"Humor is an important asset: it means understanding and self-criticism. where humor is absent, you'll find small-mindedness." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"He who does not teach his son a trade teaches him to steal." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"He who does not teach his son a trade teaches him to steal." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"When the need is highest, God is nighest." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"When the need is highest, God is nighest." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Who is wise? He who can learn from every man." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Who is wise? He who can learn from every man." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones smile down to let us know that they are happy." ~ Eskimo Proverb
"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones smile down to let us know that they are happy." ~ Eskimo Proverb
Ever been stood up by a mover? I was last year. Several times a day for an entire work week, I was told "we're on our way" and - although I'm a native Texan - I know it doesn't take that long to go from New York City to Long Island. This was my vlog (video blog) about it.
Oh, before you click "play", a quick refresher: the place I worked at then was Jewish and Peninah is my name in Hebrew. Also, as 2nd in command, I could not terminate a contract put into play by the 1st in command. All I could do was enforce it. In other words, I was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Yuppers. They weren't real happy with me and my vocal complaint but I did get their attention pretty quick after this. (A 1 star rating for my effort too. LOL)
Social media is free (for the most part) and can be very powerful. Next time you need or want to get the ball rolling but are experiencing a one-to-one road-block, you may just want to try a heartfelt YouTube video, Tweet or other social outlet.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Oh, before you click "play", a quick refresher: the place I worked at then was Jewish and Peninah is my name in Hebrew. Also, as 2nd in command, I could not terminate a contract put into play by the 1st in command. All I could do was enforce it. In other words, I was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-PM3kGh5H8&hl=en_US&fs=1&]
Yuppers. They weren't real happy with me and my vocal complaint but I did get their attention pretty quick after this. (A 1 star rating for my effort too. LOL)
Social media is free (for the most part) and can be very powerful. Next time you need or want to get the ball rolling but are experiencing a one-to-one road-block, you may just want to try a heartfelt YouTube video, Tweet or other social outlet.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Ever been stood up by a mover? I was last year. Several times a day for an entire work week, I was told "we're on our way" and - although I'm a native Texan - I know it doesn't take that long to go from New York City to Long Island. This was my vlog (video blog) about it.
Oh, before you click "play", a quick refresher: the place I worked at then was Jewish and Peninah is my name in Hebrew. Also, as 2nd in command, I could not terminate a contract put into play by the 1st in command. All I could do was enforce it. In other words, I was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Yuppers. They weren't real happy with me and my vocal complaint but I did get their attention pretty quick after this. (A 1 star rating for my effort too. LOL)
Social media is free (for the most part) and can be very powerful. Next time you need or want to get the ball rolling but are experiencing a one-to-one road-block, you may just want to try a heartfelt YouTube video, Tweet or other social outlet.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Oh, before you click "play", a quick refresher: the place I worked at then was Jewish and Peninah is my name in Hebrew. Also, as 2nd in command, I could not terminate a contract put into play by the 1st in command. All I could do was enforce it. In other words, I was trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Yuppers. They weren't real happy with me and my vocal complaint but I did get their attention pretty quick after this. (A 1 star rating for my effort too. LOL)
Social media is free (for the most part) and can be very powerful. Next time you need or want to get the ball rolling but are experiencing a one-to-one road-block, you may just want to try a heartfelt YouTube video, Tweet or other social outlet.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"May you have kindness in your heart, a plump woman in your furs, and seal meat in you larder." ~ Eskimo Proverb
.. I can hear Hollywood passing out right now. Not sure if it was the quote or the starvation-drug-and-caffeine diet that finally got them though. ;)
.. I can hear Hollywood passing out right now. Not sure if it was the quote or the starvation-drug-and-caffeine diet that finally got them though. ;)
"May you have kindness in your heart, a plump woman in your furs, and seal meat in you larder." ~ Eskimo Proverb
.. I can hear Hollywood passing out right now. Not sure if it was the quote or the starvation-drug-and-caffeine diet that finally got them though. ;)
.. I can hear Hollywood passing out right now. Not sure if it was the quote or the starvation-drug-and-caffeine diet that finally got them though. ;)
"You never really know your friends from your enemies until the ice breaks." - Eskimo Proverb
"You never really know your friends from your enemies until the ice breaks." - Eskimo Proverb
Alright so that's not quite the way the song goes but I'm a techie in an ag state of mind. I'm working and have that Rawhide song stuck in my head. The whip and whistle part mostly.
Here I sit, tweaking a wonderful lady's WordPress theme and thinking about my own neglected sites. Debating for the thousandth time if I should revamp them or just shut 'em down.
Those of you who know me a little better know that I created a business plan when I was 14. A plan that business professionals and lawyers alike agreed would work. It was intended to keep my family and the family's resources together. However, the family had other ideas.
One of my uncles told me that it was a great idea but it would take a "rich man" to do it. I could never get them to understand shares, investors, or exactly who would own the thing. Heck, they accused me of trying to stay with "everything" in spite of the fact that the only interest I would have had in the place was whatever my Mom may one day leave me.
Ironically, a rich man did take part of my idea and run with it. Hence why the piece of property I called home is gone. Pffft. Vamooshed.
Anyway, before my exec job got axed last year, I set up a corporation fully intending to put my dusty plans in motion. The end came a little sooner than the writing on the wall had predicted though and that left me slightly off kilter for a while.
Then came that fateful #agchat. Yes, I know. I've blogged it to death. I don't think I can ever fully explain how much it affected me.
It started with my blog design. Look at it. All cutesy cowgirl. Every time I see it I go .. awww. That little character looks like me. Evokes what I think my personality is like.
The more I talk to my ag Tweeps, the more I get that old fire burning inside. The part of me I thought was long gone. The ranch girl now has corporate experience. My family may have rejected my idea but what if I did it on my own?
What if ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Here I sit, tweaking a wonderful lady's WordPress theme and thinking about my own neglected sites. Debating for the thousandth time if I should revamp them or just shut 'em down.
Those of you who know me a little better know that I created a business plan when I was 14. A plan that business professionals and lawyers alike agreed would work. It was intended to keep my family and the family's resources together. However, the family had other ideas.
One of my uncles told me that it was a great idea but it would take a "rich man" to do it. I could never get them to understand shares, investors, or exactly who would own the thing. Heck, they accused me of trying to stay with "everything" in spite of the fact that the only interest I would have had in the place was whatever my Mom may one day leave me.
Ironically, a rich man did take part of my idea and run with it. Hence why the piece of property I called home is gone. Pffft. Vamooshed.
Anyway, before my exec job got axed last year, I set up a corporation fully intending to put my dusty plans in motion. The end came a little sooner than the writing on the wall had predicted though and that left me slightly off kilter for a while.
Then came that fateful #agchat. Yes, I know. I've blogged it to death. I don't think I can ever fully explain how much it affected me.
It started with my blog design. Look at it. All cutesy cowgirl. Every time I see it I go .. awww. That little character looks like me. Evokes what I think my personality is like.
The more I talk to my ag Tweeps, the more I get that old fire burning inside. The part of me I thought was long gone. The ranch girl now has corporate experience. My family may have rejected my idea but what if I did it on my own?
What if ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Alright so that's not quite the way the song goes but I'm a techie in an ag state of mind. I'm working and have that Rawhide song stuck in my head. The whip and whistle part mostly.
Here I sit, tweaking a wonderful lady's WordPress theme and thinking about my own neglected sites. Debating for the thousandth time if I should revamp them or just shut 'em down.
Those of you who know me a little better know that I created a business plan when I was 14. A plan that business professionals and lawyers alike agreed would work. It was intended to keep my family and the family's resources together. However, the family had other ideas.
One of my uncles told me that it was a great idea but it would take a "rich man" to do it. I could never get them to understand shares, investors, or exactly who would own the thing. Heck, they accused me of trying to stay with "everything" in spite of the fact that the only interest I would have had in the place was whatever my Mom may one day leave me.
Ironically, a rich man did take part of my idea and run with it. Hence why the piece of property I called home is gone. Pffft. Vamooshed.
