HoneyGirl is a planner. Last spring, she wanted to sit down and plot out her high school plan, making sure to include the courses that our state requires and known electives that she wanted to take in 9th grade. She decided that while she is undecided about her future career goals, she does want to give herself the option to graduate early or start art classes at hte community college her senior year.
As such, she elected to add a half credit science in the summers. A half-credit science can be earned hourly, and at 60 hours, is fairly easy to attain over a summer . Mind you, this was HER idea. We developed a well-suited curriculum of reading, online research, DVDs, labs, and field work.
The problem? Honey has realized she has little interest in astronomy at an in-depth level, once all is said and done. All the geometry, physics and star charts don't spark her imagination; they give her a headache. She has already logged 42 of the needed 60 hours. Hence the conundrum.
She wanted to discuss the situation late last night, and asked me to help her weigh the options. One one hand, she has 18 more hours to face in a subject she finds less palatable than lima beans to finish. She could easily quit now, and no harm done, as this was an elective fourth science and not required to graduate.
On the other hand, she recognizes the waste of all the work she has put in, and wonders if in future years she will regret not having that extra cushion. She wonders at what point is it worth just trudging through something distasteful to ust accomplish it, if it may later provide the freedom to pursue something wonderful.
I was both awed and reassured to watch her work all of this out for herself. More and more, I find her turning to me long before making a bad choice. She is a thinker who approaches life with open consideration of all outcomes. I am careful to not tell her what choices to make any longer, but act rather as a sounding board.
I instead asked her questions. What is it that you would then be doing with the extra hour a day? Would these eighteen hours be view as less of a sacrifice in a future summer when you are working or have great opportunities? Would these hours be easier to put in during a school term, on top of your other studies? Are you willing to just step back and have only the three required sciences?
I added also that I do not have any wish for her in this choice other than that she has thought it through completely. I don't really think it is necessary , but it wasn't my four year plan. If she had felt this way the first few weeks in, I would have encouraged her to drop it. But now it is also a bit of a character issue in play. How will she feel if she quits, so close to the end? Will it be defeating ?
She woke EARLY this morning, apparently with it on her mind. We talked over 5:30a toast. She has decided that she wants to see this through, because she really has nothing but time the rest of this summer. She would regret quitting in the end. Still, she wondered if we can limit the physics/ rocket science aspects and focus more on history and theories, or add in more practical labs. I suggested we add a few DVDs with great images.
I sent her back to bed for a few hours more of sleep, while I sit proud and grateful of the woman she is becoming. I think I'll help her out and see what I can find online or on netflix for today's lesson!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Where Have All the Good Girls (and Boys) Gone?
I am afraid I am going to reveal myself as somewhat old-fashioned with this post, but I have been deeply troubled lately with the lack of morality and respect between teenagers and the opposite sex. I am more troubled with the utter lack of self-respect owned my most teens.
I will start with a little story, quite typical. A certain teenaged boy I know was at a carnival. He spies a cute girl, and begins flirting. They exchange cell phone numbers. They text incessantly for a day or two. By week's end, they are going on a date and are "committed" boyfriend/girlfriend. Said boy shows his sister a picture of the girl, but sister is appalled. It is a body shot from the neck down of the girl in a bikini. Sister wonders about her expected response: "What do you want me to say? Nice rack?"
I admit that I know nothing of this girl, her upbringing or family. All I know for sure is that before knowing a boy a week, she is sending photos over the cell phone that objectify herself and key up the sexual aspects of a potential new relationship. The action alone screams two words to me: needy and sleazy. Said boy defends this behaviour as extremely common and "normal." "Girls do it all the time" I'm told. Then he grins like the horndog he is becoming and goes back to texting her.
I suppose he is correct that it is both common and normal for most teenagers today. And how very SAD is that reality. Worse still is the fact that most parents have just given over to this and are passively approving it, because that's "what kids do nowadays." My own husband's first reaction was to give an "attaboy" response.
There are so many facets of this issue that have been floating around my head. There is the psychological aspect : such an overwhelming need for love and approval that is based on sex. This is not a new story; there have always been those girls that are known to be "easy". Still, they had usually been the minority and were easy to pick out. Somehow, the tables got turned, and the minority are those who are those who don't have half-naked pictures of themselves on MySpace. Technology is giving kids the means to exploit themselves in ways never considered before.
