Tonight I was at the park with a friend and her children when a random little girl (that we've never seen before) walked up to us and said the following and then walked away:
"I am going to tell you a secret. You have to promise not to tell. I am allergic to dust."
It was very funny, but as I write this entry it seems as though you may have had to have been there...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why I have a blog...
I am taking a wonderful online class through the TravelinOma blog. Every day we have an assignment and I am going to try to be brave enough to post mine here.
Why I have a blog.
“Let me see how to phrase this…” my graduate advisor started. I was sitting in his office during one of my weekly meetings with him while I was working on my thesis for my Master’s degree. He was hemming and hawing and it was very clear that he was attempting to break some unpleasant news to me. I was so worried. My wild imagination needs only a soft nudge to send it running quickly to the edge of reason and to consider every awful scenario possible. Was he going to tell me that he didn’t want to be my advisor anymore? Was he going to tell me that I wasn’t going to be able to continue the program because I wasn’t competent enough? What thing could be so terrible that he couldn’t find a way to tell me?
“Just tell me,” I encouraged him, even as I braced myself for the blow coming to me.
“Well, the thing is… Okay. I’m just going to tell you.”
“Please do.” I held my breath.
“You have great ideas and you are wonderful critical thinker. The problem is that no one would have any idea at all that that is the case by reading what you write.”
I let out my breath with a huge sigh. “Oh, that! I already know that I am a terrible writer. I am willing to work very hard at it if you will help me, but it will probably be a painful process. Is that all?”
He was visibly relieved at hearing my response and replied, “Yes, that’s all. We are going to have to work very hard at it and it probably will be very painful.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
It was painful. And the results were far from magnificent. I managed to finish my thesis and pass my defense, but my writing abilities were still desperately lacking in almost every way.
I have struggled with writing for as long as I can remember. My earliest recollection of this struggle was when I was assigned to write a fictional story about Native American Indians in fourth grade. I procrastinated and procrastinated and the night before it was due there were many tears shed as well as many exclamations of, “I just can’t do it!” I was making myself sick from the stress. Somehow I eked out a final draft and was so glad that ordeal was over. Unfortunately, this was the same scenario that followed each time I was given a writing assignment from that time until I finished graduate school, with only slightly less drama 17 years later.
The funny thing about it is that I would love to be a great writer. But I’m scared. I know that writing is not my strength and it is so easy to hide behind that self-perception. Writing makes me feel completely vulnerable, especially when I know it is going to take drastic measures, and much practice to turn me into an accomplished writer.
Ironically enough, that is why I started a blog. I supposed that if I had a forum to share my thoughts and other people knew about it, it would be motivation for me to actually work on my writing. Additionally, writing small essays for blog entries was much less intimidating than starting some great work of literature. However, just as I did when I was in fourth grade, I have been procrastinating. For two years, actually. Don’t get me wrong – I have posted to this blog, although not always consistently. I have posted pictures of my children, shared completed projects, documented momentous occasions, but have done very little expressing myself through open honest writing.
So here we go.
Taking this class was just what I needed to encourage me to take the many ideas formed in my head of great things to write about and try to be brave enough to share them with those who love and support me as well as with complete strangers who are trying to be better writers themselves.
Why I have a blog.
“Let me see how to phrase this…” my graduate advisor started. I was sitting in his office during one of my weekly meetings with him while I was working on my thesis for my Master’s degree. He was hemming and hawing and it was very clear that he was attempting to break some unpleasant news to me. I was so worried. My wild imagination needs only a soft nudge to send it running quickly to the edge of reason and to consider every awful scenario possible. Was he going to tell me that he didn’t want to be my advisor anymore? Was he going to tell me that I wasn’t going to be able to continue the program because I wasn’t competent enough? What thing could be so terrible that he couldn’t find a way to tell me?
“Just tell me,” I encouraged him, even as I braced myself for the blow coming to me.
“Well, the thing is… Okay. I’m just going to tell you.”
“Please do.” I held my breath.
“You have great ideas and you are wonderful critical thinker. The problem is that no one would have any idea at all that that is the case by reading what you write.”
I let out my breath with a huge sigh. “Oh, that! I already know that I am a terrible writer. I am willing to work very hard at it if you will help me, but it will probably be a painful process. Is that all?”
He was visibly relieved at hearing my response and replied, “Yes, that’s all. We are going to have to work very hard at it and it probably will be very painful.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
It was painful. And the results were far from magnificent. I managed to finish my thesis and pass my defense, but my writing abilities were still desperately lacking in almost every way.
I have struggled with writing for as long as I can remember. My earliest recollection of this struggle was when I was assigned to write a fictional story about Native American Indians in fourth grade. I procrastinated and procrastinated and the night before it was due there were many tears shed as well as many exclamations of, “I just can’t do it!” I was making myself sick from the stress. Somehow I eked out a final draft and was so glad that ordeal was over. Unfortunately, this was the same scenario that followed each time I was given a writing assignment from that time until I finished graduate school, with only slightly less drama 17 years later.