Anyway, before my exec job got axed last year, I set up a corporation fully intending to put my dusty plans in motion. The end came a little sooner than the writing on the wall had predicted though and that left me slightly off kilter for a while.
Then came that fateful #agchat. Yes, I know. I've blogged it to death. I don't think I can ever fully explain how much it affected me.
It started with my blog design. Look at it. All cutesy cowgirl. Every time I see it I go .. awww. That little character looks like me. Evokes what I think my personality is like.
The more I talk to my ag Tweeps, the more I get that old fire burning inside. The part of me I thought was long gone. The ranch girl now has corporate experience. My family may have rejected my idea but what if I did it on my own?
What if ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Here I sit, tweaking a wonderful lady's WordPress theme and thinking about my own neglected sites. Debating for the thousandth time if I should revamp them or just shut 'em down.
Those of you who know me a little better know that I created a business plan when I was 14. A plan that business professionals and lawyers alike agreed would work. It was intended to keep my family and the family's resources together. However, the family had other ideas.
One of my uncles told me that it was a great idea but it would take a "rich man" to do it. I could never get them to understand shares, investors, or exactly who would own the thing. Heck, they accused me of trying to stay with "everything" in spite of the fact that the only interest I would have had in the place was whatever my Mom may one day leave me.
Ironically, a rich man did take part of my idea and run with it. Hence why the piece of property I called home is gone. Pffft. Vamooshed.
Anyway, before my exec job got axed last year, I set up a corporation fully intending to put my dusty plans in motion. The end came a little sooner than the writing on the wall had predicted though and that left me slightly off kilter for a while.
Then came that fateful #agchat. Yes, I know. I've blogged it to death. I don't think I can ever fully explain how much it affected me.
It started with my blog design. Look at it. All cutesy cowgirl. Every time I see it I go .. awww. That little character looks like me. Evokes what I think my personality is like.
The more I talk to my ag Tweeps, the more I get that old fire burning inside. The part of me I thought was long gone. The ranch girl now has corporate experience. My family may have rejected my idea but what if I did it on my own?
What if ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
A book gives knowledge, but it is life that gives understanding." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Someone once told me that there are two types of "smart". Book smart and street smart. Just because you memorize a book (book smart) doesn't mean you know how to do something. Sometimes knowing where to find the answer is more important that knowing the answer itself.
Wish I could remember who said this ...
Someone once told me that there are two types of "smart". Book smart and street smart. Just because you memorize a book (book smart) doesn't mean you know how to do something. Sometimes knowing where to find the answer is more important that knowing the answer itself.
Wish I could remember who said this ...
A book gives knowledge, but it is life that gives understanding." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Someone once told me that there are two types of "smart". Book smart and street smart. Just because you memorize a book (book smart) doesn't mean you know how to do something. Sometimes knowing where to find the answer is more important that knowing the answer itself.
Wish I could remember who said this ...
Someone once told me that there are two types of "smart". Book smart and street smart. Just because you memorize a book (book smart) doesn't mean you know how to do something. Sometimes knowing where to find the answer is more important that knowing the answer itself.
Wish I could remember who said this ...
From the time I arrived back in Texas a few months ago, I've been revising my life, goals and trying to take an honest look at myself. Ironically, my adventure in New York taught me that I am a country girl at heart. Me. The one who disavowed all things country and ag.
For years, I hated country music, the ranch, and the ag community in general for what it represented to me. The backwater, anti-tech, anti-homeschooling, follow-blindly, macho crap that alienated me from way back when. Now, I'm feeling homesick? What the hay?
One Tuesday afternoon, I noticed a whole bunch of Tweets about something called #agchat. I figured, what the heck? I'm at a point in my life where I've pretty much been there, done that and tossed the t-shirt. Let's see what's going on with the thing that runs in my veins but I've rejected for years: the ag community.
What a surprise! Maybe it's because we all come from different parts of the country. Heck, different parts of the world! Or maybe it's that ag - like the rest of the world - is coming into a different age. I see women taking charge and being recognized for their contributions. I see open debates and civil disagreements. I see the place where I wish I was.
On a farm or ranch. With horses and good, like-minded friends and neighbors. Like the wonderful ag Tweeps I follow on Twitter.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For years, I hated country music, the ranch, and the ag community in general for what it represented to me. The backwater, anti-tech, anti-homeschooling, follow-blindly, macho crap that alienated me from way back when. Now, I'm feeling homesick? What the hay?
One Tuesday afternoon, I noticed a whole bunch of Tweets about something called #agchat. I figured, what the heck? I'm at a point in my life where I've pretty much been there, done that and tossed the t-shirt. Let's see what's going on with the thing that runs in my veins but I've rejected for years: the ag community.
What a surprise! Maybe it's because we all come from different parts of the country. Heck, different parts of the world! Or maybe it's that ag - like the rest of the world - is coming into a different age. I see women taking charge and being recognized for their contributions. I see open debates and civil disagreements. I see the place where I wish I was.
On a farm or ranch. With horses and good, like-minded friends and neighbors. Like the wonderful ag Tweeps I follow on Twitter.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
From the time I arrived back in Texas a few months ago, I've been revising my life, goals and trying to take an honest look at myself. Ironically, my adventure in New York taught me that I am a country girl at heart. Me. The one who disavowed all things country and ag.
For years, I hated country music, the ranch, and the ag community in general for what it represented to me. The backwater, anti-tech, anti-homeschooling, follow-blindly, macho crap that alienated me from way back when. Now, I'm feeling homesick? What the hay?
One Tuesday afternoon, I noticed a whole bunch of Tweets about something called #agchat. I figured, what the heck? I'm at a point in my life where I've pretty much been there, done that and tossed the t-shirt. Let's see what's going on with the thing that runs in my veins but I've rejected for years: the ag community.
What a surprise! Maybe it's because we all come from different parts of the country. Heck, different parts of the world! Or maybe it's that ag - like the rest of the world - is coming into a different age. I see women taking charge and being recognized for their contributions. I see open debates and civil disagreements. I see the place where I wish I was.
On a farm or ranch. With horses and good, like-minded friends and neighbors. Like the wonderful ag Tweeps I follow on Twitter.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For years, I hated country music, the ranch, and the ag community in general for what it represented to me. The backwater, anti-tech, anti-homeschooling, follow-blindly, macho crap that alienated me from way back when. Now, I'm feeling homesick? What the hay?
One Tuesday afternoon, I noticed a whole bunch of Tweets about something called #agchat. I figured, what the heck? I'm at a point in my life where I've pretty much been there, done that and tossed the t-shirt. Let's see what's going on with the thing that runs in my veins but I've rejected for years: the ag community.
What a surprise! Maybe it's because we all come from different parts of the country. Heck, different parts of the world! Or maybe it's that ag - like the rest of the world - is coming into a different age. I see women taking charge and being recognized for their contributions. I see open debates and civil disagreements. I see the place where I wish I was.
On a farm or ranch. With horses and good, like-minded friends and neighbors. Like the wonderful ag Tweeps I follow on Twitter.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Lord, I love my family, my friends, my neighbors, my .. but I get tired of their well-meaning meddling.
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Lord, I love my family, my friends, my neighbors, my .. but I get tired of their well-meaning meddling.
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Lord, I love my family, my friends, my neighbors, my .. but I get tired of their well-meaning meddling.
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
This area isn't very homeschool friendly and because my son has a speech impediment, they think it means I'm not teaching him well. He's been to speech therapy. I was told he'd grow out of it and if I noticed he still had issues in a year, to take him back if I wanted.
The other issue is work. I'm judged negatively for being a stay at home mom and picking up freelance jobs here and there online. I know I may not make the kind of money I used to as an exec but I do bring in roughly the average income that "normal" work provides here. I pay my bills and get what we need. I'm growing increasingly frustrated at how everyone keeps trying to "find" me a job.
Reality is, I'd spend more and keep less if I got a "normal" job in town. Add unreliable child care to that and you've got a recipe for disaster! I understand this area isn't very tech-friendly and I'm seen as some kind of freak they should feel sorry for. However, I don't feel sorry for me. I am getting pretty ticked off though and I don't feel I should have to disclose my income for local fodder just to get them to get their noses back where they belong.