I'm also bothered by the social double standard present in my home. When asked if he would view such an action "normal" if his sister did the same, both father and son became incensed at the thought. I further pressed to see how they would feel about other teenage boys who press sister to send photos of herself like that, since it is "common" and "normal" and "what everybody does nowadays." Both were vehement about the idea of that happening, and furious at the thought of any boy requesting such a thing from her. I find it ironic that they just never noticed the hypocrisy of it.
Honey and I talked long about her frustrations with the other side of this situation. She meets a great deal of boys, both in real life and through online gaming. She has astutely begun classifying boys in three categories. There are those who are just raging perverts from the get-go; there are those who show a good front for a week or two and then let their inner pervert show. There is that last third that have the potential to be gentlemen, and actually want to get to know her as a person and become her friend first.
She finds it pretty sad that because so many other girls have so little self-respect, she has to deal with so many of the first two types. She's been called a prude, according to society's standards, because she's romantically saving her first kiss for someone worthy. It's even making it difficult to find and keep quality girlfriends, as she doesn't want to be associated with girls that are constantly getting drunk or have a reputation. She often comes to me baffled as to why so few parents are accepting this sort of standard in their kids; why do they not notice?
How can they be too busy to care if their child has become a cyber-whore?
I try to recall my youth, and I realize that the same issues were going on, but on a much more secretive scale. I am quite certain that most teenage boys fantasized about Playboy bunnies at one time or another. The difference is that the girl sitting next to them in geometry didn't send them a photo of herself posed as one. There was still some sort of mystery about the people you dated, and social rules of appropriate behavior. (Never kiss on the first date; don't try for 2nd base until at least a month of dating,etc.). It wasn't until going away to college that most people loosed the morals of their youth and tested different waters. We all lived double lives, keeping our escapades from our parents out of respect.
As a parent of one entering college, I know that I can't force my morality on him. At the same time, I don't feel that I have to approve of it and have it in my home. I might be really liberal in many of my views, but I am just not "cool" enough to tolerate a parade of rotating trollops through my house.
The sad part is, I am really not a prude. I know my kids are going to date, and I am realistic that they will most likely not get married as virgins. I just hate that it is old-fashioned to hope that they actually developed relationships with people based on common interests and attraction , instead of someone with a hot body that they barely know. I now understand what my sister-in-law meant when she said she was happier not knowing anything about the girls until a relationship was serious enough to bring one home to the family.
And then I have to pray that Honey is able to maintain her clear thinking, and avoid kissing a lot of toads before finding a prince who will appreciate a girl with self-respect. Sigh...it was so much easier when they were little!!!
I will start with a little story, quite typical. A certain teenaged boy I know was at a carnival. He spies a cute girl, and begins flirting. They exchange cell phone numbers. They text incessantly for a day or two. By week's end, they are going on a date and are "committed" boyfriend/girlfriend. Said boy shows his sister a picture of the girl, but sister is appalled. It is a body shot from the neck down of the girl in a bikini. Sister wonders about her expected response: "What do you want me to say? Nice rack?"
I admit that I know nothing of this girl, her upbringing or family. All I know for sure is that before knowing a boy a week, she is sending photos over the cell phone that objectify herself and key up the sexual aspects of a potential new relationship. The action alone screams two words to me: needy and sleazy. Said boy defends this behaviour as extremely common and "normal." "Girls do it all the time" I'm told. Then he grins like the horndog he is becoming and goes back to texting her.
I suppose he is correct that it is both common and normal for most teenagers today. And how very SAD is that reality. Worse still is the fact that most parents have just given over to this and are passively approving it, because that's "what kids do nowadays." My own husband's first reaction was to give an "attaboy" response.
There are so many facets of this issue that have been floating around my head. There is the psychological aspect : such an overwhelming need for love and approval that is based on sex. This is not a new story; there have always been those girls that are known to be "easy". Still, they had usually been the minority and were easy to pick out. Somehow, the tables got turned, and the minority are those who are those who don't have half-naked pictures of themselves on MySpace. Technology is giving kids the means to exploit themselves in ways never considered before.
