Always an SF fan. My high school chemistry teacher had us read his 1975 book "On Chemistry" which is where I saw the phosphorus essay. The teacher and the book were two things that influenced me to go into chemistry. One testament to his greatness as a scientist and interpretor of technical topics for the masses: Asimov was invited to give a speech to a womens' group on how the human female could be improved, scientifically and biologically speaking. The result was thoughtful, interesting and humorous. He suggested self-regulating internal birth control, which he thought would be quite freeing. As well as moving the breasts to the back to make dancing more fun for the partners. Truly a great mind, that one.

You wrote..."If you know kids at all you know how mean they can be." I agree, see my statement above "Do I worry? Yes. Because kids are mean. And it doesn't matter what color you are." I understand not wanting your children raised around kids who are living in crime-ridden areas. I'll bet most of the mothers there feel the same way. But with strong enough parental influence children can overcome. And it sounds like you are very involved and strong. I was called a F*$*%*% Haole my whole life growing up and I didn't turn around and call names. Like you said, my mother raised me better. It just gave me a better perspective on human nature. Had I gone to a school my entire life where the parents of all the kids were middle class and highly educated things would have been different, I'm sure. What ended up happening though is I got a first class education in human rights and dignity. I have zero tolerance for racism because I have experienced it first hand. And, by the way, the kids in my rich, white prep school (that I went to my last two years in high school) were the ones with the drugs, because they could afford them! "they will have no clue how to react. They are not use to violence." Thank goodness. No one should be used to violence. But our culture is a violent one, especially for kids. How else will they learn how to react? I'm not suggesting you throw your children to the wolves, but that you give it more of a chance than saying "They have no other children there that they can culturaly connect with. They are NOT going to fit in." before they've even gone to the school. What culture do you mean? My point was not to attack you (and I'm truly sorry if you feel attacked. Your statements touched upon a very tender spot for me.) but to say from my experience this can be valuable for them rather than you worrying and fretting before it even happens. Because from what you're saying, there's no way of getting around them going, even if for just a short time. Explain to them what to do when faced with different circumstances. Role-play. Let them know they're valued. Volunteer as a room mother. Meet other mothers in the area so they can have people they already know when they start so they aren't the "new" new kids. Find out what sports/activities there are and talk to the coach. I think you could really make a difference in this kind of environment with your experience dealing with low-income families. Best of luck to you. It sounds like your plate is really full. I can't imagine going through the family turmoil that you are dealing with and I'm sorry it's so hard, especially while you are pregnant. I know I was really emotional when I was pregnant and things seemed overwhelming. You can do this, your girls will be fine. Your baby has two parents and a place to live and will have enough love and enough to eat. Remember that while some can spend $5000.00 for bedroom sets and you need insurance, some are walking miles for clean water and scavenging for food. I support you wanting the best for your children. You are not alone!

Only a month away now and 3 months since my knee replacement. I'd hoped rehab would be further along but guess I just have a very active inflammatory system. Still struggling with swelling in knee and ankle making bending and walking gait not great, despite pt and exercises on own and even some elevation/icing on occasion. A 6-day treatment with methyl prednisolone last week worked well but don't know how long it'll last (lowest dosage usually prescribed). All this is to say that I don't feel confident enough that I'll be ready to travel to the retreat this year. Likely will be having second knee replaced in a few months. Hope that I'll be able to come next year. Looking forward to photos and reading about this year's fun.

SJ McCarthy I would looooove your input