If you wonder why I've come to despise the place of my birth, this is it. I probably will never be the pretty if somewhat airheaded cowgirl who pops out 20 babies and stays home, barefoot and quietly serving the "man" of the house. I never wanted to be that and never will be that.
Respect. It goes both ways. Or at least, it should. Since it apparently still doesn't, looks like I'll be moving again soon.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"Good company will save you from bad deeds." ~ Hebrew Proverbs
They'll also be there when you need a hand, cheer for you whether you succeed or fail and send you dorky jokes just to make you smile.
They'll also be there when you need a hand, cheer for you whether you succeed or fail and send you dorky jokes just to make you smile.
"Good company will save you from bad deeds." ~ Hebrew Proverbs
They'll also be there when you need a hand, cheer for you whether you succeed or fail and send you dorky jokes just to make you smile.
They'll also be there when you need a hand, cheer for you whether you succeed or fail and send you dorky jokes just to make you smile.
"Give me good advice but don't advise me not to do it." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Yup. You know that's right. The more they tell you no, the more you'll want to do it. Human nature.
Yup. You know that's right. The more they tell you no, the more you'll want to do it. Human nature.
"Give me good advice but don't advise me not to do it." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Yup. You know that's right. The more they tell you no, the more you'll want to do it. Human nature.
Yup. You know that's right. The more they tell you no, the more you'll want to do it. Human nature.
"Fire dies for lack of wood; if there's no whispering, gossip stops." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Fire dies for lack of wood; if there's no whispering, gossip stops." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Among the myriad of comments I get from anti-homeschoolers, the most irritating involve the socialization issue. Supposedly, homeschoolers "miss out" on socializing and somehow become unmannered little hooligans.
Let's start by looking at what socialization actually is, shall we?
When children go to school, who are they primarily learning from? In my local school, even Kindergarten aged children are switching classes. How much time are our children spending with any one adult during a day? Granted, they have a "home" room but what does that mean exactly? It's not a home and they can't go back when they want to.
As a homeschool project, my son and I created a pie chart breaking down an average family's "together time". It's on his computer though, so instead of sharing the actual chart, I'll just share the plain figures:
Where is the stability and reliable adult in this picture? For that matter, why do we marvel at how many marriages are falling apart or the increase in "rebelling" teens? Who is actually acting like their family and providing the most influence? Their peers!
In my homeschool, my son spends most of his time with me. I am his mother, his teacher, his cooking instructor, his camp counselor, his defender, his encourager .. I am a constant presence in his life. He goes with me on errands and speaks to people from all walks of life. Our work revolves around our lives instead of our lives revolving around a school clock.
Although I must follow a mandate by the State of Texas that I will teach my son citizenship, I would have done it anyway. I want the best for my son. I want him to strive to be better than me in every way. That includes being the best individual he can be.
There are also many homeschool groups throughout the world that provide each other with support, educational resources and opportunities to socialize. Soccer teams, UIL teams ..
What exactly is it that homeschoolers are missing again?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Let's start by looking at what socialization actually is, shall we?
"Socialization is the process by which children and adults learn from others." ~ University of California's Sociology Department
When children go to school, who are they primarily learning from? In my local school, even Kindergarten aged children are switching classes. How much time are our children spending with any one adult during a day? Granted, they have a "home" room but what does that mean exactly? It's not a home and they can't go back when they want to.
As a homeschool project, my son and I created a pie chart breaking down an average family's "together time". It's on his computer though, so instead of sharing the actual chart, I'll just share the plain figures:
*** AVERAGE ADULT ***
8 hours of work
1 hour of lunch
1 hour to get ready for work + breakfast prep
1 hour to get out of work mode + dinner prep
1-2 hours of commute time (round-trip)
8 hours of sleep
----------------------------------------------
20-21 hours a day out of a 24 hour day
*** AVERAGE CHILD ***
6 hours of school
1/2 hour of lunch
3 hours after school care
1 hour to get ready for school + breakfast
1 hour to get out of school mode + dinner
1-2 hours of commute time (round-trip)
8 hours of sleep
----------------------------------------------
20.5-21.5 hours a day out of a 24 hour day
(excluding any homework time)
Where is the stability and reliable adult in this picture? For that matter, why do we marvel at how many marriages are falling apart or the increase in "rebelling" teens? Who is actually acting like their family and providing the most influence? Their peers!
In my homeschool, my son spends most of his time with me. I am his mother, his teacher, his cooking instructor, his camp counselor, his defender, his encourager .. I am a constant presence in his life. He goes with me on errands and speaks to people from all walks of life. Our work revolves around our lives instead of our lives revolving around a school clock.
Although I must follow a mandate by the State of Texas that I will teach my son citizenship, I would have done it anyway. I want the best for my son. I want him to strive to be better than me in every way. That includes being the best individual he can be.
There are also many homeschool groups throughout the world that provide each other with support, educational resources and opportunities to socialize. Soccer teams, UIL teams ..
What exactly is it that homeschoolers are missing again?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
“The best way to know a man is to watch him when he is angry.” ~ Hebrew Proverb
... or drunk! ;)
... or drunk! ;)
“The best way to know a man is to watch him when he is angry.” ~ Hebrew Proverb
... or drunk! ;)
... or drunk! ;)
Every now and then, you run across someone online that seems to cross over that invisible line between race, religion or whatever other label we sometimes find ourselves behind. When someone stops being a color, a number, a fill-in-the-blank.
One of those people, for me, is Mr. Chi-City.
Whether he's going to court, squishing a bug or spreading the Christmas cheer [this is a MUST see!], his personality and sense of humor comes through (along with a few foul words and his thing for cleanliness ;).
Kudos to him for reminding us that the only boxes we have are the ones we put ourselves in.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
One of those people, for me, is Mr. Chi-City.
Whether he's going to court, squishing a bug or spreading the Christmas cheer [this is a MUST see!], his personality and sense of humor comes through (along with a few foul words and his thing for cleanliness ;).
Kudos to him for reminding us that the only boxes we have are the ones we put ourselves in.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Every now and then, you run across someone online that seems to cross over that invisible line between race, religion or whatever other label we sometimes find ourselves behind. When someone stops being a color, a number, a fill-in-the-blank.
One of those people, for me, is Mr. Chi-City.
Whether he's going to court, squishing a bug or spreading the Christmas cheer [this is a MUST see!], his personality and sense of humor comes through (along with a few foul words and his thing for cleanliness ;).
Kudos to him for reminding us that the only boxes we have are the ones we put ourselves in.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
One of those people, for me, is Mr. Chi-City.
Whether he's going to court, squishing a bug or spreading the Christmas cheer [this is a MUST see!], his personality and sense of humor comes through (along with a few foul words and his thing for cleanliness ;).
Kudos to him for reminding us that the only boxes we have are the ones we put ourselves in.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
There have been a lot of negative comments and actions thrown my way for homeschooling my son instead of plopping him onto the school bus headed to the "local" institution of supposed learning.
Much has been made about the "superiority" of teaching there in comparison to what I, a laywoman, can offer. Interestingly, the actual abilities of said "better" instructors aren't really discussed. They have a teaching degree and that should be enough for me.
It's not.
Would you would trust just any M.D. with your heart problem?
Look, I'm not dissing teachers in any way. My point is that some in my area just aren't qualified for the positions they have and there are some parents who - although lacking a teaching certification - actually CAN BE better instructors.
Parents need to stop putting themselves down and realize that corporate and general life skills are applicable in many more ways than we realize.
When you go to work, what do you do? You aim to do your job to the best of your ability, you continually try to learn and expand your skill sets, and you train others to do the same. You may also present in meetings, run internal systems checks, troubleshoot projects, produce reports, and translate.
If you can train a total n00b to provide a specialized service or product, why can't you train your own flesh and blood? If you can get down to the nitty gritty of a complex report or project, what's stopping you from becoming the master of your child's education?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Much has been made about the "superiority" of teaching there in comparison to what I, a laywoman, can offer. Interestingly, the actual abilities of said "better" instructors aren't really discussed. They have a teaching degree and that should be enough for me.
It's not.
