tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56437493311728738252024-03-13T14:24:08.582-04:00Bat CountryA varied and erratic look at the life of a free-thinking, contrarian trying to raise, support and home school a little girl without ruining both of our lives.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-6688620284716865212012-09-26T08:51:00.000-04:002012-09-26T11:11:07.722-04:00Welcome Back to Bat Country<br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.03766454593278468" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, hello! Fancy meeting you here. Come here often? I’m so sorry for my extended absence. As most moms can attest, time has gotten away from me but let’s see if I can catch you up. I’ve switched jobs, homes, schools, philosophies and hair styles. Lorelei is 5 going on 15 and we’ve made some serious sacrifices and decisions in the past several months. Now that we’ve settled into our routine a bit more, it’s time to get back in the saddle. With homeschooling, blogging and overall awesomeness. So with that being said, you can look forward to the following and much more</span></b></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Private School Problems: Parts 2 and 3</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moving the Career Forward</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Education Options</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sweet Life of Single Motherhood</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Public School Involvement </span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So please, please, please forgive me and I hope I can make it up to you with stimulating reading material or at least something for you to openly mock.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Welcome back to Bat Country</i></span></span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-32202729651247691172012-02-01T16:40:00.003-05:002012-02-01T16:45:24.173-05:00Private School Problems (part 1 of a 3 parter)Hello my fellow crazies. My sympathetic moms and dads who barely remember the blur that was January. Where have I been? Don't ask me, in my mind it's still November. But the calendar tells me different and my bank account shows the scars of a holiday season and fifth birthday party and thus I must admit that time is indeed passing. And what, pray tell, have we been up to?<br />
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Lorelei is adjusting quite well to the school environment. She's making friends and going to birthday parties and every few months or so I get to attend a PTA meeting where I am shamelessly guilted into giving even more money to the school for various improvements and fundraisers. They take off every conceivable holiday which means I am constantly looking for childcare options. Lorelei comes home reciting dogma that she cannot explain and I'm still having to explain to people the arbitrary laws that prohibit my well-read daughter from skipping this Letter-of-the-Week routine and skipping to Kindergarten or even 1st grade. Long story short- this is pretty much what I expected. However it's not all negative. In fact, let's take a look at the balance:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iC2yY3oPwk8/TymvdgF22sI/AAAAAAAAAHA/ETJtAwYBj-E/s1600/weights+and+measures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iC2yY3oPwk8/TymvdgF22sI/AAAAAAAAAHA/ETJtAwYBj-E/s400/weights+and+measures.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see the frustration. I'm sticking with the decision that Christ the King was the best choice given the circumstances, but I'm not too sure how sustainable it is for us in the long term. We have a few more months before summer vacation hits and that is putting the decisions into an even harsher perspective given that I've blown my whole childcare budget and still have two unaccounted for months to...well...account for!</div>
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The questions are endless and the issues mounting and time is running out.</div>
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Non Illegitimi Carborundum,</div>
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<i>Bat Country</i></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-24773566251733041712011-11-29T13:02:00.001-05:002011-11-29T13:17:32.572-05:00The Fallacy of School Choice Programs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I wish to exercise my freedom of choice in how my daughter
is educated. I ask the government to kindly allow me to determine the best use
of my earned income by my own judgment, particularly where it concerns those
under my care. The current systems in place in the <a href="http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/default.asp" target="_blank">State of Florida</a> are
unacceptable to meet these ends. In order to qualify for Tax Credit
Scholarships (corporations and individuals may make a state tax credited contribution that the State of Florida then <a href="http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/information/fast_facts.asp" target="_blank">awards according to eligibility standards</a>), our family must not exceed certain income criteria. Information
on Vouchers is so difficult to find, I am beginning to believe they are an
urban myth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my desire that this contradiction that forces a parent
to act against his or her own judgment be resolved. The <a href="http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/default.asp" target="_blank">State of Florida</a> and
all government bodies must remove themselves from the role of parent so that I
may raise my daughter in the manner that I see fit; a responsibility that, as
her mother and sole guardian, falls to me and me alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my understanding that I do not <a href="http://www.StepUpForStudents.org/" target="_blank">qualify</a> for (i.e. do
not deserve) the opportunity to express and act upon my own judgment for my own
purposes. I must therefore compromise one set of values to uphold another.
