I am looking into some alternative certification programs lately. I love teaching and know that I could do a lot of good in the classroom. I know I could do good and contribute if I was a teacher. An alternative certification program would allow me to be certified and get a good job.

I like the benefits that teaching offers and it would be good for our family. I am looking into programs in Texas and Florida right now and I’m seeing what they offer. I think it’s a great opportunity, if I decide to go for it. I do miss the classroom from time to time.

I wonder where I could be teaching in Florida or Texas?

One of the things I miss about the desert is standing out in the middle of nowhere late at night and just looking up at the night sky. Some people say that the skies are clearer in the desert, but I don’t think that’s true. I think it’s because it’s in the middle of nowhere far from lots of light pollution.

All the lights from homes, business, cars and just about every other source of light creates a night sky that is not nearly as dark as it used to be. All of it is light pollution and it’s getting worse. Light pollution costs us money because it is very wasteful of electricity. For me, I don’t like it because it ruins night star gazing.

The sky is much lighter now than it was when I was a kid. I live in a city and I can’t even go outside at night and see any more than the moon and a few other stars. I have never really had the opportunity to take my kids out just to look at the stars like my father did with me.

Harmony, Florida has decided to do something about that. On April 5th, they will kick off their 5th Annual Dark Sky Festival. During the week of the festival, they will be encouraging better lighting practices. At the festival, several speakers will talk about he problems of light pollution and solutions that protect our night sky and save money. There will be a kids zone for children to learn and have fun. No festival is complete without music and that’s why organizers have invited Rare Earth to perform.

That’s all good, but the the most important part of the festival is the chance to see the stars. There will be telescopes set up for people to view the night sky. People can reacquaint themselves with the beauty of the night sky.