Would you would trust just any M.D. with your heart problem?
Look, I'm not dissing teachers in any way. My point is that some in my area just aren't qualified for the positions they have and there are some parents who - although lacking a teaching certification - actually CAN BE better instructors.
Parents need to stop putting themselves down and realize that corporate and general life skills are applicable in many more ways than we realize.
When you go to work, what do you do? You aim to do your job to the best of your ability, you continually try to learn and expand your skill sets, and you train others to do the same. You may also present in meetings, run internal systems checks, troubleshoot projects, produce reports, and translate.
If you can train a total n00b to provide a specialized service or product, why can't you train your own flesh and blood? If you can get down to the nitty gritty of a complex report or project, what's stopping you from becoming the master of your child's education?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
There have been a lot of negative comments and actions thrown my way for homeschooling my son instead of plopping him onto the school bus headed to the "local" institution of supposed learning.
Much has been made about the "superiority" of teaching there in comparison to what I, a laywoman, can offer. Interestingly, the actual abilities of said "better" instructors aren't really discussed. They have a teaching degree and that should be enough for me.
It's not.
Would you would trust just any M.D. with your heart problem?
Look, I'm not dissing teachers in any way. My point is that some in my area just aren't qualified for the positions they have and there are some parents who - although lacking a teaching certification - actually CAN BE better instructors.
Parents need to stop putting themselves down and realize that corporate and general life skills are applicable in many more ways than we realize.
When you go to work, what do you do? You aim to do your job to the best of your ability, you continually try to learn and expand your skill sets, and you train others to do the same. You may also present in meetings, run internal systems checks, troubleshoot projects, produce reports, and translate.
If you can train a total n00b to provide a specialized service or product, why can't you train your own flesh and blood? If you can get down to the nitty gritty of a complex report or project, what's stopping you from becoming the master of your child's education?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Much has been made about the "superiority" of teaching there in comparison to what I, a laywoman, can offer. Interestingly, the actual abilities of said "better" instructors aren't really discussed. They have a teaching degree and that should be enough for me.
It's not.
Would you would trust just any M.D. with your heart problem?
Look, I'm not dissing teachers in any way. My point is that some in my area just aren't qualified for the positions they have and there are some parents who - although lacking a teaching certification - actually CAN BE better instructors.
Parents need to stop putting themselves down and realize that corporate and general life skills are applicable in many more ways than we realize.
When you go to work, what do you do? You aim to do your job to the best of your ability, you continually try to learn and expand your skill sets, and you train others to do the same. You may also present in meetings, run internal systems checks, troubleshoot projects, produce reports, and translate.
If you can train a total n00b to provide a specialized service or product, why can't you train your own flesh and blood? If you can get down to the nitty gritty of a complex report or project, what's stopping you from becoming the master of your child's education?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"Whoever teaches his son teaches not only his son but also his son's son, and so on to the end of generations." ~ Hebrew Proverb
This is so true and one of my favorite Proverbs. It is also something that drives me when I start to feel discouraged or ineffectual as a homeschooler.
This is so true and one of my favorite Proverbs. It is also something that drives me when I start to feel discouraged or ineffectual as a homeschooler.
"Whoever teaches his son teaches not only his son but also his son's son, and so on to the end of generations." ~ Hebrew Proverb
This is so true and one of my favorite Proverbs. It is also something that drives me when I start to feel discouraged or ineffectual as a homeschooler.
This is so true and one of my favorite Proverbs. It is also something that drives me when I start to feel discouraged or ineffectual as a homeschooler.
Learned something interesting recently. Some childhood peeps and jealous biddies have been scouring the 'net for info on me.
They read my posts, my Tweets and check out things I share with others on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites. Then they prance over to my Mom's place of employment and proceed to fluff their feathers or do some other equally ridiculous thing.
Mind you, none of them have the chutzpah to contact me directly. Even though we aren't too far apart geographically or electronically.
Nope, these sad little critters are stuck with their high school drama mentality and trying to use my Mom to get some satisfaction.
Two words for those who know who they are: grow up.
This isn't junior high or high school anymore. It's real world and you aren't as fabulous as you are trying to seem. If you were, you wouldn't have to try to prove it or rag on me, would you?
Oh yeah. One last thing. Leave my Mom, my family and my real friends alone. Grow some and contact me directly to hash out whatever issues you've got or step off.
Your approval, input or existence in my life is not necessary. Here's your hall pass, now get the heck out of my life and outta my way.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
They read my posts, my Tweets and check out things I share with others on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites. Then they prance over to my Mom's place of employment and proceed to fluff their feathers or do some other equally ridiculous thing.
Mind you, none of them have the chutzpah to contact me directly. Even though we aren't too far apart geographically or electronically.
Nope, these sad little critters are stuck with their high school drama mentality and trying to use my Mom to get some satisfaction.
Two words for those who know who they are: grow up.
This isn't junior high or high school anymore. It's real world and you aren't as fabulous as you are trying to seem. If you were, you wouldn't have to try to prove it or rag on me, would you?
Oh yeah. One last thing. Leave my Mom, my family and my real friends alone. Grow some and contact me directly to hash out whatever issues you've got or step off.
Your approval, input or existence in my life is not necessary. Here's your hall pass, now get the heck out of my life and outta my way.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For the last few years, I've been struggling with my spiritual path. Researching different cultures, people and religions. Digging deeper into my own beliefs, values and customs.
Raised a strict Catholic, went through a few Christian denominations and other religions, but wound up at the feet of Judaism. Almost converted. Almost. I even worked for a Jewish seminary in New York for a while.
This morning, I woke up with the Shalom Aleichem on a looped repeat in my head. Couldn't think of anything else. I can't think of why I'd remember the song right now either. I haven't been or done Jewish in a while.
Oh well. Whatever the reason ... Chesed El Kol Hayom!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Raised a strict Catholic, went through a few Christian denominations and other religions, but wound up at the feet of Judaism. Almost converted. Almost. I even worked for a Jewish seminary in New York for a while.
This morning, I woke up with the Shalom Aleichem on a looped repeat in my head. Couldn't think of anything else. I can't think of why I'd remember the song right now either. I haven't been or done Jewish in a while.
Oh well. Whatever the reason ... Chesed El Kol Hayom!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For the last few years, I've been struggling with my spiritual path. Researching different cultures, people and religions. Digging deeper into my own beliefs, values and customs.
Raised a strict Catholic, went through a few Christian denominations and other religions, but wound up at the feet of Judaism. Almost converted. Almost. I even worked for a Jewish seminary in New York for a while.
This morning, I woke up with the Shalom Aleichem on a looped repeat in my head. Couldn't think of anything else. I can't think of why I'd remember the song right now either. I haven't been or done Jewish in a while.
Oh well. Whatever the reason ... Chesed El Kol Hayom!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Raised a strict Catholic, went through a few Christian denominations and other religions, but wound up at the feet of Judaism. Almost converted. Almost. I even worked for a Jewish seminary in New York for a while.
This morning, I woke up with the Shalom Aleichem on a looped repeat in my head. Couldn't think of anything else. I can't think of why I'd remember the song right now either. I haven't been or done Jewish in a while.
Oh well. Whatever the reason ... Chesed El Kol Hayom!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"The kind man feeds his cat before sitting down to dinner." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Many an Ag peep will tell you that they never sit down to dinner or to relax before making sure their animals are taken care of. It would be considered irresponsible stewardship.
Many an Ag peep will tell you that they never sit down to dinner or to relax before making sure their animals are taken care of. It would be considered irresponsible stewardship.
Learned something interesting recently. Some childhood peeps and jealous biddies have been scouring the 'net for info on me.
They read my posts, my Tweets and check out things I share with others on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites. Then they prance over to my Mom's place of employment and proceed to fluff their feathers or do some other equally ridiculous thing.
Mind you, none of them have the chutzpah to contact me directly. Even though we aren't too far apart geographically or electronically.
Nope, these sad little critters are stuck with their high school drama mentality and trying to use my Mom to get some satisfaction.
Two words for those who know who they are: grow up.
This isn't junior high or high school anymore. It's real world and you aren't as fabulous as you are trying to seem. If you were, you wouldn't have to try to prove it or rag on me, would you?
