Not sure Texas cares about federal funding. So many Texans want Texas to leave the United States. Hugs
Mariah

It was great hearing that the VA is finally going to come through with some voice training. You may want to consider an app or two which can help you monitor progress. The 'Voice Pitch Analyzer' is free, and there is another similar tool with more features which is about $15. Something else you must remember to reduce frustration -- the voice you hear isn't the same as the voice other's hear. Make a recording of something like 'the rainbow passage' before you start, and make another recording after a few sessions. Progress is often slow, but the recordings will be markers you can use to gauge improvement. Comparing where you are to where you were will help you hear the changes. Don't get discouraged. Many people go weeks without hearing any difference, then one day everything suddenly 'clicks' and you hear a voice you never thought possible. Keep tissues handy. Ocular leakage will occur.  You can do this.

Love always -- Jess

From the Texas Workforce Commission website:
Employment Discrimination

"Employment discrimination generally exists where an employer treats an applicant or employee less favorably merely because of a person's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. Employment discrimination also applies to work situations such as hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits."

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I hope every teacher in Texas files a complaint and Texas loses all federal funding. The only way to get a politician's attention is to hit him hard where it hurts the most. Right in the wallet.

A great support team will not only hold you up when you need it most, but they will also be the first to defend you against those who may not be supportive. You have the Dream Team.

Danielle,

Your highway photos remind me of my wonderful trip through you state last summer. Beautiful waters\ways and amazing snowcapped mountains.

Enjoy your well-deserved time off.

Ellen

I have periods of CBA , bit of nice weather and a few ideas and back up and running.

Good luck with your voice training.

Chrissy

Hope you enjoy the voice training! I did some very early on and I haven't gone back to it but I found the whole process really enjoyable and affirming!

What's funny is that my coach and I agreed that when I get closer to full time maybe we'd restart for a few weeks to try to match voice to appearance. But leading up to this I've been feeling guilty that maybe my training was wasted.

Then I called Sara about something last week and she said "hey your voice sounds really great" and I didn't think I was doing anything. 😀

Now she's met me in person and heard the same voice, so mostly I think this just means my voice is way ahead of my look - but I'll take it!

And with your look already so great Lori - if you tweak your voice to where you're happy with it? You'll be an unstoppable monster - but, you know, the good kind. 😘

Happy birthday to each of you!

Chrissy