Snowing Down on Public Schools and the Ivy League

Welcome to our Weekend Nor 'Easter!

I'm writing from the warm safe confines of one king size bed, with a cute little Cairn Terrier, while outside there's a raging blizzard. So far we only have a few inches but it's really hard to tell because of the drifts. Earlier when I let the Bandit out I could still see bare ground in spots because the wind had whipped it clear - I don't expect that to last long.

Today is one of those days where you crank up the heat (yes, I'm letting down my frugal nature) and nestle up with a good book, or in this case a laptop and write while Winter Warlock pays us a visit. Later I'll throw on the kettle and make myself a cup of cocoa. If I had gotten the chimney cleaned like I was supposed to, I would light a fire.

The latest, according to My Gay Weatherman, is that we're getting 12 to 18 inches of this stuff. While it looks pretty now, come later when I'm mowing down the hedges with the snow blower, I'll be cursing it. (I just sent him an e-mail congratulating him on hitting the forecast. Oy, I'm crazy...any excuse to reach out...how pathetic.)

If I were a kid I'd be praying that it would last into the night and we'd have no school tomorrow. I used to get so pissed when they'd psyche us up for some big blizzard and then we'd have to go in. Talk about depressing.

I hated school with a passion when I was a kid. Wasn't until college really that I learned to love learning. Let me not take any responsibility here and place blame for a second: It was the public school's fault. I was a product of a bad system. Well, that's not entirely true. However, I must say, being around others who despise learning and ridicule those that enjoy it, does not help.

The difference for me in college was that it was "okay" to like learning; it was okay to do well. You weren't a geek or "uncool" if you enjoyed going to class. It was quite the opposite of what I was used to. This cultural change was unbelievable to me. It took me a good year (my freshman year in college wasn't that great) to really nestle myself into it but once I did I flourished! Now it's not as if I went to an Ivy league school; I went to a state college but nonetheless I found it one of the most enriching periods of my life.

I don't buy the fact that you need to spend $75,000 for a bachelor's degree at some prestigious school in order to get ahead. Sure, it might matter a year or two after you get out. The job market might say "wow, he went to Colgate!" Or, "Hmmm...we have a Harvard alum. Let's hire her." But add another couple of years to your career and it's all about performance. And I can outperform most of the ivy leaguers in the workplace so I don't give a crap. Sure you could make the argument that those first years are critical but if you can't afford $75,000 easily why bother? Who wants to be in debt for 20 years, paying off student loans or worse yet depleting your parent's retirement fund so you can make an extra $10,000 thousand.

Anyway...I don't know how I got on the subject of Ivy League schools. In a nutshell, if you're fortunate enough to be able to afford it then do it. For those of us who paid our way through college holding down several jobs, a state college is fine!

Onto more interesting topics...

I just saw My Gay Weatherman on tv. He looks so cute. In all day coverage storms like this, they relax the dress code. He's in a cute little turtleneck sweater. I wish he'd come over and help me shovel! I could make it worth his while.

Alright, I'm getting too personal again...I should go and do some of the work that I have piled up on the kitchen table or put away the dishes that are in the dishwasher. Over and out...

Rick

P.S. Bandit doesn't care for days like this for I make him wipe his paws before running around the house. Otherwise he makes a mess draggging snow poops all over the house.