Particularly, I must not work to the best of my ability thereby garnering a
paycheck that would disqualify me. I can either patronize the institutions of
my choice (a private school with a proven record of excellence) through
value-generating effort (a paycheck that reflects my work and worth) while also
paying for system that I do not use or approve of (public schools throughout
the community); or take advantage of a social program (School Choice
Scholarships) that, by the very act of qualifying (i.e. earning below income
standards for my household size), I do not financially support (i.e. decreased
income results in decreased contribution through taxes and therefore a
decreased contribution to the scholarship fund). Only children currently attending heinously below average schools qualify for an <a href="http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/OSP/eligibility.asp" target="_blank">Opportunity Scholarship</a>. This requires a student to experience poor education first-hand before being offered the opportunity to improve his or her situation. There is no mention of remediation from the qualifying experience of attending a "D" or "F" rated school. Of course, there is always the
option of allowing my daughter to attend the public school against my wishes
and judgment however as I must act according to my own sets of values, this is
an unacceptable option. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is with this contradiction that I must come to terms that
in order to remain a law-abiding citizen (i.e. dutifully pay my taxes on the
income that I generate) or forgo my own judgment and accept the government
rationed education that is the public school system. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Toodles from Bat Country</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-8829861101771980112011-10-20T14:42:00.000-04:002011-10-20T14:42:17.984-04:00I never give up; I just change my mind<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Adapting the Goal</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The past few months have been a whirlwind of change. Changing jobs, changing homes, changing Lorelei’s school- wait did she just say? Yes, I did. School. But, wasn’t the whole point to keep Lorelei out of the masochistic institution that grinds out semi-literate neophytes and engage in a bohemian, offbeat lifestyle that will breed an amazing, objectivist freethinker? Why, yes, so kind of you to remember! So what’s the deal?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Work Happened</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The year began with me happily situated in a Production Coordinator position at a national TV network. While the work was good and the people were fabulous, I outgrew the job and searched the big, wide world over for a new opportunity. I had interviews in New York, Philadelphia and Pinellas Park (now there’s a spread) and finally settled in as a Project Manager for a marketing solutions company working with a humongous financial institution. Now, when I say, “settled”, I mean “slumped”. Full on, weight-gaining misery that sucked my soul dry on a daily basis. After 88 whole days I found myself a brand=spanking-new job as Program Manager at a boutique marketing agency based in Ybor City. Please note the double promotion in the span of 4 months; pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Goodbye corporate soul-suckers, hello 90-minute commute and awesome work environment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ith the additional miles and hours required in my new gig and my Tarpon Springs home base, I could no longer keep Lorelei at her amazing babysitter’s. Two months of hand wringing and option-trying I:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interviewed nine nannies</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tried to negotiate flexible work hours</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Worked through lunch</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rushed through traffic</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Emailed from the car</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pieced together a four-person child care team</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Desperately tried to homeschool in the hour between getting home, dinner time, bath time, bed time and back on the road again before the sun had risen</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Induced separation anxiety in Lorelei so she would no longer sleep in her own bed and develop tummy trouble</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stopped even trying to keep a clean house or cook homemade meals</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you think life was unbearable, you’re right. Something had to give. The job? The sitter? The home? My sanity?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But I Hate Schools!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I visited several schools close to my work. My generous mother visited every Montessori school in the Tampa Bay Area. And while so many of them had positive points, there was always some detraction that I couldn’t overcome. The hours, the reputation, the staff. Something was always just a little off. Let’s not even talk about trying to fund this little venture. On a whim I put Lorelei on the waiting list at Christ the King School. Alumni of this school include, my sister, my aunt, my cousins, my mother and myself. Talk about a recommendation! Within days of my throwing in the towel the secretary, the same secretary that used to take my temperature when I was in Kindergarten called to say CKS had an opening. Finally! A school I can trust! For crying out loud, my 1<sup>st</sup>, 4<sup>th</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> grade teachers were still there. People who knew me and watched my sister and I grow up were still there. They remembered us; the school hadn’t changed. Best of all, they are 15 minutes from work! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>How is it different than that nightmare scenario I was trying to avoid?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can be a part of Lorelei’s day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Guest Reader</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Volunteer</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constant communication with the teaching staff</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Family events nearly every other weekend</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The opportunity to stop in whenever I want</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Private Schools make their own rules<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Input in curriculum</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Standards set by the parents</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A firm expectation that parents stay involved</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Providing a foundation<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not religious but I’m glad Lorelei is getting that foundation that I am familiar with. It gives us a jumping off point to tackle questions of faith and theology</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I encourage individuality at every turn but I’m not very good about encouraging cooperation with the outside world. CKS encourages more cooperative interactions and while the groupthink is a little much for me, again, a balance.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>So what? You’re just giving up?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Absolutely not! Bat Country is in full swing. We learn French in the car through audiobooks (j’taime bebe), read novels instead of slumping in front of the TV, work through our homeschool books and complete CKS homework with our own personal twist. We’re moving to Tampa to be closer to work and school and cutting expenses to move our learning experience from the living room to great big world. We’re minimizing the superfluous and focusing on the substantial. You thought we were going to stay on the same straight and narrow? Have you met us?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Remember kids…we can’t stop here, this is Bat Country.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-68645380741482081312011-07-01T22:17:00.000-04:002011-07-01T22:17:45.057-04:00Objectivist HomeschoolingI must share this amazing website <a href="http://strongbrains.com/">http://strongbrains.com/</a><br />
