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Earlier this week Mae and Caleb returned to school and we are beginning to see the effects of the budget issues that California has had in regard to education. Some class sizes are larger, less teachers, assistants and staff to go around, and little or no bus routes (to mention a few). So far the only thing that has effected our family is the loss of the bus route that we took advantage of last year.

Last year Mae was able to take the bus to and from school, and it was great! It was a very nice convenience but not necessary by any means. But with the education budget cuts, our schools and districts had to find ways of saving programs and cutting costs. Our district has saved well over a million dollars by cutting way back on bus services, and our little school lost just about all the routes that served it, including Mae's. Since this luxury was just that for us, a luxury, it was not a hard thing to accept and I think it was a wise move on the district to cut the routes. Hopefully this has saved other things like art programs and more importantly, teachers jobs.

As school began the other day, and as I waited for the kids to come out of their classes, I was approached by a reporter asking if I had used the bus system last year. I said I did, and she asked if she could interview me. Ah, well, I'd rather not (not my best of hair days, you understand) but I most graciously showed her where there were other parents were, not too far off, who may be of service to her. Before leaving she asked if I would consent if she didn't find anyone. I said yes (hoping I'd be gone before she could come back). And darn if those kids didn't come out soon enough! The reporter nabbed me before I was two feet from leaving. Bummer.

I did the little interview and answered her questions regarding the loss of the bus routes. I knew she wouldn't use my segment though. I was honest in the relevance of the buses to me, 'a nice convenience'. She proceeded to ask how the cost of gas has effected my family. Again, I was honest in my response which was 'not that bad since we don't drive around that much'. I can be so eloquent when needed, yes?.

So, no, I was not surprised when we watched the news and did not see my little interview. Caleb and Isabel made it though (a little blip of them playing in the shrubs). The mom who did make the cut talked about how far she lived from the school and how much she would love to have the routes back. Ahem, she lives maybe a mile from school. I can't feel bad about her loss for it is no worse than mine. Being a stay at home mom I feel that it falls into my job description to take my kids to and from school, and I can't quite get myself to complain about it. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to chat it up with other moms in the course of my day. And us stay at home moms know how important a little adult conversation is to ones day. However, the main issue still remains, the budget cuts that are effecting our schools. And I'd much rather take a hit with bus routes than quality of teaching and other important programs for our students.

But there you have it. The world was deprived of my brilliant mind and eloquent speech. Alas, I resign myself to remain among the masses as a undiscovered jewel of wit and wisdom, the perfect package.