Oh yeah. One last thing. Leave my Mom, my family and my real friends alone. Grow some and contact me directly to hash out whatever issues you've got or step off.
Your approval, input or existence in my life is not necessary. Here's your hall pass, now get the heck out of my life and outta my way.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
They read my posts, my Tweets and check out things I share with others on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking sites. Then they prance over to my Mom's place of employment and proceed to fluff their feathers or do some other equally ridiculous thing.
Mind you, none of them have the chutzpah to contact me directly. Even though we aren't too far apart geographically or electronically.
Nope, these sad little critters are stuck with their high school drama mentality and trying to use my Mom to get some satisfaction.
Two words for those who know who they are: grow up.
This isn't junior high or high school anymore. It's real world and you aren't as fabulous as you are trying to seem. If you were, you wouldn't have to try to prove it or rag on me, would you?
Oh yeah. One last thing. Leave my Mom, my family and my real friends alone. Grow some and contact me directly to hash out whatever issues you've got or step off.
Your approval, input or existence in my life is not necessary. Here's your hall pass, now get the heck out of my life and outta my way.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"Slander slays three persons: the speaker, the spoken to, and the spoken of." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Slander slays three persons: the speaker, the spoken to, and the spoken of." ~ Hebrew Proverb
After being accused of having such an easy life because I'm at home while other people "actually" work (by someone who was chatting at their job!), I have a noggin full of info on the tip of my tongue.
Actually, I got mad and sent a "this is how I do it, I dare you to tell me I'm not doing anything" rant to one particular childhood friend. Of course, being a passionate blogger, I also wrote a much shorter, much calmer post about it.
Shortly thereafter, I realized this was much bigger than me and my offended ego. The info I detailed - combined with the info I forgot to include - could help others who are looking for ways to "do it all" when they are all. As soon as I'm done with the edits, I'll be sharing that as a free PDF download.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Actually, I got mad and sent a "this is how I do it, I dare you to tell me I'm not doing anything" rant to one particular childhood friend. Of course, being a passionate blogger, I also wrote a much shorter, much calmer post about it.
Shortly thereafter, I realized this was much bigger than me and my offended ego. The info I detailed - combined with the info I forgot to include - could help others who are looking for ways to "do it all" when they are all. As soon as I'm done with the edits, I'll be sharing that as a free PDF download.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
After being accused of having such an easy life because I'm at home while other people "actually" work (by someone who was chatting at their job!), I have a noggin full of info on the tip of my tongue.
Actually, I got mad and sent a "this is how I do it, I dare you to tell me I'm not doing anything" rant to one particular childhood friend. Of course, being a passionate blogger, I also wrote a much shorter, much calmer post about it.
Shortly thereafter, I realized this was much bigger than me and my offended ego. The info I detailed - combined with the info I forgot to include - could help others who are looking for ways to "do it all" when they are all. As soon as I'm done with the edits, I'll be sharing that as a free PDF download.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Actually, I got mad and sent a "this is how I do it, I dare you to tell me I'm not doing anything" rant to one particular childhood friend. Of course, being a passionate blogger, I also wrote a much shorter, much calmer post about it.
Shortly thereafter, I realized this was much bigger than me and my offended ego. The info I detailed - combined with the info I forgot to include - could help others who are looking for ways to "do it all" when they are all. As soon as I'm done with the edits, I'll be sharing that as a free PDF download.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
If you've followed me through the years as I've gone from one blog to another, you probably read about my rig restoration project. If you haven't, today is your lucky day!
For my non-RV readers, a rig is your recreational vehicle setup. It could be anything from truck with a tear-drop trailer to a bus conversion with toad. Whatever it is, the entire thing together is called your rig. That's what it means to me anyway.
Four or so years ago, I purchased an F150 I named Daisy. You know, because she was a Hazzard. My Uncle had already started the restoration project but my Aunt got tired of seeing it in the yard. He worked long hours and didn't have much time to devote to it. She said "get rid of it" and he said "hey, Penny ..".
Three-ish years ago, I spotted a cute but run down little travel trailer that I thought Daisy could deal with well. The owner, a slightly distant cousin, said I could have it if I wanted it. Let's just call him Scotty, okay? [The TT, not the guy.]
Sadly, Scotty was accidentally smooshed between an F350 and a back hoe one day. Dude tried to show how awesome his souped up F350 was and slammed the gas in reverse. Forgot the back hoe operator was lifting Scotty's rear out of the muddy ditch that said truck enthusiast had just zoomed into.
Note to self: never let anyone drive your rig!!
Daisy was next on the OMFG (oh my fudged gator) accident list. Someone was fixing her carb kit (yeah, she's that old) and did something wrong. When Daisy wouldn't start, he flooded her with fuel and said "start 'er up!".
The fireball that ensued could have been mistaken for an a-bomb and sadly, that was the last we saw of his eyebrows. He was a little luckier with his arms. Although singed and stinky, they're little permed 'do is kinda cute.
Note to self: ... (that rendered me speechless after I stopped laughing at his expression)
Why lie? At first, I was so depressed and angry. I wanted to have a little rig set-up so I could take my son on weekend road trips or heck, maybe even travel full time for a bit. My dreams were crushed (literally and figuratively) and only my son gave a hoot. Everyone else tried to comfort (?) me by saying, "they were old anyway".
Uh, hello? That was not the point! I liked my little set up. I liked Daisy. I liked Scotty. They were mine. They meant something to me and to my son.
Then, a sense of overwhelming odds struck me and rendered me essentially numb. I've let them sit there, getting rustier and avoiding eye-contact.
A year or more later, I'm looking at their carcasses going .. hmm. They are much worse for wear, of that there is no doubt, but they were never meant to be immaculate show pieces that never moved. They were meant to be a customized little home-away-from-home for a single mom, her son and a couple of critters.
The question is .. do I still believe in the Daisy/Scotty dream enough to put my effort where my mouth is?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For my non-RV readers, a rig is your recreational vehicle setup. It could be anything from truck with a tear-drop trailer to a bus conversion with toad. Whatever it is, the entire thing together is called your rig. That's what it means to me anyway.
Four or so years ago, I purchased an F150 I named Daisy. You know, because she was a Hazzard. My Uncle had already started the restoration project but my Aunt got tired of seeing it in the yard. He worked long hours and didn't have much time to devote to it. She said "get rid of it" and he said "hey, Penny ..".
Three-ish years ago, I spotted a cute but run down little travel trailer that I thought Daisy could deal with well. The owner, a slightly distant cousin, said I could have it if I wanted it. Let's just call him Scotty, okay? [The TT, not the guy.]
Turns out it is a 1950/60 something Serro Scotty Sportsman Highlander and they've actually come back into fashion!
Sadly, Scotty was accidentally smooshed between an F350 and a back hoe one day. Dude tried to show how awesome his souped up F350 was and slammed the gas in reverse. Forgot the back hoe operator was lifting Scotty's rear out of the muddy ditch that said truck enthusiast had just zoomed into.
Note to self: never let anyone drive your rig!!
Daisy was next on the OMFG (oh my fudged gator) accident list. Someone was fixing her carb kit (yeah, she's that old) and did something wrong. When Daisy wouldn't start, he flooded her with fuel and said "start 'er up!".
The fireball that ensued could have been mistaken for an a-bomb and sadly, that was the last we saw of his eyebrows. He was a little luckier with his arms. Although singed and stinky, they're little permed 'do is kinda cute.
Note to self: ... (that rendered me speechless after I stopped laughing at his expression)
Why lie? At first, I was so depressed and angry. I wanted to have a little rig set-up so I could take my son on weekend road trips or heck, maybe even travel full time for a bit. My dreams were crushed (literally and figuratively) and only my son gave a hoot. Everyone else tried to comfort (?) me by saying, "they were old anyway".
Uh, hello? That was not the point! I liked my little set up. I liked Daisy. I liked Scotty. They were mine. They meant something to me and to my son.
Then, a sense of overwhelming odds struck me and rendered me essentially numb. I've let them sit there, getting rustier and avoiding eye-contact.