<br />
It contains reading lists centered around an objectivist philosophy for all ages. And not simply philosophy books; history and literature and math and science and technology. <br />
<br />
I've been searching high and low for like-minded materials. Finally!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-12846136822051256702011-06-26T15:01:00.001-04:002011-06-26T15:03:12.618-04:00Ayn Rand for PreschoolersAt the end of the day, I want to know that I've left it all out on the field. I need to use every ounce of my ability or else I've failed. If I can go to sleep with my muscles sore and my mind exhausted, I will be happy.<br />
<br />
<strong>Moving Up and Out</strong><br />
With head held high, I left my job at HSN for better opportunities. In truth, I'm at the wonderful 'striving' stage in my career when I'm always looking for something that will get me closer to the ultimate goal. What, may you ask is that? Well read the last few months of post and you'll have a clue. <em><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/">Independence</a></em>. H<a href="http://batcountrycrew.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-everything-learning-experience.html">omeschooling</a>, <a href="http://batcountrycrew.blogspot.com/2011/05/minimalism-step-one.html">Minimalism</a>, Vegabonding; they all share a common theme, loose those bonds and claim your life. So here I sit, one month into my new job and one step closer to the big "I". Of course, if you sit around waiting for your life to start, you'll find yourself waiting indefinitely. <br />
<br />
Independence doesn't begin when all physical encumbrances are gone, rather when you free your mind and will. With that in mind, we here in Bat Country do so declare our Independence from:<br />
<ul><li>Slavery: Financial debt is something we walk into and forget that there is ever a way out. </li>
<li>Tyranny: We are all individuals and have the responsibility to think and act as such.</li>
<li>Pressure to conform: Free speech is a right, so is the ability not to listen.</li>
<li>Stress: I know my best, and will give it freely as I see fit.</li>
</ul><strong>Who is John Galt?</strong><br />
I am. I had heard of <em>Atlas Shrugged</em> since high school, but only in the context of an essay contest for a scholarship. Out of the thousands of books declared "classics" it just never made my reading list. Until a few months ago, I only knew <em>The Fountainhead</em> as an old Gary Cooper movie. Then, I was encouraged to see the new <em><a href="http://www.atlas-shrugged-movie.com/">Atlas Shrugged: Part 1</a> </em>the day it came out. With my ice cream cone and free afternoon, I sat in a movie theater, the youngest by 20+ years out of the whole audience. What I saw was something I had been struggling with for years. Self-reliance and true accountability were things spoken of but never seem to jive with what was being done. The movie ends with Wyatt's Torch for those of you who know the story and a voice-over ending in "I'm on strike". The audience erupted in applause and I with it. <br />
<br />
<strong>I'm on strike</strong><br />
After the movie, I had to read the book. Read it? I devoured it! And then another and another until I was beginning my own home-schooling on <a href="http://www.atlassociety.org/">political philosophy</a>. During that time, Lorelei began peaking over my shoulder and reading aloud. To hear the words, "I am the man who loves his life" come from a four-year old, it is difficult not to be moved. This is not merely a philosophy, this is our life. And as Rand said, "I swear by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man nor ask another man to live for mine." <br />
<br />
<em>Toodles from Bat Country</em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-29947457145564111602011-05-13T14:46:00.003-04:002011-05-13T16:20:38.953-04:00Minimalism: Step One<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG4wCdvo_II/Tc2Mr5TusQI/AAAAAAAAAD0/P5jN9So-ZGs/s1600/mistakes-that-make-minimalism-all-wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG4wCdvo_II/Tc2Mr5TusQI/AAAAAAAAAD0/P5jN9So-ZGs/s320/mistakes-that-make-minimalism-all-wrong.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Inspired by blogs such as <a href="http://zenhabits.net/">zen habits</a>, <a href="http://exilelifestyle.com/">Exile Lifestyle</a>, <a href="http://www.theminimalists.com/">The Minimalists</a>, <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/">Marc and Angel Hack Life</a>, and of course the desire to look at an immaculate house, I've decided to see how much I can "minimize" and truly embrace the <a href="http://urbanminimalistlife.blogspot.com/">minimal lifestyle</a>. I mean, let's face it, if Lorelei and I are ever to become the truly counter-culture world travelers, we're not going to be able to drag along the large amount of crap- I mean belongings currently filling our 1,400 sq. ft. apartment. I knew it would be challenging, but I've been working on this list (some people have gotten their possessions down to less than 100 things) for a few days now and I've reached 400 and that's only off of the top of my head. Forget the things in drawers, in boxes and shelves I'm too short to see without a boost. I wasn't hoping to get down to 100 or even 200 but seriously, I cannot complain about money...ever! I keep a relatively clean apartment (some have called it sterile, but the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001926/">OCD</a> in me knows this to be a fallacy). Lorelei and I tidy up when needed and the dog knows better than to make more work for me so all in all, I've got it under control. So how did I end up with so much stuff?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donations</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Three years ago I became a divorcee. Neither my happiest time nor my most financially secure. With <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tbo/obituary.aspx?n=susan-grim&pid=20015132">Grim</a> determination, I found a job and a furnished apartment and packed up a sedan-worth of stuff to start my new life with my then one year old bundle of giggles. Towards the end of the lease and as Florida's snow bird season was kicking into high gear, I needed to find a new place and fast and the furnished places sky-rocketed in rent. I was in no position to turn up my nose at charity:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Church friends: kitchen setup and dining room table</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Work colleagues: couch </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Friends: queen size bed (shared with my daughter for the first several months)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Family: various tables, my TV from my first apartment out of high school that somehow made it back to my mother’s and a toddler bed from my sister</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Myself: clothes and a few photos and albums</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Making Something Out of Very Little</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That was it: my little palace for me and the princess. Back then I didn’t call it minimalism; I called it poverty. But slowly I worked and saved and spent. Tax refunds, child support, over time; it all went to making our apartment a home. <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/">TJ Maxx</a>, <a href="http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/index.jsp">NY & Co</a>., <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a>; I could afford to get another TV with my <a href="http://hsn.com/">HSN</a> discount. Lorelei got books and toys and I got sheets that weren’t hand-me-downs (I just tried not to think about it really). Present day – quite a comfortable little setup if I do say so myself. I still have some of the donations, some of which I donated myself to other people in need. <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My sister came through with a bigger bed for Lorelei when she outgrew the toddler bed and now we only sleep together when she wants to cuddle. I’ve managed to acquire more then I’ve dumped. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And this bothers me.</i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I never want Lorelei to go without, but all of this stuff- we don’t need it. What we need is the cash that went into acquiring it. What we need is the peace of mind of knowing where everything is and that we are not living in a wasteful manner but a sustainable (not quite hemp crazy but) healthy way. Seriously! What do you say to a little girl who looks around a store and says, “Mommy, let’s get more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuff</i>!” From the mouths of babes, right?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAdclMqjLjg/Tc2MvysSlDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/unNAGbGluWo/s1600/744orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAdclMqjLjg/Tc2MvysSlDI/AAAAAAAAAD4/unNAGbGluWo/s320/744orchid.jpg" width="320px" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Step One: No More Stuff!</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love to shop. Especially for “useful” stuff like school supplies, kitchen gadgets and storage boxes. Anything promising organization – I want 10! But no more. Family and friends out there, “No more stuff please!” Unless it is going to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">replace</b> something I already have that doesn’t work anymore, take that money and donate it in my name. Lorelei? Well, she’s a kid; and a darn cute one if I must say so I won’t deprive ya’ll of getting her fun stuff, just have mercy on the one who has to pick up after her.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Step Two: Purge, Baby, Purge!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I will not bore you nor embarrass myself by publishing my ever-growing list of stuff. I will however let you know of things I have deemed superfluous. Like sundresses I would never leave the house in or shoes with the heel worn off. Or five down comforters (not making that one up). Never fear, it will all go to a good place. No trash dumps. And the goal is not to replace it with more stuff. I may never get to 100 things or even 200 but let’s start investing and stop spending.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>A few places to unload your stuff for a good cause </strong></span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle</a> - a network of local groups that post anything and everything from coupons to couches; all you have to do is call the poster (a normal yocal just like yourself) and come pick it up. The only requirement: <strong>it has to be free</strong></span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.nationalfurniturebank.org/">National Furniture Bank</a> - unwanted furniture for those in need</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://salvationarmy.com/">Salvation Army</a> - heard of 'em?</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.pickupplease.org/">Pick Up Please</a> - they'll come to your house and take your unwanted clothes</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">any local church or charity - you don't want me to do all of the work for you, do you? <a href="http://www.google.com/">Get Googling</a>!</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Or sell it</strong></span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://craigslist.com/">Craigslist </a>- just be careful, k?</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/seller/sell-your-stuff.html">Amazon</a> - be good kids. No one wants dud stuff</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="https://signin.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?SignIn&UsingSSL=1&pUserId=&co_partnerId=2&siteid=0&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi5.ebay.com%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dll%3FEasyLister%26guest%3D1%26userid%3D&pageType=1144">E-Bay</a> - a given, I know, but here's a nifty link</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.yardsalequeen.com/yardsale.htm">Garage/rummage/yard/estate sales</a> - everything for $1!</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Happy Hunting from Bat Country</em></span></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-56937641123815085692011-05-10T23:19:00.006-04:002011-05-13T16:20:13.348-04:00If by Rudyard KiplingIf I can live my life with these words in mind and teach my daughter to do the same, I'll know I've succeeded. For a truly wonderful interpretation <a href="http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tTeZNfwesg&feature=youtube_gdata_player">click through</a>. <br />
<br />
Rudyard Kipling<br />
If<br />
<br />
If you can keep your head when all about you<br />
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;<br />
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,<br />
But make allowance for their doubting too;<br />
<br />
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,<br />
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,<br />
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,<br />
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;<br />
<br />
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;<br />
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;<br />
If you can meet with triumph and disaster<br />
And treat those two imposters just the same;<br />
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken<br />
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,<br />
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,<br />
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;<br />
<br />
If you can make one heap of all your winnings<br />
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,<br />
And lose, and start again at your beginnings<br />
And never breath a word about your loss;<br />
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew<br />
To serve your turn long after they are gone,<br />
And so hold on when there is nothing in you<br />
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";<br />
<br />
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,<br />
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;<br />
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;<br />
If all men count with you, but none too much;<br />
If you can fill the unforgiving minute<br />
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -<br />
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,<br />
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-22920368534145865392011-05-10T22:52:00.001-04:002011-05-13T16:20:59.015-04:00Mini-meI forget what little mirrors these critters can be. Until I hear a sarcastic tone I didn't realize was in my voice echoed from my little monster. Or when Lorelei brings me a cool cloth for my head because she knows I'm not feeling well. Or when she sits at her desk studiously writing in her workbooks because she saw my working on countless spreadsheets. Of course I try not to cuss around her and I save the keggers for when she's sleeping over somewhere else (joking Nana), but I've come to realize that my good and bad habits are reflected through her in almost real time. <br />
<br />
<strong>Routines are Flexible</strong><br />
Not too long ago we would come home and each plop in front of a TV; she watching cartoons and I HGTV. We ate somewhere in there and made our way to bed eventually. However, a couple of weeks ago, we came home and I forgot to turn the TV on. We had to walk the dog and get something out of the car and it just never came up. While taking trips outside, Lorelei made a dinner request, so we cooked together. When that was over it was bath time then bedtime and lo and behold we had completely missed Dora, Glee, Backyardigans, everything! And the Earth continued to turn. I didn't want to make a big thing of it so the next day I "forgot" to turn on the TV and plop and sure enough, we walked to the local beach and Lorelei splashed in the waves while I read my Kindle. A few more days of "forgetfullness" and we've completely changed our routine. We're eating better because I can focus on the task of preparing dinner while she takes care of the puppy and settles in (comfy clothes and all). The house is cleaner because I can do productive chores rather than my TV chores (I mean honestly, how many House Hunters must I watch?) Turns out, those ruts aren't so hard to break.<br />
