Florida Looks For Federal Relief

I see a double sword with this article. Florida, is almost completely broke, and soon to be in a crisis mode. Governor Charlie Crist is lobbying for the stimulus plan to be approved in the Senate. I am all for a stimulus plan, but at least 50-60% of the so called stimulus plan, is just garbage, not stimulus. As a Floridian I can see why this state needs Federal assistance, yet I am still on the hedge about it. These are the numbers posted in a local newspaper as to money and its breakdown.

8 Billion dollars: that is the amount of money already cut by Florida lawmakers, with more likely to come.
There are currently 752,000 Floridians out of work, and increasing.
The amount of the projected stimulus plan in Congress is 825 Billion dollars, and growing.
As tax payers in the US we have already footed the 700 Billion dollar TARP plan, which to my knowledge did not succeed to do anything to stimulate the economy.
4 Billion dollars, to increase Federal money for Medicaid. Do not misunderstand me this country needs healthcare for everyone, that is affordable and available. It is how we are going to go about it that has me worried. 4 Billion is a lot to ask of taxpayers.
7Billion for Transportation projects. I am kind of unsure of how this will stimulate Florida's economy at all. Most of the jobs lost here are in construction, and the housing market, not transportation. That one has me baffled.

It seems to be getting only worse, and the Congress seems to have no real conclusions, only spending and taxing. I am not someone who is anti tax. I believe we need to pay taxes, but I also believe we need some real transparency, and accountability as to how, and where taxes are used. What do you think about the financial situation in your state, and the stimulus bill being pushed in Congress?

It is obvious to me Florida needs help, and we need it soon. But so do a lot of other states, that do not have the luxury of millions of visitors to their state every year, as Florida does.

Lesson Plans for 2/5/09:

Reading: Chapter 6 of Ghost Town at Sundown
Health: Healthful leisure activities
Language Arts: reviewing sentences, punctuation
Math: Problem solving, multiplication, division
Writing: The thing that I do best is
Vocabulary: Lesson 18- write each vocabulary word, and definition 2x each
Spelling: Lesson 18- put the spelling words in alphabetical order
PE: 30 minutes

Dealing With Stress For A Healthy Heart

Keeping on the subject of heart health, lets talk about Stress. I think a lot of people forget about Stress when managing their health, and Heart Disease. Stress is one of the risk factors you can control, but it is not always easy. Meditating, counting to 1o, taking a relaxing bath, a walk, reading, crafts, writing a journal, deep breathing exercises, and listening to music are all things that can help relieve Stress. Relieving Stress is important because it causes your blood vessels to constrict, increasing the pressure in your blood vessels. If you already have Heart Disease this can bring on chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of anxiety. If you do not yet have Heart Disease managing your stress, can help decrease your risk of getting Heart Disease.

You probably do not think of children, and Stress. But they experience Stress too, and very often do not know how to talk, or deal with it. That can lead to mood swings, depression, behavior changes, drops in grades, and worse Suicide. Finding ways for children to deal with Stress, is just as important, as for adults. This site is a favorite of mine for all kinds of Health topics for kids. The page will take you to all kinds of subjects kids face, about feelings, that can cause them undo Stress. Check it out with your kids, and teach them the importance of handling Stress early in life.

Lesson Plans for 2/4/09:

Reading: Chapter 5 Ghost Town at Sundown
Social Studies: Flat maps, and globes
Language Arts: Predicates, punctuation
Math: Problem solving, multiplication, division
Writing: 3 wishes for my birthday
Vocabulary: Lesson 18- think of a synonym for each vocabulary word
Spelling: Lesson 18- write each spelling word and circle the vowels

The Month Of Hearts

February is all about hearts, love, and of course Valentines Day. Which got me thinking, about health care, and taking care of your heart. As a nurse of course that subject, is near, and dear to my heart. Heart Disease is still considered one of the leading causes of death for men, and second in women. Our kids are getting heart disease at much younger ages, due to inactivity, and poor diets. Heredity of course always plays a part as well, but that is not a risk you can control. One of the most important things I think one can do, if they have a loved one with known Heart Disease, or increased risk for Heart Disease, is to learn CPR. CPR can help you keep enough oxygenated blood circulating through the body, for the ambulance to administer advanced life support, and increase the chance of survival. Plus you will learn about symptoms of a Heart Attack, Stroke, Angina, and Choking situations, and what to do. If you have children, these classes are especially beneficial because they teach you how to handle a child who is choking. Most children will not require CPR, but they do suffer breathing problems from choking, ingestion of chemicals, or other airway ailments. These classes will teach you what, and how to react in these situations. You can even take these classes online. If you are a first time learner, it probably would be best to take a hands on class at the Red Cross, or American Heart Association. Some local hospitals, and fire departments also offer these classes. If your CPR card has expired, and you feel comfortable with your skills, you can take an online class. I use www.procpr.org Their videos are excellent, and complete. Note this is not a paid post, it is for informational, and educational purposes. I will be adding other informational heart tips, through Valentines Day.

Lesson Plans for 2/3/09:

Reading: Chapter 4 of Ghost Town at Sundown
Science: Magnets
PE: 30 minutes
Language Arts: Subjects of sentences, commas
Math: Puzzle practice, multiplication, division
Spelling: Lesson 18- write each spelling word, and circle the consonants
Vocabulary: Lesson 18- Use each vocabulary word in a sentence
Writing: The most important person in my life

My Top Entrecard Droppers For January

Thank You, Thank You to all my top droppers, for January. Please take a few minutes, and check out all these awesome blogs.

http://www.picturetopeople.org/blog/blog.html
http://smarterthanagrade5.blogspot.com/
http://entreblogger.net/
http://www.is8enough.com/
http://losingweightintentionally.com/
http://mommyko.com
http://monkey-arcade.com/index.php?loadpage=./i...
http://www.videos4u.info/articlecat/3/Blog/
http://sandiegobackroads.today.com/
http://www.curiouslyawesome.com

The blog that I got the best advertising my widget on http://www.SavingDollarsandSense.com
with an amazing 80 drops from her blog to mine.

Thank you once again, to all of you who visit, read, and drop on my blog every day.

Lesson Plans for 2/2/09:

Reading: Chapter 3 of Ghost Town at Sundown
Spelling: Lesson 18- write each spelling word 2x each
Vocabulary: Lesson 18- look up the definition for each vocabulary word
Language Arts: Writing sentences, punctuation
Math: Adding and subtracting 3 digit numbers, multiplication, division
Writing: What I want for my birthday, and a Valentines Day poem
Arts and crafts: Valentines Day
Music: 30 minutes