DAILY

GLAD:)

I was glad to listen to the story about President and Mrs. Obama, as told by New York Times Washington correspondent Jodi Kantor. Her new book follows the Obamas from their decision for Mr. Obama to run for President, through the election and into the presidency. What is most interesting is that she highlights their relationship as a dynamic partnership that definitely is not perfect, but one that seems to evolve and grow amidst incredible public scrutiny and professional pressure. First family or not, Democrat or not, I think everyone can learn from a couple who faces challenges and deals with them effectively, without drama. Did you know that Mr. Obama, barring extenuating circumstances, eats dinner with his family five nights a week? Take note American fathers!

SAD:(
In Indiana, cursive is no longer required to be taught in schools. I shed a tear not because I won All County for the Orange County Pen & Quill Competition when I was in the 5th grade (I was THAT cool), but because I believe, as I type on my computer, the craft of handwriting is essential. Putting pen to paper will never compare to putting fingers to a keyboard. It seems that our skills are being streamlined for efficiency because we no longer have the time to wait for someone to draw out those strangely shaped upper case G's, or those rounded, sweeping Z's. To me, it represents a lack of emphasis on the artistry of things- it was one of the few artistic acts that was incorporated into everyday life, especially in school; you HAD to do your work in cursive. It was definitely a pain in the ass, but a beautiful one that I don't regret learning.