louise on the left (coast)

So, we all know how much it sucks out there. Nobody has money. Nobody knows if their job (should they still have one) is going to be there next week. Schools are being cut to ribbons. Teachers and parents are sick about all the potential loss for our kids. Our worlds have been turned upside down here in California, especially, by all the education cuts. It's grim, out there, no doubt. The news relentlessly blares bleak statistics at us. Our saturation for learning we've all been that much more screwed over just seems bottomless, sometimes. But, listen, folks. Don't give in to the pity party we all so richly deserve, because -- trust me -- it could be so much worse. Turn off the radio or television and take a deep breath and hug your loved ones that much closer. Things are bad, but never forget to count your blessings. Never. Some of you may know who I'm going to talk about but, in case you don't, it's not me. But, imagine if you learned that even alt