Dear So and So

[Catrin]

Oh Pax I am so sorry, I wish I could help you somehow. Sending you warm hugs and thought. Do check into the family medical leave act.

[Blueberry]

((((Pax))))) That situation really, really sucks. Does your employer offer any sort of leave transfer policy? Where others can transfer accrued leave and/or vacation (depending on the policy of the institution) to those who need it? I also wonder if there are any sort of eldercare resources you might be able to plug into (e.g., someone to help transport mom to her appointments, sit with her, give you a break). Might be worth looking into.

FYI to Catrin and Skyking: FMLA leave is leave without pay (unless your employer chooses to provide otherwise). So - it sounds like that's what's already happening.

[Blueberry]

Dear Major University where I am taking classes:

I get that "alternative learning" is the cool new thing. However, you have created a disaster in your "experiment" with one of the major first year classes. Having students read the book and watch (random assorted not put out by the department) youtube videos as the "lecture", then take a comprehension quiz first thing using clickers, and then work with the (assigned seat) group you have selected for us is NOT working. If I wanted to teach myself, I could have saved a large bundle of money. The people you have assigned me to work with are neither awake at 8AM nor helpful in solving the problems. The mentor "teachers" who are supposed to assist us in solving the problems are wrong more often than they're right. The entire class is a nightmare, and not just because the subject is hard.

Signed,

Disgruntled and wishing for the "good old days"

[snapdragen]

I'm so sorry Pax, I know what you're going through. Hugs to you.

[maillotpois]

Big hug to you Pax. Too much for anyone.