Arts Commission, which our governor has deemed an unnecessary drain on the state budget.

I would argue that the arts are neither optional nor a drain on the economy, and encourage anyone reading this to check the facts on the Kansas Arts Commission, and personally contact state legislators urging them to vote for an upcoming resolution in support of the Kansas Arts Commission.  

Hairspray Costuming Diaries, Part 2

(See my previous entry for explanation of the following... you're going to need it...)

Sunday 1/30
Mission: giant bras.  I've never shopped for bras this large before.  Walmart has really large bras--it turns out the big ones are in little boxes and packages, stacked in rolling shelves.  Why?  Is it to protect the dignity of the customer?  Why not stuff all bras into little boxes and stack them on recessed shelving?

As I stared at the rows of boxes, it occurred to me that Edna and Maybelle's chest measurements might not actually match up to the numbers available.  I spent the next twenty minutes unfolding giant bras, holding them up in front of me, even wrapping them around myself to get an estimate on size.  I noticed the other customers carefully avoided me while I made my choices. If they had asked me why I was buying such large bras, I don't think the real explanation (that I'm buying them for some of my high school students, who just happen to be boys) would have cleared up their confusion any.

On the other end of the spectrum, three other characters, the "Dynamites," needed cute little matching red dresses, so I trolled the Lawrence strip malls.  Red is out for the season, I guess, but Maurices came through for me, and they even had the correct sizes.  Did you know, size 1 dresses use approximately the same amount of fabric as 48DD bras.  

Tuesday 2/1
Between Scholars' Bowl, teaching, and my rigorous winter basketball-watching schedule (GO KU!), I started getting concerned about when exactly I was going have hours to devote to sewing costumes.  The Blizzard of '11 provided the perfect opportunity, especially since I couldn't leave the house anyway.  Tuesday was just me, scissors, yards of purple and pink fabric, and Pirates of the Caribbean, for hours and hours.  I felt like I spent most of my time folding and unfolding feather-thin tan pattern paper.  From observing my mother, I have learned that it is possible (with intense concentration) to refold sewing patterns along their original lines.  I wish I didn't know that. 

Wednesday 2/2
Costume construction began.  Patterns don't always lead you to the size that they promise, as if it's not complicated enough to try to figure out what size to cut out.  I spent my afternoon wrestling purple polyester into what I hoped would match up with Edna's 17-year-old-boy-with-feminine-padding measurements. 

Thursday 2/3
Tracy's mother had volunteered to sew two of the costumes, so I sent fabric home with Tracy on Monday. By Tuesday night the costume was finished, but Wednesday morning Tracy showed up in my room on the verge of tears. The finished dress she was to deliver to me had been misplaced in transit. I sent out a desperate plea via Topeka West mass email: "Colleagues: If you have any information on the whereabouts of a large pink sparkly dress..."

The missing dress was later recovered through the combined efforts of the truancy officer, the dance coach, and one very gracious janitor. 

Meanwhile, I had Edna try on her partially-constructed purple wonderdress, and her wonderful bra.  Both fit exactly as I had hoped.  Miracles happen, yes, they do.

Hairspray Costuming Diaries

Fact: Topeka Public Schools has had one complete week of school since the middle of December.


Thanks to blizzards, professional development, and other general scheduling realities, here we are in February, and I'm still just trying to memorize names in my new classes. Forget any kind of continuity or reinforcement of learning in the classroom.

The snow days have made my life and my many hats at times easier and and at times more difficult to juggle. I spent my two free days last week working on my biggest upcoming project, costumes for our production of the musical Hairspray.

This musical has provided the most entertaining and most challenging aspects of my short costuming career, mainly surrounding the characters Edna and Maybelle, two buxom middle-aged fashionistas, who just happen to be played by two large high school boys. The third challenge is Tracy, the show's main character. The story line revolves around the fact that Tracy is chubby; however, in our production, Tracy's actress is definitely. Not. Chubby.

The following is the first part of a documentation of my Hairspray Costuming journey:

Sun, 1/16
I spent two hours wandering Hancock Fabrics. After walking in circles several times, and assembling a pile of every sequined and feathered embellishment I could find, staring dazed around the store, and settling on only one of many fabrics I would need, I decided I needed to return another day with more focus and specific numbers. I had one of the employees follow me around with scissors, and I left with 5 bits of shiny pink fabric, 2 bits of purple prints, and 6 plus size patterns, which I hoped would fit my 50"-waisted Edna. "Honey," the store manager commented mildly, as I dug for my credit card, "you do realize these patterns are not your size?"

Sun 1/23 Returned to Hancock Fabrics, costume sketches and yardage estimates in hand. Another two hours later, I had settled on the following:
12 yards of airbrushed-look purple rose print.
2 yards of white sequin elastic
4 pink feather boas
6 yards of pink faux-suede
5 huge white buttons
4 yards of pink sequin
2 yards of red sequin
1 yard of white sequin
5 yards of yellow flower print
Watching the pile of future work accumulate on the counter in front of me, I briefly considered a panic attack, but the look on the sales associate's face told me I needed to be strong for both of us. I left Hancocks feeling both very accomplished and very scared.