A year or more later, I'm looking at their carcasses going .. hmm. They are much worse for wear, of that there is no doubt, but they were never meant to be immaculate show pieces that never moved. They were meant to be a customized little home-away-from-home for a single mom, her son and a couple of critters.
The question is .. do I still believe in the Daisy/Scotty dream enough to put my effort where my mouth is?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
If you've followed me through the years as I've gone from one blog to another, you probably read about my rig restoration project. If you haven't, today is your lucky day!
For my non-RV readers, a rig is your recreational vehicle setup. It could be anything from truck with a tear-drop trailer to a bus conversion with toad. Whatever it is, the entire thing together is called your rig. That's what it means to me anyway.
Four or so years ago, I purchased an F150 I named Daisy. You know, because she was a Hazzard. My Uncle had already started the restoration project but my Aunt got tired of seeing it in the yard. He worked long hours and didn't have much time to devote to it. She said "get rid of it" and he said "hey, Penny ..".
Three-ish years ago, I spotted a cute but run down little travel trailer that I thought Daisy could deal with well. The owner, a slightly distant cousin, said I could have it if I wanted it. Let's just call him Scotty, okay? [The TT, not the guy.]
Sadly, Scotty was accidentally smooshed between an F350 and a back hoe one day. Dude tried to show how awesome his souped up F350 was and slammed the gas in reverse. Forgot the back hoe operator was lifting Scotty's rear out of the muddy ditch that said truck enthusiast had just zoomed into.
Note to self: never let anyone drive your rig!!
Daisy was next on the OMFG (oh my fudged gator) accident list. Someone was fixing her carb kit (yeah, she's that old) and did something wrong. When Daisy wouldn't start, he flooded her with fuel and said "start 'er up!".
The fireball that ensued could have been mistaken for an a-bomb and sadly, that was the last we saw of his eyebrows. He was a little luckier with his arms. Although singed and stinky, they're little permed 'do is kinda cute.
Note to self: ... (that rendered me speechless after I stopped laughing at his expression)
Why lie? At first, I was so depressed and angry. I wanted to have a little rig set-up so I could take my son on weekend road trips or heck, maybe even travel full time for a bit. My dreams were crushed (literally and figuratively) and only my son gave a hoot. Everyone else tried to comfort (?) me by saying, "they were old anyway".
Uh, hello? That was not the point! I liked my little set up. I liked Daisy. I liked Scotty. They were mine. They meant something to me and to my son.
Then, a sense of overwhelming odds struck me and rendered me essentially numb. I've let them sit there, getting rustier and avoiding eye-contact.
A year or more later, I'm looking at their carcasses going .. hmm. They are much worse for wear, of that there is no doubt, but they were never meant to be immaculate show pieces that never moved. They were meant to be a customized little home-away-from-home for a single mom, her son and a couple of critters.
The question is .. do I still believe in the Daisy/Scotty dream enough to put my effort where my mouth is?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
For my non-RV readers, a rig is your recreational vehicle setup. It could be anything from truck with a tear-drop trailer to a bus conversion with toad. Whatever it is, the entire thing together is called your rig. That's what it means to me anyway.
Four or so years ago, I purchased an F150 I named Daisy. You know, because she was a Hazzard. My Uncle had already started the restoration project but my Aunt got tired of seeing it in the yard. He worked long hours and didn't have much time to devote to it. She said "get rid of it" and he said "hey, Penny ..".
Three-ish years ago, I spotted a cute but run down little travel trailer that I thought Daisy could deal with well. The owner, a slightly distant cousin, said I could have it if I wanted it. Let's just call him Scotty, okay? [The TT, not the guy.]
Turns out it is a 1950/60 something Serro Scotty Sportsman Highlander and they've actually come back into fashion!
Sadly, Scotty was accidentally smooshed between an F350 and a back hoe one day. Dude tried to show how awesome his souped up F350 was and slammed the gas in reverse. Forgot the back hoe operator was lifting Scotty's rear out of the muddy ditch that said truck enthusiast had just zoomed into.
Note to self: never let anyone drive your rig!!
Daisy was next on the OMFG (oh my fudged gator) accident list. Someone was fixing her carb kit (yeah, she's that old) and did something wrong. When Daisy wouldn't start, he flooded her with fuel and said "start 'er up!".
The fireball that ensued could have been mistaken for an a-bomb and sadly, that was the last we saw of his eyebrows. He was a little luckier with his arms. Although singed and stinky, they're little permed 'do is kinda cute.
Note to self: ... (that rendered me speechless after I stopped laughing at his expression)
Why lie? At first, I was so depressed and angry. I wanted to have a little rig set-up so I could take my son on weekend road trips or heck, maybe even travel full time for a bit. My dreams were crushed (literally and figuratively) and only my son gave a hoot. Everyone else tried to comfort (?) me by saying, "they were old anyway".
Uh, hello? That was not the point! I liked my little set up. I liked Daisy. I liked Scotty. They were mine. They meant something to me and to my son.
Then, a sense of overwhelming odds struck me and rendered me essentially numb. I've let them sit there, getting rustier and avoiding eye-contact.
A year or more later, I'm looking at their carcasses going .. hmm. They are much worse for wear, of that there is no doubt, but they were never meant to be immaculate show pieces that never moved. They were meant to be a customized little home-away-from-home for a single mom, her son and a couple of critters.
The question is .. do I still believe in the Daisy/Scotty dream enough to put my effort where my mouth is?
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself." ~ George Bernard Shaw
"The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself." ~ George Bernard Shaw
Alright so it's not so much technical technical as personal technical. Long and short of it is my kid and I are sick. We aren't yet hurling mighty chunks, as CJ loves to say, but we're dizzy and just about there. Add in a sinus/migraine combo thing in my case and you have us down for 24-48 hours. (No way can we stay still for longer than that!)
If you are expecting to hear from me today, I am determined that you still will. Just .. a little later than anticipated and not over the phone or webcam. Trust me, you don't want to see or hear us right now! Ugh.
Technology is great, isn't it? Until I posted this, my automated systems made it look like all was well. Not only that but this one post will get posted to Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, making it easy to update everyone without having to look at the light much longer.
Srsly. Migraines are so not fun. I'm going back to my Bat Cave to rest now ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. Speaking of my system, I've been asked so many questions that I'm working on an ebook about it. More on that freebie from me later. You know, when I can use my brain again without going "ouch!". =(
EDIT: I take that back. One of us has hurled already. Sorry if TMI but I have a serious case of the guilts. I should be working! ~ 9:38am
If you are expecting to hear from me today, I am determined that you still will. Just .. a little later than anticipated and not over the phone or webcam. Trust me, you don't want to see or hear us right now! Ugh.
Technology is great, isn't it? Until I posted this, my automated systems made it look like all was well. Not only that but this one post will get posted to Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, making it easy to update everyone without having to look at the light much longer.
Srsly. Migraines are so not fun. I'm going back to my Bat Cave to rest now ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. Speaking of my system, I've been asked so many questions that I'm working on an ebook about it. More on that freebie from me later. You know, when I can use my brain again without going "ouch!". =(
Alright so it's not so much technical technical as personal technical. Long and short of it is my kid and I are sick. We aren't yet hurling mighty chunks, as CJ loves to say, but we're dizzy and just about there. Add in a sinus/migraine combo thing in my case and you have us down for 24-48 hours. (No way can we stay still for longer than that!)
If you are expecting to hear from me today, I am determined that you still will. Just .. a little later than anticipated and not over the phone or webcam. Trust me, you don't want to see or hear us right now! Ugh.
Technology is great, isn't it? Until I posted this, my automated systems made it look like all was well. Not only that but this one post will get posted to Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, making it easy to update everyone without having to look at the light much longer.
Srsly. Migraines are so not fun. I'm going back to my Bat Cave to rest now ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. Speaking of my system, I've been asked so many questions that I'm working on an ebook about it. More on that freebie from me later. You know, when I can use my brain again without going "ouch!". =(
EDIT: I take that back. One of us has hurled already. Sorry if TMI but I have a serious case of the guilts. I should be working! ~ 9:38am
If you are expecting to hear from me today, I am determined that you still will. Just .. a little later than anticipated and not over the phone or webcam. Trust me, you don't want to see or hear us right now! Ugh.