<br />
<strong>Gradulation </strong>(typo intentional)<br />
I graduated from University of South Florida last Thursday with a BA in Psychology. I began courses in the Fall of 2003 and now, May of 2011 I finally made it to the cap and gown, traipse across the stage bit. I sat amidst kids who still thought it the ultimate rebellion to show up to graduation drunk or high. I posed for pictures with the college president whom I'd never met before but congratulated me as if she had been at my first grade pageant. And afterwards, my family and friends gathered to celebrate. The whole process was a bit surreal. As I walked across the stage, I looked up and could see Lorelei waving from a balcony. Truth be told, I spent most of the ceremony reading on my Kindle while the other 1,400 graduates each got their hands shaken. But when I saw her jumping up and down and waving, I lost it. My little girl. My baby who has her own duster so she can "clean like Mommy" and her own pots and pans so she can "cook like Mommy" and even had me cut her hair "short like Mommy" just saw Mommy graduate. Over the past 4 years Lorelei has watched Mommy do homework, study, take exams and go to classes. Now she wants to "gradulate just like Mommy".Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-8270821105353191052011-04-11T10:41:00.000-04:002011-04-11T10:41:30.765-04:00Why "Bat Country"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUmGXesoPaU/TaCygfiqRcI/AAAAAAAAADs/mNKDxJ5wbjQ/s1600/bats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUmGXesoPaU/TaCygfiqRcI/AAAAAAAAADs/mNKDxJ5wbjQ/s200/bats.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After several inquisitive and not so indirect comments about the title of my blog, I feel obliged to let ya'll in on a little secret. What is Bat Country and why would I name a blog about Home Schooling it?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We can't stop here...</span></strong></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hunter S. Thompson</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Granted not the role model most mothers have and I'm certainly not having Lorelei learn grammar from </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_and_Loathing_in_Las_Vegas"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, but there is a point to the quote I've chosen for this crazy mixed-up lifestyle. "We can't stop here, this is bat country". As Dr. Gonzo and Raul Duke are careening towards Las Vegas in Thompson's </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120669/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">story-turned-Johnny Depp-movie</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, they are loaded up on so many mind-altering substances and drugs most of us have never before heard of, Duke starts to hallucinate. Hundreds of flying bats fill the sky while his "lawyer" tans himself in the passenger seat of their convertible. It's madness. It's hilarious, truer than most of us like to admit madness.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">...this is bat country!</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We all have our stories. Let's face it, we're all the star of our own movies. So I'm not going to claim that I've had a better or worse life than anyone else. I can say, though, that for me, it's been quite a ride and I'm just beginning. At this pace, God help me at 50. Life, parenthood, career, school, family, friends, love - very little of it is simple, none of it is easy and the best plan is to keep going. Keep moving, keep growing and improving and learning and failing and succeeding and traveling. I don't want to stop! Not here. Not when there is so much to do and see. </span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This isn't just a blog about Home Schooling. It's about living a life like no other. If that means freeing ourselves from regimented curriculum and arbitrary school calendars, then rock on. Lorelei is already getting a education beyond what </span><a href="https://vpk.fldoe.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">VPK</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> can give her. Let's learn by doing! Let's learn by trying and exploring. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lorelei and I. This is our life. A life like no other; one that is constantly in motion and filled with love and adventure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7FwvX1WAkc/TaCx0V87xJI/AAAAAAAAADo/u0KcR9QjsBw/s1600/bat-country-toon-DESIGN.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7FwvX1WAkc/TaCx0V87xJI/AAAAAAAAADo/u0KcR9QjsBw/s1600/bat-country-toon-DESIGN.gif" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-4535113734845699122011-04-09T15:00:00.002-04:002011-04-09T15:03:30.936-04:00Juggling Life and Learning<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I keep hearing and seeing these commercials about supermoms. There's the TBO.com one where the mom sings about all the different practices and pets and demands on her time. There's the one with the air freshener that freshens while you take care of kids and meet with your friends and watch movies. There's even one where the mom freezes time to enjoy her cup of coffee while her children dump juice on her pristine carpet and her husband thoughtlessly wrecks the living room with his neanderthal friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>I can relate to <em>none</em> of these!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Life for me is much more like that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNkp4QF3we8">Family Guy commercial</a> with Stewie pestering Lois. After a long day of being pecked to death by chickens (or what you call "work") I go home to the woodepecker extraordinaire. And I must admit there are evenings when I'd rather turn on Cat and the Hat and escape to my nice, quiet room than drill Lorelei on how to say "Hello" in four langauges. (Believe it or not she can actually differentiate 'Bonjour' as 'French' and "Hola' as 'Spanish')</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For all of you moms out there wringing your hands and straining your sanity, it's okay. Being Super Woman sometimes means getting the kids fed and not drop-kicking them out of the window. Then again, there are days when they surprise you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last night, my little learner structured her very own home school experience...for both of us. As I was dragging my tired, pecked-out rear home, she chirpily demanded to go to the YMCA. "But, honey, wouldn't you rather go home and order a pizza and watch Tinker Bell?" "Maybe later, Mommy" Who is this child and where did she come from? So, fine, we'll go but I'm not going to like it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once there, she promptly took over the game of toss in the Kid Zone and I felt obligated to memorize some of my favorite poems in French while treadmilling (it's a word now!). I felt better and learned the first stanza to Kipling's <em>If</em> in French. Score one for the little monster. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Finally home, I go to plop my sweatiness on the couch and little Miss L directs me to her desk where she insists on doing 10 workbook pages of Color by Number, Letters, Basic Addition and all other sorts of goodies. Seriously, what four year old chooses schoolwork over TV? Mine! And of course, I feel like a heel loafing in front of House Crashers so I guess I could get caught up on my own homework...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Of course we finally get to the point where it bed time and can you believe that little monster wants to cuddle? I mean, what's with cuteness? Here I am, totally set on having a meaningless waste of a night and she goes and ruins it with exercise and learning and family time. Moral of the story (oh yes, there is one): <strong>Being a family sometimes means dragging each other kicking and screaming in the right direction.