Archive for August, 2007
A Voice for Choice
In re-reading my Silent Judgment post, I wondered if perhaps I was being a bit too….forceful. Sometimes I just get so tired of the looks or the innuendo that my snarly side appears momentarily. But, based on the comments, home educators in the same situation clearly get it and I guess my harshness wasn’t offensive.
I was surprised that my little mini rant inspired this though. My online friend Tim Walker went to bat for homeschoolers everywhere. I might expect this from another homeschooling parent, but Tim’s not. His kids are happily ensconced in public school and yet he has the common sense (dare I say brilliance?) to see that there is validity in choice.
Thanks, Tim!
The Good, The Bad, and The Stinky
Sometimes I have good ideas. Like planting tomatoes, recycling, and going out for pizza.
Sometimes I have bad ideas. Like deciding to make noni fruit leather. Noni fruit is a miracle cure for anything that ails you, but it’s highly perishable. Fruit leather seemed like a good idea at the time. Except that the fruit smells like rotten stinky cheese with a side of vinegar.
Oh. My. Goodness. My house reeks beyond belief. BEYOND.
Really bad idea.
Silent Judgment
I recently spent an afternoon with an older couple I’d never met before. Our conversation turned to my kids, and I casually mentioned that we homeschool. I could feel the air turn icy cold. Though neither of them voiced a negative opinion, I could tell instantly that they didn’t like the idea. As they politely asked questions, I answered, and with each response could feel their disdain become more palpable.
Ten years ago, I would have cared. Ten years ago, I would have joyfully told them how fabulous homeschooling was for my family, how wonderful it was to be able to focus on the kids’ interests as we read our way through every shelf in the library. I would have talked about jumping through hoops and regurgitating facts and family togetherness. Ten years ago, I signed petitions, wrote letters to senators, and shared my story with everyone who would listen. I was a poster parent for home educators everywhere.
You know what? I’m over that.
I don’t need to explain myself to anyone, least of all people that I will never see again. I do what I do because it works, end of story. It may not work for everyone – and I know that. I don’t need to offer proof that my kids are learning, and I swear, if you ask them, “what’s seven times nine?” I will go ballistic – not because they don’t know, but because that’s just rude and off-putting and it makes my kids feel uncomfortable.
While I’ll still add my voice to the pro-homeschool movement, after ten years of homeschooling, I no longer feel the need to convince people that I’m making the right choice. If people are interested in hearing about our experience – really interested – I’m happy to talk about it. If people are considering home education for their family, I’ll support them 100%. But if you feel the need to pass judgment? Take a hike. I don’t have time for that.
Celebrate! ~ Celebrate!
I just found out from my publisher that Team Challenges: Group Activities to Build Cooperation, Communication, and Creativity is off for a second print run! Woohoo!
Mysterious Object in the Sky
Of note:
Hurricane Flossie broke up overnight with nary a drop of rain. Whew!
What Else Wednesdays is up - Lego me!
My funny friend Jody Mace took note of my BACA post and suggests a few potential titles for other celebrity books.
Don’t Drop the Baby by Britney Spears: Toddlers will delight in this charming, rhyming board book. Excerpt: “You can crash the car, shave off your hair, even forget your underwear! But don’t drop the baby!”
And now…
A couple nights ago, we had a weird experience. Something bright dropped out of the sky into the ocean. Then, we watched a bright light form and change over the course of 10-15 minutes. We could see a trail above it, and a lighter one below. Guesses as to what it is??
Hurricane Update
This morning, our local paper’s headlines screamed in CAPS: A Hurricane and An Earthquake: State of Emergency declared for Big Island. Definitely lots going on here thanks to Mother Nature, but if anyone off island read those headlines, they might think we were falling into the ocean! We’re not. We did not feel the earthquake, but a 5.3 temblor shook the other side of the island. Government officials are being very cautious about the hurricane and its possible effects. Schools are closed for the day, and both my husband and oldest son have an unexpected day off from work.
Hurricane Flossie (and we all agree that is a ridiculous name for a hurricane) has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane and is expected to bypass the Big Island leaving us with tropical storm weather, which should hit us about midday. The rain will be much welcomed on this parched island. Hopefully the wind will not do too much damage!
Currently, the sun is shining and the air is still. Guess that’s why they call it the calm before the storm.
BACA
I shake my head and give a very unladylike snort every time I hear of a new children’s book penned by a celebrity. Sure, there may be a few that are truly worth reading, but mostly not. Just stick with sports/acting/first ladying, I say.
I had to laugh when I read MotherReaders wonderful rant about the topic. Just a snippet:
Guidelines for celebrity author exceptions is tricky. I mean, first you’re letting in Lithgow, then Julie Andrews, and next thing you know Pamela Anderson’s got a book deal (title: Who’s Your Daddy?).
But MotherReader isn’t just ranting. She’s now created a logo and bumper sticker for BACA: Bloggers Against Celebrity Authors. Somebody, hurry and warn Homeland Security!
Blog Nod: Finding Wonderland
HooBoy!
I’ve flown on the fringes of a hurricane before, but never had one come visit personally.
If Flossie keeps to the path she’s on, she’ll just skirt the Big Island. If she changes her mind, however, she could drop in on us Wednesday. Off to fill the propane tank…
Pay it Forward Book Exchange in Motion
I’ll be sending my first book in the Pay it Forward Book Exchange out to To Know Him. She’ll be getting a brand new copy of SmartLab from the folks at Chronicle Books. Enjoy, and then Pay it Forward!
I’m taking a cue from Cloudscome and will be doing my book exchange on the first of every month. I’ll be doing a combination of adult and children/young adult books, so hopefully sooner rather than later there will be a book that entices everyone to participate!