I'm also bothered by the social double standard present in my home. When asked if he would view such an action "normal" if his sister did the same, both father and son became incensed at the thought. I further pressed to see how they would feel about other teenage boys who press sister to send photos of herself like that, since it is "common" and "normal" and "what everybody does nowadays." Both were vehement about the idea of that happening, and furious at the thought of any boy requesting such a thing from her. I find it ironic that they just never noticed the hypocrisy of it.
Honey and I talked long about her frustrations with the other side of this situation. She meets a great deal of boys, both in real life and through online gaming. She has astutely begun classifying boys in three categories. There are those who are just raging perverts from the get-go; there are those who show a good front for a week or two and then let their inner pervert show. There is that last third that have the potential to be gentlemen, and actually want to get to know her as a person and become her friend first.
She finds it pretty sad that because so many other girls have so little self-respect, she has to deal with so many of the first two types. She's been called a prude, according to society's standards, because she's romantically saving her first kiss for someone worthy. It's even making it difficult to find and keep quality girlfriends, as she doesn't want to be associated with girls that are constantly getting drunk or have a reputation. She often comes to me baffled as to why so few parents are accepting this sort of standard in their kids; why do they not notice?
How can they be too busy to care if their child has become a cyber-whore?
I try to recall my youth, and I realize that the same issues were going on, but on a much more secretive scale. I am quite certain that most teenage boys fantasized about Playboy bunnies at one time or another. The difference is that the girl sitting next to them in geometry didn't send them a photo of herself posed as one. There was still some sort of mystery about the people you dated, and social rules of appropriate behavior. (Never kiss on the first date; don't try for 2nd base until at least a month of dating,etc.). It wasn't until going away to college that most people loosed the morals of their youth and tested different waters. We all lived double lives, keeping our escapades from our parents out of respect.
As a parent of one entering college, I know that I can't force my morality on him. At the same time, I don't feel that I have to approve of it and have it in my home. I might be really liberal in many of my views, but I am just not "cool" enough to tolerate a parade of rotating trollops through my house.
The sad part is, I am really not a prude. I know my kids are going to date, and I am realistic that they will most likely not get married as virgins. I just hate that it is old-fashioned to hope that they actually developed relationships with people based on common interests and attraction , instead of someone with a hot body that they barely know. I now understand what my sister-in-law meant when she said she was happier not knowing anything about the girls until a relationship was serious enough to bring one home to the family.
And then I have to pray that Honey is able to maintain her clear thinking, and avoid kissing a lot of toads before finding a prince who will appreciate a girl with self-respect. Sigh...it was so much easier when they were little!!!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Homeschooling the Only...
It hit me this week that I will now be homeschooling only one child. Obviously, I *KNEW* it as I celebrated Buzz's graduation and all that it entailed. But I had not slowed down enough to truly wrap my head around it until this week.
I can do more than just select/create curriculum matched to the child's learning styles and desires. For the first time ever, we have the opportunity to create a lifestyle geared toward optimal learning for this child. I am no longer dividing my time between activities for two, planning trips that both would enjoy, etc. I finally have more time for my own pursuits, without having to give up every moment of free time. Valhalla!
HoneyGirl I and spent a lot of time pondering this exciting idea last week. She was home from camp, and needing to recover from a knee injury. I needed to get to work on lesson plans for my ancient world studies class. We had thought of starting back into astronomy and pre-algebra review, but decided to put it off.
Instead I suggested that she spend some time coming up with ideas of activities and field trips she would like to explore. I did the same. I also suggested that she come think about a loose daily schedule for herself .
Yesterday we packed a lunch and headed to our favorite park and shared our ideas. She would like to investigate a local theatre group outside hte co-op that does straight theater, as she prefers it to the musicals. She wants to look into youth group at a local Methodist church that she heard is quite large and rich with activities. We are going to look into Venture Crews a little further, to find one that fits and has another girl in it! And she wants help setting up some sort of health/ training schedule.
Field trips are still pretty open though. She wants to do a lot of museums and plays. She loves the beach, and wants to make some day trips there. I'd like to add in some other trips that add to our ancient history studies, as well as some just for fun. If any of you on the east coast have any ideas of quirky local festivals or places to visit...please feel free to share. We have the added blessing that Buzz is going to college locally, and offered to be responsible for dog care if we need to do an overnight somewhere.