</strong> Did I teach her that or did she teach me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now if only I could remind her of that when I prying her out of bed in the morning...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Toodles from Bat Country</em></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-29280349225254651442011-03-25T09:59:00.002-04:002011-04-09T15:36:23.506-04:00How to Live on 24 Hours a Day<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recently I finished an amazing book by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Bennett">Arnold Bennett</a> (1867 - 1931) called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Hours-Day-ebook/dp/B000JQU7DA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301061622&sr=1-1">How to Live on 24 a Day</a>. While some may lower its status by referring to it as a mere 'self-help' book, I found it to be an astute satire on the most common of human complaints, <strong>there's never enough time</strong>.</span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course you should read it yourself, I mean it's free on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Hours-Day-ebook/dp/B000JQU7DA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301061622&sr=1-1">Kindle</a> for crying out loud. But I love reading bullet points or numbered lists (<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/138945/seven_super_fat_burning_foods.html">7 Fat Burning Foods</a>, <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/138945/seven_super_fat_burning_foods.html">Do's and Don'ts of Job Hunting</a>) so here's some clever wisdom from the 101 year old text.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Every person in the world is equal</strong> - seriously. No one gets more time in their day than anyone else. Michelle Obama, Lindsey Lohan and I all get 24 hours. That's it! There's no bonus or penalty. 24 hours. How you spend it is your own business, but they are yours to spend. Which brings me to...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Take your time back</strong> - all of that time spent waiting can be better spent on yourself. This doesn't mean giving yourself a manicure a stop light, although I have been known to sneak in a touch-up if time allows. It means rather than giving away your time to bad music or trite talk-show hosts, focus on accomplishing something. Even if that accomplishment is to relax yourself. Those precious moments when you are literally tied to a chair and forced to be still can be put to good use.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Claim your time at home </strong>- find that time that seems to disappear between work and bed and do something with it. Improve yourself one way or another which takes us to...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Classic Literature is no the only way to improve yourself</strong> - improvement comes in all forms. Sure you could take your time to learn a language or study quantum physics but if that's not what makes you a better person you've just given yourself to another obligation to dread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Take it in stride</strong> - if this week you forget to <em>relax </em>or reclaim your time. Cool it! You can try again next week. Or tomorrow. Or in a few minutes. The absolute goal is one you will never achieve. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now, these are not new theories by any means but they are said in such a way that makes you feel quite silly for ever forgetting them. Many of the concepts are the basis of Cognitive Psychology or many other forms of self-exploration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The take away: <strong>It's your life! You're not living it for anyone else, so why are you following their rules? Live like no other.</strong></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy trails from Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-19971865005816279272011-03-17T13:40:00.003-04:002011-03-18T09:06:01.564-04:00Field Trip<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Home School Field Trips</strong></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Establishments like <a href="http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/bgt/homeschool/index.htm">Busch Gardens</a> and <a href="http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/_education/camps_and_classes.html">Lowry Park Zoo</a> have done an amazing job of introducing field trips and events targeted to Home Schoolers. It's a chance to meet other families as well as let your child experience a 'class field trip', a highlight for any kid. To find home school field trips at a park or venue near you, simply Google "(place name) home school". Most have a web page specifically designated for Home Schoolers. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WBqcO7cVmL4/TYJI1s5tRoI/AAAAAAAAADg/lMBxrS17lPA/s1600/field+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WBqcO7cVmL4/TYJI1s5tRoI/AAAAAAAAADg/lMBxrS17lPA/s320/field+trip.jpg" width="240" /></a><em>What makes a home school field trip different then just visiting? </em></span></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A guided tour. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A preset itinerary. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A group experience. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Relaxed attendance requirements (you don't need a minimum number of students). </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's cheaper (We paid $15 for both of us when it normally costs about $50 each)</span></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I took Lorelei on her first field trip this past Monday. </span><a href="http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/bgt/homeschool/index.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Zoo School</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> at Busch Gardens, Tampa. Needless to say, I was thrilled to pieces to take my little princess on her first honest to goodness field trip. So excited was I that I even fudged her age a bit (she can <em>pass</em> for a Kindergartner) what's the harm? Famous...last...words...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Itinerary</span></strong></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serengeti Express</span></li>
<ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A train ride through the animal habitat (antelope, giraffe, rhino, ostrich, zebras)with brief facts on each and some shout-out-your-answer games</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Conservation Video @ Timbuktu's 4-D Theater</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The video was a bit obtuse but the baby animals were cute and we got a brief geography lesson traveling from Africa to Australia to Florida (yeah, I didn't think they quite equated either). Afterwards they brought out a few animals (llama, mini-cheetah, monkey), all of which Lorelei wanted to pet. But alas, no petting to be had. </span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Feeding the Meerkats</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They are so stinking cute! The instructor explained habitats and social structure. The kids threw worms over the fence to feed the meerkats. Overall, good fun.</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lunchtime</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bring your own or sneak off to the snack stand</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Turtle Time</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A little origami activity that gave the kids a time to interact with each other and a few lessons on the structure of a shell</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Animal Encounter</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A classroom setting where kids get to meet and discuss a baby alligator, lemur and I think a bird but we had to leave before that.</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lions and Hyenas</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Don't pet the kitty, honey. Hanging out in the "den" with protective glass between us and the animals. Another fact-finding game that was way over Lorelei's head</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Go Home</span></li>
<ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank the Lord I'm free!</span></li>
</ul></ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Age Ranges</span></strong></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When they say "K-12" they mean "sure, you <em>could</em> bring a 5 year old and an 18 year old." Guess what kids? While little Lo' can read way beyond her peers and has some pretty witty banter, she <em>cannot</em> sit still in a room with a fuzzy animal and listen to an instructor. Ain't happenin'. In fact, doing so may result in a meltdown of cataclysmic proportions and no one to blame but dear old mom who thought, "How different is 4 and 5, really?" Turns out, there is a big difference and even 5 would be pushing it. My rush to try "big kid" activities resulted in both of us in tears. This event was better suited for the 8 - 12 age range. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't blame Lorelei for her tantrum although we did have a little chatty about "good girl" vs. "bad girl" on the drive home. This one falls on me. Turns out, at this age, calm and controlled isn't so bad. We would have done better on our own, at our own pace. Next time, I'll take some cues from the established itinerary and tailor it to what is appropriate for Lorelei's age and maturity. Oh wait, that's why I chose Home Schooling in the first place!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Recovering in Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-34109010118736551632011-03-13T21:02:00.002-04:002011-03-17T14:19:31.785-04:00Start Here<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Staring down the barrel of your child's education is a daunting task to say the least. I keep searching for the step by step guide that says, "Buy this" "Say that" *poof* you have a college grad. It doesn't work like that. Seriously what does? Much like anything else, it's all theory until you jump in an try it. So for my sake and those who need to hear it; this is the <strong>first step</strong>. The harmless way of getting your feet wet without committing yourself one we or another.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Curriculum</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm not a huge fan of it. I think with a little creativity you can exhaust any subject without investing in cumbersome textbooks (I'm being <em>green</em> about it, yeah, that's it). But that being said, I'm not against workbooks and things you can find with just a modicum of digging (or in most cases Googling). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Identify a Subject</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm not insulting your intelligence here, I'm honestly saying, 'Pick a topic any topic'</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Language - a natural starting point and I think the easiest place to begin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Math - another obvious one, but explaining it is a lot harder than I thought</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Science - content really depends on age, but look around nature and ask "why" or "how" and you've got the basis for science lesson...and of course there's the zoo!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Social Studies - the ultimate dumping ground of everything sociological. I recommend starting with Geography (your address, street, etc.) plus the Animaniacs have some awesome songs to learn the States and Capitals and Presidents (through Clinton)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Health - again, the age dictates the lessons, but nutrition, fitness and anatomy can be wrapped up in this</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Philosophy - I want Lorelei to learn about the great philosophers and faiths not just her own so I'm holding off on this one until her frame of reference is a little broader</span></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PsEqd5ZO8Bk/TYJQnwsGkBI/AAAAAAAAADk/oPIYiN-YxOk/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PsEqd5ZO8Bk/TYJQnwsGkBI/AAAAAAAAADk/oPIYiN-YxOk/s200/IMG_2965.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Teachers Shop at the Same Stores you Do</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Long before I ever considered this Home Schooling thing, I went down to the </span><a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/teacher-resource-booksactivities/N=5+502719/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Office Depot</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (a favorite haunt) and nosed around the teachers' supplies. Something about all of those flash cards and Cat in the Hat job chart and all of those gold stars just gets me giddy. I picked out two workbooks (</span><a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/552417/Carson-Dellosa-Mastering-Skills-For-Preschool/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preschool</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/552452/Carson-Dellosa-Mastering-Skills-For-Kindergarten/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kindergarten</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">) and a new crayon box and in four months we did about six pages. Not that Lorelei wasn't interested, they just ended up in the drawer is all. But I love a good coloring book, so they made re-appearance every once in a while and went back to the drawer when they got too...wait for it...schooly.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once I wrapped my head around Eclectic Home Schooling, I realized how many materials I already had in desk drawers, on book shelves and already loaded on the computer. We actually haven't purchased any <em>new</em> books yet! </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My Foray into Online Education</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Imagine dipping your picky toe into the Pacific. That's what we did when I entertained the idea of online education. We did buy the </span><a href="http://www.nickjrboost.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nick Jr. Boost</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> program online which I think has been a pretty good investment so far. It grows with her and the characters are familiar. I'm a little under-impressed with the creativity of it. Mainly, it's the same games as the free site but it tracks progress and rewards successes. All in all, I think I'll stick to renting CD programs from the library. At least I can do a little more research on the developers and software instead of trusting the glowing "testimonials" featured on the web pages. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They're Watching You</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course, let's not forget all that big brother has to offer. </span><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=YOUTH_RESOURCES&parentnav=EDUCATION_OUTREACH&navtype=RT"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">USDA</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> website offers free learning resources (print and online) for health and conservation lesson. </span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kids.gov/k_5/k_5_social.shtml"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kids.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> has resources for every subject (although I found the only useful ones to be American Studies, go figure) and breaks it up by grade section (K-5, and so on). </span></li>