Technology is great, isn't it? Until I posted this, my automated systems made it look like all was well. Not only that but this one post will get posted to Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed, making it easy to update everyone without having to look at the light much longer.
Srsly. Migraines are so not fun. I'm going back to my Bat Cave to rest now ...
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. Speaking of my system, I've been asked so many questions that I'm working on an ebook about it. More on that freebie from me later. You know, when I can use my brain again without going "ouch!". =(
Remember that song from many a few years back? It said something like:
Yeah well, this post isn't about that song. It's about doors and the dinosaurs that appear when you open them.
Regardless of whether it's a cabinet door or a travel trailer (RV) door, I've got at least one furby (fur baby) who is going to try to rush in and claim it.
Our cats have this weird drive-through mentality. They run to get in a cabinet or room as soon as a door opens only to walk the perimeter and go out again. Door closing? OMG RUN FOR IT! I can either leave them in there - in the dark, by themselves - for a bit, open/close the door in short bursts to encourage their exit or leave the door open so kitteh can exit as desired.
The dogs energy level spikes when Zena starts getting excited. This hyper little King Charles mix starts bouncing and doing all those cute little Fabio-as-a-female-Spaniel poses. Then the two large, black Labs join in. Did I mention the two Labs are large? As in, they literally sound like horses when they run large. Their nimble air dances alternate with crashing booms. I worry about dance injuries all the time! Srsly.
Anyway, their door fixation is vehicular. Any car, truck or RV with people they know in it will find cold doggy noses pushing in. They can and have unintentionally knocked us down in their haste. Oh yeah, they've sat on us a couple of times too when we beat them to a seat. (That's when I realized we might need to lay off the kibble a bit! Wow, Scooby was heavy!)
Doesn't matter how many times I open a door. All 5 cats and 3 dogs seem to have a Pavlovian response! I'm not sure what they get out of it though. Well, other than a stepped on tail or something sometimes. Then they look at you with eyes full of indignation that say, "how could you have done that to meh?!"
Open the door, get on the floor, suddenly your pet's a dinosaur .. blocking the path, knocking you off the path or generally being so large in personality that there is no space for you. Sorry, sucka.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. We've noticed improvement since we started applying some Dog Whisperer tips. I highly recommend that show. =)
Open the door, get on the floor, everybody do the dinosaur ..
Yeah well, this post isn't about that song. It's about doors and the dinosaurs that appear when you open them.
Regardless of whether it's a cabinet door or a travel trailer (RV) door, I've got at least one furby (fur baby) who is going to try to rush in and claim it.
Our cats have this weird drive-through mentality. They run to get in a cabinet or room as soon as a door opens only to walk the perimeter and go out again. Door closing? OMG RUN FOR IT! I can either leave them in there - in the dark, by themselves - for a bit, open/close the door in short bursts to encourage their exit or leave the door open so kitteh can exit as desired.
The dogs energy level spikes when Zena starts getting excited. This hyper little King Charles mix starts bouncing and doing all those cute little Fabio-as-a-female-Spaniel poses. Then the two large, black Labs join in. Did I mention the two Labs are large? As in, they literally sound like horses when they run large. Their nimble air dances alternate with crashing booms. I worry about dance injuries all the time! Srsly.
Anyway, their door fixation is vehicular. Any car, truck or RV with people they know in it will find cold doggy noses pushing in. They can and have unintentionally knocked us down in their haste. Oh yeah, they've sat on us a couple of times too when we beat them to a seat. (That's when I realized we might need to lay off the kibble a bit! Wow, Scooby was heavy!)
Doesn't matter how many times I open a door. All 5 cats and 3 dogs seem to have a Pavlovian response! I'm not sure what they get out of it though. Well, other than a stepped on tail or something sometimes. Then they look at you with eyes full of indignation that say, "how could you have done that to meh?!"
Open the door, get on the floor, suddenly your pet's a dinosaur .. blocking the path, knocking you off the path or generally being so large in personality that there is no space for you. Sorry, sucka.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. We've noticed improvement since we started applying some Dog Whisperer tips. I highly recommend that show. =)
Remember that song from many a few years back? It said something like:
Yeah well, this post isn't about that song. It's about doors and the dinosaurs that appear when you open them.
Regardless of whether it's a cabinet door or a travel trailer (RV) door, I've got at least one furby (fur baby) who is going to try to rush in and claim it.
Our cats have this weird drive-through mentality. They run to get in a cabinet or room as soon as a door opens only to walk the perimeter and go out again. Door closing? OMG RUN FOR IT! I can either leave them in there - in the dark, by themselves - for a bit, open/close the door in short bursts to encourage their exit or leave the door open so kitteh can exit as desired.
The dogs energy level spikes when Zena starts getting excited. This hyper little King Charles mix starts bouncing and doing all those cute little Fabio-as-a-female-Spaniel poses. Then the two large, black Labs join in. Did I mention the two Labs are large? As in, they literally sound like horses when they run large. Their nimble air dances alternate with crashing booms. I worry about dance injuries all the time! Srsly.
Anyway, their door fixation is vehicular. Any car, truck or RV with people they know in it will find cold doggy noses pushing in. They can and have unintentionally knocked us down in their haste. Oh yeah, they've sat on us a couple of times too when we beat them to a seat. (That's when I realized we might need to lay off the kibble a bit! Wow, Scooby was heavy!)
Doesn't matter how many times I open a door. All 5 cats and 3 dogs seem to have a Pavlovian response! I'm not sure what they get out of it though. Well, other than a stepped on tail or something sometimes. Then they look at you with eyes full of indignation that say, "how could you have done that to meh?!"
Open the door, get on the floor, suddenly your pet's a dinosaur .. blocking the path, knocking you off the path or generally being so large in personality that there is no space for you. Sorry, sucka.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. We've noticed improvement since we started applying some Dog Whisperer tips. I highly recommend that show. =)
Open the door, get on the floor, everybody do the dinosaur ..
Yeah well, this post isn't about that song. It's about doors and the dinosaurs that appear when you open them.
Regardless of whether it's a cabinet door or a travel trailer (RV) door, I've got at least one furby (fur baby) who is going to try to rush in and claim it.
Our cats have this weird drive-through mentality. They run to get in a cabinet or room as soon as a door opens only to walk the perimeter and go out again. Door closing? OMG RUN FOR IT! I can either leave them in there - in the dark, by themselves - for a bit, open/close the door in short bursts to encourage their exit or leave the door open so kitteh can exit as desired.
The dogs energy level spikes when Zena starts getting excited. This hyper little King Charles mix starts bouncing and doing all those cute little Fabio-as-a-female-Spaniel poses. Then the two large, black Labs join in. Did I mention the two Labs are large? As in, they literally sound like horses when they run large. Their nimble air dances alternate with crashing booms. I worry about dance injuries all the time! Srsly.
Anyway, their door fixation is vehicular. Any car, truck or RV with people they know in it will find cold doggy noses pushing in. They can and have unintentionally knocked us down in their haste. Oh yeah, they've sat on us a couple of times too when we beat them to a seat. (That's when I realized we might need to lay off the kibble a bit! Wow, Scooby was heavy!)
Doesn't matter how many times I open a door. All 5 cats and 3 dogs seem to have a Pavlovian response! I'm not sure what they get out of it though. Well, other than a stepped on tail or something sometimes. Then they look at you with eyes full of indignation that say, "how could you have done that to meh?!"
Open the door, get on the floor, suddenly your pet's a dinosaur .. blocking the path, knocking you off the path or generally being so large in personality that there is no space for you. Sorry, sucka.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
P.S. We've noticed improvement since we started applying some Dog Whisperer tips. I highly recommend that show. =)
Seeing as how I blog about the things that mean the most to me, it was only a matter of time until I posted something about our homeschool adventures.
Between the time of my Challenge post and this one, we've transitioned from the mish-mash of uber-priced homeschool curriculum we used to use to Ambleside Online.