I am thrilled to realize that I have time again to add a book club to my schedule again. I love the sharing of ideas about books with others. A new yarn shop opened up, and I am going to look into their classes, as I have time to knit and crochet again as well. As much as I love giving myself to my kids, I am now happily discovering many options for the found time of homeschooling only one.
I'm so excited to be entering this new phase....
I can do more than just select/create curriculum matched to the child's learning styles and desires. For the first time ever, we have the opportunity to create a lifestyle geared toward optimal learning for this child. I am no longer dividing my time between activities for two, planning trips that both would enjoy, etc. I finally have more time for my own pursuits, without having to give up every moment of free time. Valhalla!
HoneyGirl I and spent a lot of time pondering this exciting idea last week. She was home from camp, and needing to recover from a knee injury. I needed to get to work on lesson plans for my ancient world studies class. We had thought of starting back into astronomy and pre-algebra review, but decided to put it off.
Instead I suggested that she spend some time coming up with ideas of activities and field trips she would like to explore. I did the same. I also suggested that she come think about a loose daily schedule for herself .
Yesterday we packed a lunch and headed to our favorite park and shared our ideas. She would like to investigate a local theatre group outside hte co-op that does straight theater, as she prefers it to the musicals. She wants to look into youth group at a local Methodist church that she heard is quite large and rich with activities. We are going to look into Venture Crews a little further, to find one that fits and has another girl in it! And she wants help setting up some sort of health/ training schedule.
Field trips are still pretty open though. She wants to do a lot of museums and plays. She loves the beach, and wants to make some day trips there. I'd like to add in some other trips that add to our ancient history studies, as well as some just for fun. If any of you on the east coast have any ideas of quirky local festivals or places to visit...please feel free to share. We have the added blessing that Buzz is going to college locally, and offered to be responsible for dog care if we need to do an overnight somewhere.
I am thrilled to realize that I have time again to add a book club to my schedule again. I love the sharing of ideas about books with others. A new yarn shop opened up, and I am going to look into their classes, as I have time to knit and crochet again as well. As much as I love giving myself to my kids, I am now happily discovering many options for the found time of homeschooling only one.
I'm so excited to be entering this new phase....
Friday, July 31, 2009
A new concept--the Birthday Week...
I love making a big deal about birthdays for those around me. I've always enjoyed creating special meals, activities, and theme parties for my kids. I adore shopping for the perfect gift for friends. But I have never felt the same way about my own birthday. Not really being a martyr here; I am just better at giving than receiving.
When we realized that HoneyGirl was going to be at camp over my birthday, I realized that I actually had begun to look forward to the special little things she always did for my day. She has the same desire to celebrate with the ones she loves that I do, and always made it a point to make me breakfast , and pick out my favorite videos or take me to a favorite park. The boys always remember to give me good wishes (eventually), but it just doesn't have the same flavor.
Honey hadn't realized the overlap until the week before camp, and was quite bothered by it. She made me promise to call a friend and at least make a lunch date for the day. Before day before she went to camp, she asked me to drive her to the store to pick up my gift. For years I have wanted a cast iron dutch oven. Honey remembered, and bought me a blue one from Martha Stewart collection.
Then she sat me down and gave me direct instructions to have a birthday week. I was lectured on all I do for everyone else, all the time. She forewarned me of how short the summer is, and that life will be busy again before we know it. And that I need to take as much relaxation time as I can this week. Then, she made me PROMISE that I would do so. (how well she knows me!)
I am so glad I listened to her. On Monday, I had a lovely lunch with my girlfriend Tam at our favorite Mexican restaurant that no one else in my family enjoys. That evening, KingBee and I picked up the new Mazda CX-7, and found out that we got another 1,500 off in unexpected additional rebates. My dear friend Laurel must have secretly sent out an email to the co-op families about my birthday, as I recieved at least twenty email cards full of love and good wishes.
On Tuesday, I met dear Laurel for morning shopping, and I was ready to head home to lesson plan. But another friend called on the way home, and I remembered HoneyGirl's directive. Instead of my usual "I wish I could but I'm too busy," I said "That would be fun!". We had a lovely visit, and she took me out for Chinese buffet. As we sat laughing, I realized that my daughter really has wisdom beyond her years. I need this kind of thing!