The funny thing about it is that I would love to be a great writer. But I’m scared. I know that writing is not my strength and it is so easy to hide behind that self-perception. Writing makes me feel completely vulnerable, especially when I know it is going to take drastic measures, and much practice to turn me into an accomplished writer.
Ironically enough, that is why I started a blog. I supposed that if I had a forum to share my thoughts and other people knew about it, it would be motivation for me to actually work on my writing. Additionally, writing small essays for blog entries was much less intimidating than starting some great work of literature. However, just as I did when I was in fourth grade, I have been procrastinating. For two years, actually. Don’t get me wrong – I have posted to this blog, although not always consistently. I have posted pictures of my children, shared completed projects, documented momentous occasions, but have done very little expressing myself through open honest writing.
So here we go.
Taking this class was just what I needed to encourage me to take the many ideas formed in my head of great things to write about and try to be brave enough to share them with those who love and support me as well as with complete strangers who are trying to be better writers themselves.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Done and Done.
Okay. So I know that these aren't the best pictures ever, but I wanted to document another project as completed. I actually took these pictures about a month ago but didn't get around to posting them until now.
My mom finished my graduation-from-college (with my undergraduate degree 6 years ago - not my Master's degree...) quilt. But I must say that it was definitely worth the wait since I got a much larger quilt out of the bargain. She made a comforter for our california king size bed and it is beautiful! The "Done and Done" part for me is that I made a duvet cover, a bed skirt, and small quilt squares to go on our bedside tables and dresser (to protect the wood and look pretty) that match it.
and the small quilt squares I made (I actually made two of each design for a total of four of these babies. Also, they are about 12 inches square finished.):
Phew! Another project crossed off my (long) list.
My mom finished my graduation-from-college (with my undergraduate degree 6 years ago - not my Master's degree...) quilt. But I must say that it was definitely worth the wait since I got a much larger quilt out of the bargain. She made a comforter for our california king size bed and it is beautiful! The "Done and Done" part for me is that I made a duvet cover, a bed skirt, and small quilt squares to go on our bedside tables and dresser (to protect the wood and look pretty) that match it.
A close up of the quilting and the edge of the duvet cover:
The coordinating pillow cases, duvet cover, quilt, and bedskirt:
and the small quilt squares I made (I actually made two of each design for a total of four of these babies. Also, they are about 12 inches square finished.):
Phew! Another project crossed off my (long) list.
Family fun
When Joseph's family came for Melody and Scott's wedding, we had a lot of fun together doing non-wedding related activities. The two being highlighted here are swimming and canning.
The morning on the day before the wedding, we all went swimming at my aunt and uncle's pool and had a marvelous time relaxing and playing together. Here are some fun pictures of my children swimming:
If you recall the post about Austin and Matthew and the diving board, this next series of pictures is pretty funny. Mostly, check out the caution in the first picture. But he jumped all by himself! You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it so see what is going on...
Our other adventures together as an extended family largely revolved around a week long of canning apricots together. This was indeed a group effort and would have never worked if I hadn't had so much help. With our apricots we bottled them plain, and made apricot and apricot pineapple jam with them. We also made many batches of strawberry freezer jam. I wish I would have gotten pictures of all of that in the process but things were pretty chaotic and I didn't get around to it. Instead, I have the finished product pictured below with my labels, etc.
I am particularly grateful for my dear mother-in-law, and for Stephanie and Amy since I sprained my finger very badly the first day of our canning adventure and could hardly do anything for the rest of the week as related to the project. I tried, but every time I did my finger was even more swollen and bruised than it was to begin with. I am indebted to their kindness and generosity. Thank you!
The morning on the day before the wedding, we all went swimming at my aunt and uncle's pool and had a marvelous time relaxing and playing together. Here are some fun pictures of my children swimming:
If you recall the post about Austin and Matthew and the diving board, this next series of pictures is pretty funny. Mostly, check out the caution in the first picture. But he jumped all by himself! You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it so see what is going on...
Our other adventures together as an extended family largely revolved around a week long of canning apricots together. This was indeed a group effort and would have never worked if I hadn't had so much help. With our apricots we bottled them plain, and made apricot and apricot pineapple jam with them. We also made many batches of strawberry freezer jam. I wish I would have gotten pictures of all of that in the process but things were pretty chaotic and I didn't get around to it. Instead, I have the finished product pictured below with my labels, etc.
I am particularly grateful for my dear mother-in-law, and for Stephanie and Amy since I sprained my finger very badly the first day of our canning adventure and could hardly do anything for the rest of the week as related to the project. I tried, but every time I did my finger was even more swollen and bruised than it was to begin with. I am indebted to their kindness and generosity. Thank you!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
First of all...
So tonight I gave my three nephews haircuts for the first day of school, which is tomorrow. I love the one on one time with them since I rarely get to just chat with them each alone. When I asked one of them (Seth, 8 years old) if he was excited for school to start, this was the conversation that followed:
Me: Are you excited for school to start?
Seth: No. (This was stated very matter-of-factly.)
Me: Why not?