If you are considering homeschooling, or already homeschooling, and are feeling overwhelmed or wondering which curriculum would be best, I highly recommend Ambleside Online. Recommended weekly schedules. Tons of resources for every subject. Numerous support groups (most hosted by Yahoo). Friendly and extremely helpful homeschoolers. Having a nature-friendly curriculum is also a huge plus in my book. Oh man, this is the TOTAL package.
Had I known about Ambleside Online when I first started, I honestly believe homeschooling would have been so much more pleasant and we'd be much further along than we are now. Thankfully for me, the recommended weekly schedules aren't something you have to follow but Lord, they are such a help!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Between the time of my Challenge post and this one, we've transitioned from the mish-mash of uber-priced homeschool curriculum we used to use to Ambleside Online.
From the AO website: Welcome to Ambleside Online, a free homeschool curriculum designed to be as close as possible to the curriculum that Charlotte Mason used in her own private and correspondence schools. Our goal is to be true to Charlotte Mason's high literary standards. Ambleside Online uses the highest quality books and costs no more than the cost of texts. The curriculum uses as many free online books as possible, and there is no cost to use this information or join the support group.
If you are considering homeschooling, or already homeschooling, and are feeling overwhelmed or wondering which curriculum would be best, I highly recommend Ambleside Online. Recommended weekly schedules. Tons of resources for every subject. Numerous support groups (most hosted by Yahoo). Friendly and extremely helpful homeschoolers. Having a nature-friendly curriculum is also a huge plus in my book. Oh man, this is the TOTAL package.
Had I known about Ambleside Online when I first started, I honestly believe homeschooling would have been so much more pleasant and we'd be much further along than we are now. Thankfully for me, the recommended weekly schedules aren't something you have to follow but Lord, they are such a help!
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time." ~ Hebrew Proverb
There is an area my son and I struggle with and I absolutely know it's me. Here's the barebones story.
There once was a latchkey kid without much (if any) structure. Her single mother tried her best but just couldn't be there as much as either wanted. The little girl grew up into a go-where-the-wind-blows type adult and then became a single parent herself.
This girl had a son. A fabulous, super intelligent, kind, compassionate, big-hearted boy who prefers having routines and schedules. In fact, he wants home and homeschool to be more rigid. Things that make his free-spirited mom shudder in dread and claustrophobia.
We all know the story is about me and my son, right?
What you may not know is that I go through phases of organization and disorganization. That I struggle to find balance. This is my biggest issue. (Although my temper is a close second. lol)
The phases alternate. I set up elaborate schedules/routines and stick to them until the sensation of being suffocated and trapped triggers some kind of destructive mechanism. Then, I unconsciously but meticulously start tearing down all that I spent so much time and effort setting up.
A few days, weeks or even months later, the frustration and overwhelming sense of drowning in my own life will cause me to once again try to establish some kind of control.
Over the last few days, I have been trying very hard to delve into what I call my "irrational" behavior. I noticed the pattern, am seeking the root cause and fully intend to rip that flippin' weed right out of my mental/spiritual/emotional garden. For my son. For myself. For everyone who I touch in some way.
Until I master myself though, you probably will read posts that will somehow indicate which phase I am in. You know I'll be sharing things I learn on my journey and, if you've experienced this or have some sage advice you'd like to share, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Have fun, stay safe and God bless,
There is an area my son and I struggle with and I absolutely know it's me. Here's the barebones story.
We all know the story is about me and my son, right?
What you may not know is that I go through phases of organization and disorganization. That I struggle to find balance. This is my biggest issue. (Although my temper is a close second. lol)
The phases alternate. I set up elaborate schedules/routines and stick to them until the sensation of being suffocated and trapped triggers some kind of destructive mechanism. Then, I unconsciously but meticulously start tearing down all that I spent so much time and effort setting up.
A few days, weeks or even months later, the frustration and overwhelming sense of drowning in my own life will cause me to once again try to establish some kind of control.
Over the last few days, I have been trying very hard to delve into what I call my "irrational" behavior. I noticed the pattern, am seeking the root cause and fully intend to rip that flippin' weed right out of my mental/spiritual/emotional garden. For my son. For myself. For everyone who I touch in some way.
Until I master myself though, you probably will read posts that will somehow indicate which phase I am in. You know I'll be sharing things I learn on my journey and, if you've experienced this or have some sage advice you'd like to share, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
There once was a latchkey kid without much (if any) structure. Her single mother tried her best but just couldn't be there as much as either wanted. The little girl grew up into a go-where-the-wind-blows type adult and then became a single parent herself.
This girl had a son. A fabulous, super intelligent, kind, compassionate, big-hearted boy who prefers having routines and schedules. In fact, he wants home and homeschool to be more rigid. Things that make his free-spirited mom shudder in dread and claustrophobia.
We all know the story is about me and my son, right?
What you may not know is that I go through phases of organization and disorganization. That I struggle to find balance. This is my biggest issue. (Although my temper is a close second. lol)
The phases alternate. I set up elaborate schedules/routines and stick to them until the sensation of being suffocated and trapped triggers some kind of destructive mechanism. Then, I unconsciously but meticulously start tearing down all that I spent so much time and effort setting up.
A few days, weeks or even months later, the frustration and overwhelming sense of drowning in my own life will cause me to once again try to establish some kind of control.
Over the last few days, I have been trying very hard to delve into what I call my "irrational" behavior. I noticed the pattern, am seeking the root cause and fully intend to rip that flippin' weed right out of my mental/spiritual/emotional garden. For my son. For myself. For everyone who I touch in some way.
Until I master myself though, you probably will read posts that will somehow indicate which phase I am in. You know I'll be sharing things I learn on my journey and, if you've experienced this or have some sage advice you'd like to share, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
"God did not create woman from man's head, that he should command her, nor from his feet, that she should be his slave, but rather from his side, that she should be near his heart." ~ Hebrew Proverb
"God of love, thank you for those that we love and may Your compassion, generosity, and power continue to shine in our lives long after the flowers and chocolates are gone, that we and all whom we love might remember that You love us, now and always. Amen."
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
[Prayer slightly modified from the one found at Suite101's Protestantism Prayers for February; however, I am not Protestant, nor do I claim any specific path as my own at this time.]
"God of love, thank you for those that we love and may Your compassion, generosity, and power continue to shine in our lives long after the flowers and chocolates are gone, that we and all whom we love might remember that You love us, now and always. Amen."
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
[Prayer slightly modified from the one found at Suite101's Protestantism Prayers for February; however, I am not Protestant, nor do I claim any specific path as my own at this time.]
"God did not create woman from man's head, that he should command her, nor from his feet, that she should be his slave, but rather from his side, that she should be near his heart." ~ Hebrew Proverb
Phase II of my Porting and Consolidation Project is complete. Posts from the original Penny's Money Challenge blog have been imported and can now be found under the Penny's Money Challenge label.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Phase II of my Porting and Consolidation Project is complete. Posts from the original Penny's Money Challenge blog have been imported and can now be found under the Penny's Money Challenge label.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
Woke up with a sore throat and all the typical OMG-I-think-I'm-getting-sick symptoms. Decided to try and sleep it off today and be all over tomorrow like a chocoholic on a bon-bon.
My Mom brought me warm coffee and Cream O'Wheat, my son offered the cuddling services of his big tom cat (snipped), Superman. The Good Lord offered up a beautiful day with soft sun shine pouring through the curtains.
With that kind of support, you'd think I would have been able to just feel at peace, rest and kick the sick bug to the curb before it really got me down.
We're talking me though, which means I'm going to struggle with this all day. You can bet I'm going to be popping in and out. The guilt of not doing something, of not working on something when there is so much to be done.
Arg.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
My Mom brought me warm coffee and Cream O'Wheat, my son offered the cuddling services of his big tom cat (snipped), Superman. The Good Lord offered up a beautiful day with soft sun shine pouring through the curtains.
With that kind of support, you'd think I would have been able to just feel at peace, rest and kick the sick bug to the curb before it really got me down.
We're talking me though, which means I'm going to struggle with this all day. You can bet I'm going to be popping in and out. The guilt of not doing something, of not working on something when there is so much to be done.
Arg.
Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,