On Wednesday, I slept in. I chose to divide my day between relishing "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and organizing the curriculum corner in the basement. I even went to Target and splurges on a new shelving unit and storage totes (that stuff is fun for me, geek that I am!) Buzz was kind enough to help me haul all the unwanted stuff to the car for donation for me.
Yesterday was a lovely mix of reading and laundry...and totally stress free. The bonus came with a special gifty from my adopted little sister, Michele, straight from California.
Now that I am totally into this idea, today will be another relaxing one. Buzz will be away for the weekend, so KingBee is planning a date surprise for tonight . Tomorrow we pick HoneyGirl up early from camp. The week's celebration will end tomorrow evening at my 25th class reunion, which I will attend happily with my best friend of equal years ,and leave the husbands at home!
I definitely have to remember to do something extra nice for my girl on her birthday!
When we realized that HoneyGirl was going to be at camp over my birthday, I realized that I actually had begun to look forward to the special little things she always did for my day. She has the same desire to celebrate with the ones she loves that I do, and always made it a point to make me breakfast , and pick out my favorite videos or take me to a favorite park. The boys always remember to give me good wishes (eventually), but it just doesn't have the same flavor.
Honey hadn't realized the overlap until the week before camp, and was quite bothered by it. She made me promise to call a friend and at least make a lunch date for the day. Before day before she went to camp, she asked me to drive her to the store to pick up my gift. For years I have wanted a cast iron dutch oven. Honey remembered, and bought me a blue one from Martha Stewart collection.
Then she sat me down and gave me direct instructions to have a birthday week. I was lectured on all I do for everyone else, all the time. She forewarned me of how short the summer is, and that life will be busy again before we know it. And that I need to take as much relaxation time as I can this week. Then, she made me PROMISE that I would do so. (how well she knows me!)
I am so glad I listened to her. On Monday, I had a lovely lunch with my girlfriend Tam at our favorite Mexican restaurant that no one else in my family enjoys. That evening, KingBee and I picked up the new Mazda CX-7, and found out that we got another 1,500 off in unexpected additional rebates. My dear friend Laurel must have secretly sent out an email to the co-op families about my birthday, as I recieved at least twenty email cards full of love and good wishes.
On Tuesday, I met dear Laurel for morning shopping, and I was ready to head home to lesson plan. But another friend called on the way home, and I remembered HoneyGirl's directive. Instead of my usual "I wish I could but I'm too busy," I said "That would be fun!". We had a lovely visit, and she took me out for Chinese buffet. As we sat laughing, I realized that my daughter really has wisdom beyond her years. I need this kind of thing!
On Wednesday, I slept in. I chose to divide my day between relishing "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and organizing the curriculum corner in the basement. I even went to Target and splurges on a new shelving unit and storage totes (that stuff is fun for me, geek that I am!) Buzz was kind enough to help me haul all the unwanted stuff to the car for donation for me.
Yesterday was a lovely mix of reading and laundry...and totally stress free. The bonus came with a special gifty from my adopted little sister, Michele, straight from California.
Now that I am totally into this idea, today will be another relaxing one. Buzz will be away for the weekend, so KingBee is planning a date surprise for tonight . Tomorrow we pick HoneyGirl up early from camp. The week's celebration will end tomorrow evening at my 25th class reunion, which I will attend happily with my best friend of equal years ,and leave the husbands at home!
I definitely have to remember to do something extra nice for my girl on her birthday!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Shatner Reads Palin's Farewell Address
I heard this on Sirius today, and about wet my pants while driving.
For those needing a chuckle...enjoy a deep belly laugh as William Shatner recites Sarah Palin's farewell ramblings on Conan O'Brien. Can anyone really be serious when they say she is the future of the Republican party? Oy veh!
For those needing a chuckle...enjoy a deep belly laugh as William Shatner recites Sarah Palin's farewell ramblings on Conan O'Brien. Can anyone really be serious when they say she is the future of the Republican party? Oy veh!
Am I missing something with this Facebook craze?
Months ago, I inadvertantly opened a Facebook account to view online photographs of a teen event the kids had attended. I had no intention of doing anything much with it, after all, I am perfectly happy as a blogger. But each week, I would open my email to more and more "friend" requests. Some were folks I knew from co-op, and some were people I had gone to high school with 25 years ago.