Seth: First of all, Math. (This was also stated very matter-of-factly - are you noticing a pattern?)
Me: Oh, really?
Seth: Second of all, Science. (See comment on last response.)
Me: Oh...
Seth: Third of all, did you know that school is six and a half hours long?! That is a LONG time to be in one place. And it is five and a half hours long on Fridays, but then we have scouts until 2:30 and so it is about 6 hours long that day too.
Obviously, this kid has no problem with math! I have witnessed first hand his amazing ability with mathematics and also already knew that he doesn't love it, even though he is quite good at it.
That was exactly like me for years. I was always good at math but never liked it until I was in 7th grade and had Mrs. Bright for math. She was a wonderful teacher and clearly something changed for me because I have both of my degrees in Math Education. Maybe Seth will change his mind one day. And maybe not...
Me: Are you excited for school to start?
Seth: No. (This was stated very matter-of-factly.)
Me: Why not?
Seth: First of all, Math. (This was also stated very matter-of-factly - are you noticing a pattern?)
Me: Oh, really?
Seth: Second of all, Science. (See comment on last response.)
Me: Oh...
Seth: Third of all, did you know that school is six and a half hours long?! That is a LONG time to be in one place. And it is five and a half hours long on Fridays, but then we have scouts until 2:30 and so it is about 6 hours long that day too.
Obviously, this kid has no problem with math! I have witnessed first hand his amazing ability with mathematics and also already knew that he doesn't love it, even though he is quite good at it.
That was exactly like me for years. I was always good at math but never liked it until I was in 7th grade and had Mrs. Bright for math. She was a wonderful teacher and clearly something changed for me because I have both of my degrees in Math Education. Maybe Seth will change his mind one day. And maybe not...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
My parenting bibles
So, I must preface this post by establishing the fact that I know I am a far from perfect parent. However, I have found some books that I feel are extremely helpful in my quest to guide my children through this life. I often wish that I could be more consistent and patient, but I just hope to be better every day than I was the day before.
That being said, here are the five books that have shaped my approach to parenting. (I know that five sounds like a lot, but they address different issues. Also, these are not the only books I have read on parenting. I have read many and these are definitely the ones that I felt were most helpful and effective.)
1) 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan. This is fabulous for discipline. It is helpful for both the parent and the child if implemented correctly. Even if you have an idea of what this method entails, I would suggest reading this book anyway to really understand how to do it correctly. I like the part about start behaviors (positive motivation) but I have found the next book more helpful in that arena.
3) Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber. This is the sleep bible in our family. It is wonderful. If you have heard of the Ferber Method and are wary of it, I would suggest reading this book before you decide how you really feel since most of the reports of what the Ferber Method is are not necessarily entirely accurate and often sound more cruel than it really is. This book is a fabulous referral for sleeping for small babies up through older children.
4) The Parenting Breakthrough by Merrilee Browne Boyack. I have mentioned this title briefly in the past. It is a wonderful way to teach your children to be independent and to know how to do very practical things like make a salad, shop for car insurance, and clean the bathroom. It breaks down tasks by the age they introduced them to her four boys and shows how she and her husband taught those boys to be independent by the time they were 18.
That being said, here are the five books that have shaped my approach to parenting. (I know that five sounds like a lot, but they address different issues. Also, these are not the only books I have read on parenting. I have read many and these are definitely the ones that I felt were most helpful and effective.)
1) 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan. This is fabulous for discipline. It is helpful for both the parent and the child if implemented correctly. Even if you have an idea of what this method entails, I would suggest reading this book anyway to really understand how to do it correctly. I like the part about start behaviors (positive motivation) but I have found the next book more helpful in that arena.
2) The Power of Positive Parenting by Dr. Glenn I. Latham. I know, I know, you have to overlook the extremely dated picture on the front cover, but bear with me here. I have loved the ideas that I have read in here to encourage the behavior you want your children to adopt. There are some very practical ideas that let your children have choices and learn about consequences in a way that I really agree with.
3) Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber. This is the sleep bible in our family. It is wonderful. If you have heard of the Ferber Method and are wary of it, I would suggest reading this book before you decide how you really feel since most of the reports of what the Ferber Method is are not necessarily entirely accurate and often sound more cruel than it really is. This book is a fabulous referral for sleeping for small babies up through older children.
4) The Parenting Breakthrough by Merrilee Browne Boyack. I have mentioned this title briefly in the past. It is a wonderful way to teach your children to be independent and to know how to do very practical things like make a salad, shop for car insurance, and clean the bathroom. It breaks down tasks by the age they introduced them to her four boys and shows how she and her husband taught those boys to be independent by the time they were 18.
5) The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. This is often used as a fundamental resource for homeschooling (and it is for sure what I would use if I were homeschooling my children) and I love it for the focus on how to teach your children to be critical thinkers. No matter how we choose to school our children, I will use this as a resource to guide my time at home with them.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Scott and Melody's bridals and groomals
The wedding was on Friday and it was just wonderful! We are so happy to have Scott as a part of our family. Here are a few of the pictures that I took on Wednesday so we could have them up at the reception:
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