I ignored most of them until a month or so ago, when all the buzz about my 25th Reunion was in the air and I wanted to see who all was attending. A few ladies I know locally kept telling me I "would love it" once I gave it a real go, telling me how addicting it becomes. So, I set out to visit my "Wall" once a day for two weeks, thinking that would be a fair sampling.
I have to admit that I just don't get it. Facebook that is. I do not understand the appeal at all.
I don't even enjoy reading my "Wall" because it is filled with comments about the most unimportant blathering. Why would anyone be drawn to comments like "I'm so bored" "Just fed the cat and now to watch rerun of "Friends" ? Do you really think anyone out there cares which Twilight Vampire you are most like? It was interesting to read the profiles of high school friends to catch up, and even though I would be happy to see them at the reunion, I don't want to have online pillow fights or play Mafia Wars with them.
The thing that really baffles me is the amount of time many of these folks spend posting all this silly stuff. I can't help but think that they must be terribly lonely to need to cast random opinions to the wind in one sentence shots twenty times a day. Call someone up and have them over for iced tea, and have a real converstation!
Maybe I am just way too busy, or maybe that I value quality relationships too much. Maybe I am just a snob after blogging and having such a great sharing of ideas with so many. Possibly, I am a merely an arrogant jerk. No matter...two weeks of daily Facebook has not caused any addiction like symptoms. I liken the experience more to hives-unwanted and annoying.
I suppose I should mention that I was pushed over the edge by a near stalker like experience. My ex-husband found me on Facebook, wanting to see me to give me a book my mother had given me with a personal note inside. I didn't respond, as he has been very creepy about our break-up over 15 years ago...still talking about me to mutual acquaintences. Plus, he was really self-important and not someone I want thinking he can step into my life now.
He, being as crass as ever, took it upon himself to track me down, and showed up unannounced at my door with the book. He never thought general rules applied to him, so I guess this is why he didn't wait for my response. As I looked at this book I got very uncomfortable. Why would he keep a book of poetry "To My Wonderful Daughter" for 15 years and through two moves? We know lots of the same people, and he could have easily handed it on to one of them to give me at any point. I mentioned this as I thanked him curtly, and he seemed to get the point that I was not going to invite him in to visit.
Yeah folks, I am so outta there!
I ignored most of them until a month or so ago, when all the buzz about my 25th Reunion was in the air and I wanted to see who all was attending. A few ladies I know locally kept telling me I "would love it" once I gave it a real go, telling me how addicting it becomes. So, I set out to visit my "Wall" once a day for two weeks, thinking that would be a fair sampling.
I have to admit that I just don't get it. Facebook that is. I do not understand the appeal at all.
I don't even enjoy reading my "Wall" because it is filled with comments about the most unimportant blathering. Why would anyone be drawn to comments like "I'm so bored" "Just fed the cat and now to watch rerun of "Friends" ? Do you really think anyone out there cares which Twilight Vampire you are most like? It was interesting to read the profiles of high school friends to catch up, and even though I would be happy to see them at the reunion, I don't want to have online pillow fights or play Mafia Wars with them.
The thing that really baffles me is the amount of time many of these folks spend posting all this silly stuff. I can't help but think that they must be terribly lonely to need to cast random opinions to the wind in one sentence shots twenty times a day. Call someone up and have them over for iced tea, and have a real converstation!
Maybe I am just way too busy, or maybe that I value quality relationships too much. Maybe I am just a snob after blogging and having such a great sharing of ideas with so many. Possibly, I am a merely an arrogant jerk. No matter...two weeks of daily Facebook has not caused any addiction like symptoms. I liken the experience more to hives-unwanted and annoying.
I suppose I should mention that I was pushed over the edge by a near stalker like experience. My ex-husband found me on Facebook, wanting to see me to give me a book my mother had given me with a personal note inside. I didn't respond, as he has been very creepy about our break-up over 15 years ago...still talking about me to mutual acquaintences. Plus, he was really self-important and not someone I want thinking he can step into my life now.
He, being as crass as ever, took it upon himself to track me down, and showed up unannounced at my door with the book. He never thought general rules applied to him, so I guess this is why he didn't wait for my response. As I looked at this book I got very uncomfortable. Why would he keep a book of poetry "To My Wonderful Daughter" for 15 years and through two moves? We know lots of the same people, and he could have easily handed it on to one of them to give me at any point. I mentioned this as I thanked him curtly, and he seemed to get the point that I was not going to invite him in to visit.
Yeah folks, I am so outta there!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Revisiting Classic Literature
Any quest for relaxation must involve books, at least for me. Yet, when I searched the thinned shelves (after my purging donation of over 1000 books last spring), I was at a bit of a loss. I took a trip to the bookstore, armed with gift cards, and was confounded. While I enjoy contemporary fiction occassaionally, this summers offerings were such typical romantic tales that bore me, and there was nothing new in the historical fiction of interest either. Turning to paperbackswap, I used a few credits to get "March" by Geraldine Brooks, a fictional account of the father's tale in Little Women; and "Hill Country" by Janice Woods Windle, a semi-biographical account of her grandmother's life on the range and political arenas of Texas in the 1900s. I made quick work of both of those.
Then, Buzz got his summer reading assignment of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." I had donated my tattered ex-library copy earlier in the year, and was thankful for an excuse to pick up a nice hardcover for our home. Buzz asked me the general theme, and while I remembered the basics, I realized I had forgotten a great deal since I had first read it when 14-15 yrs old. A pitcher of sun tea and a day in the sun later, I was thrilled that I had decided to revisited this amazing classic to see it through new eyes.
One subtheme that I delight in, yet had totally forgotten, is Lee's utter disdain for the establishment of public education. She illustrates how Scout is reprimanded by her teacher in first grade for having the audacity to already know how to read and write with such biting humor that I sat laughing as I read. "All the smartest people I know where taught at home; I just don't understand why I need to be shipped off to school ?" is the repeated question of the youngest Finch child. I find it interesting that Lee was able to see the flaws and hypocrisy of the system long before standardized tests and "No Child Left Behind."
Another subtheme I surely missed as a youth, but relish as a parent, is the strong conviction with which the Finch children were raised. Sure, they spent their days running about with freedom and little supervision, yet there was such a definite sense of right and wrong. This is illustrated so directly when Jem looses his temper on his cantankerous neighbor's flower bed. He was certainly antagonized, yet still his father made him endure hours of unpleasant retribution reading to this woman. What a lesson in character training!!
Most importantly, I had forgotten the poignancy in Lee's tale. A good man of the wrong color is falsely accused and convicted of a crime in the South. The theme is pretty common of that period, yet Lee creates such deep and contradictory characters that cause the reader to really feel the injustice. I am definitely adding this to Honey's reading list as well...what great discussions to be had in analyzing it!
Next, I am revisiting Jules Verne "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Then, Buzz got his summer reading assignment of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." I had donated my tattered ex-library copy earlier in the year, and was thankful for an excuse to pick up a nice hardcover for our home. Buzz asked me the general theme, and while I remembered the basics, I realized I had forgotten a great deal since I had first read it when 14-15 yrs old. A pitcher of sun tea and a day in the sun later, I was thrilled that I had decided to revisited this amazing classic to see it through new eyes.
One subtheme that I delight in, yet had totally forgotten, is Lee's utter disdain for the establishment of public education. She illustrates how Scout is reprimanded by her teacher in first grade for having the audacity to already know how to read and write with such biting humor that I sat laughing as I read. "All the smartest people I know where taught at home; I just don't understand why I need to be shipped off to school ?" is the repeated question of the youngest Finch child. I find it interesting that Lee was able to see the flaws and hypocrisy of the system long before standardized tests and "No Child Left Behind."
Another subtheme I surely missed as a youth, but relish as a parent, is the strong conviction with which the Finch children were raised. Sure, they spent their days running about with freedom and little supervision, yet there was such a definite sense of right and wrong. This is illustrated so directly when Jem looses his temper on his cantankerous neighbor's flower bed. He was certainly antagonized, yet still his father made him endure hours of unpleasant retribution reading to this woman. What a lesson in character training!!
Most importantly, I had forgotten the poignancy in Lee's tale. A good man of the wrong color is falsely accused and convicted of a crime in the South. The theme is pretty common of that period, yet Lee creates such deep and contradictory characters that cause the reader to really feel the injustice. I am definitely adding this to Honey's reading list as well...what great discussions to be had in analyzing it!
Next, I am revisiting Jules Verne "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
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