<li><a href="http://free.ed.gov/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Federal Resources for Education Excellence</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (try saying that with a straight face) offers the same sorts of resources but doesn't differentiate by grade.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://usa.gov/">USA.gov</a> focuses on Government but it couldn't hurt I suppose.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our tax dollars pay for this stuff so before you go and raid <a href="http://www.staples.com/Teaching-Classroom-Office-Supplies/cat_CG1077">Staples</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Top-Picks-Homeschool-Curriculum/dp/0805431381">Amazon</a> or the insanely expensive "private" home schools, take a look at what you have already purchased!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Try a little at a time at first to see what suits you and your family. It's all out there and home school or no you might as well take advantage of it.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy Sunday from Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-13796600461354366112011-03-09T20:40:00.002-05:002011-03-09T20:41:31.844-05:00Learning Styles<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first misconception about home schooling was that there was only one or two learning styles. And of course we all know what happens when you assume...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So before I launch into the whole to-do, I'll break them down:</span><br />
<ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Traditional School at Home</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.hsunlimited.com/resources/homeschool-methods/traditional.php"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Home Schooling Unlimted</span></em></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>'s definition</em>: Traditional homeschoolers usually purchase a complete curriculum which includes textbooks, teacher’s guides, tests, schedules, and grading and record keeping materials.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My definition</em>: It's what you think would happen if you removed the building but kept everything else the same. You have specific schedules and curriculum for each subject. You're tied to the same constraints and (in Pinellas County) can even register your child in their zoned school so the technically "attend" public school.</span></li>
</ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Classical</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Homeschooling-Your-Child/dp/0761527885"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'s definition</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">: The classical method is based on a revival of the educational approach called the trivium, a three-part process of literally training a child's mind.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My definition</em>: The first stage is sheer memorization; cramming as much knowledge in as possible. The second stage is logic; who, what, when, where, why. The third any final stage is rhetoric; processing information on a refined level.</span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Charlotte Mason</strong> (a whole style named after a person)</span></li>
<ul><li><a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SimplyCharlotteMason.com</span></em></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>'s definition</em>: Children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences, and good habits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My definition</em>: A pretty free flowing way of doing things. Reading literature instead of textbooks, describing and discussing instead of straight Q&A. This method really focuses on the environment of the child.</span></li>
</ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Unit Studies</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/designing-homeschool-unit-studies.html"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dummies.com</span></em></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> definition</em>: Find a unit study on that topic, and take a week or two to teach it. Do your kids find black holes fascinating, and does the science text cover them in a paragraph or two? Looks like a unit on astronomy may be in order.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My definition</em>: Find something you love and do it till it kills you! (another Hunter S. Thompson quote snuck its way in) Basically whatever it is that captures the interest find everything (book, movie, field trip) you can and study it exhaustively.</span></li>
</ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eclectic</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><a href="htthttp://www.homeschool.com/Approaches/Eclectic.asp"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Homeschool.com</span></em></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>'s definition</em>: Basically, eclectic homeschoolers use a little of this and a little of that, using workbooks for math, reading, and spelling, and taking an unschooling approach for the other subjects.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>My definition</em>: Welcome to the catch-all of homeschooling. It's flexible, fun and can be made to suite the family's needs.</span></li>
</ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Unschooling</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unschooling"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'s definition</span></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">: Parents who unschool their children act as "facilitators," providing a wide range of resources, helping their children access, navigate, and make sense of the world, and aiding them in making and implementing goals and plans for both the distant and immediate future.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>My definition</em>: No more pencils, no more books... The inmates are running the prison. Okay that's an overstatement. This method embraces the fact that children are natural little sponges and it's our jobs as parents to immerse them in as much as possible. </span></li>
</ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>The Co-op</strong> (Cooperative Learning)</span></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Homeschooling-Your-Child/dp/0761527885"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>'s definition</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">: Free of government regulation, free to be whatever those who create and utilize them want to be.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>My definition</em>: "It takes a village..." Here you get to network with your community and decide as an independent PTA, if you will, what and how your children will learn. These can be "Private" schools or simply a support group who hires tutors to come in and teach a class or two.</span></li>
</ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Online</span></strong></li>
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://k12.com/"><em>K12.com</em></a><em>'s definition</em>: More flexible and customized than traditional school, yet more structured than typical home school.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>My definition</em>: Just like regular school, you have grades and schedules and curriculum and textbooks yet you're free to study in your PJ's and it can cost a bundle. However for those who aren't quite sure where to begin, this can provide an excellent framework.</span></li>
</ul></ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now you have my (very) abbreviated explanations here's where I've landed (that is for the moment). My initial thought was the online or school-at-home. It was the most familiar to me since I've taken online courses at USF for my BA and familiar is safe. It also appeared to be the least likely way to screw up my child's learning experience. After all, if I did exactly as I was told, then it would all work out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">That defeats the whole point!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I wanted to take charge of her education. She was going to have this wide variety of opportunities and here I was subscribing to someone else's ideas of what she should learn. Take two!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The co-op seemed like an interesting option. Community, friends, that all sounds like good stuff. Of course, I have yet to find one that caters to working parents. You'll find that that tends to be a sticking point. And again we have the "someone else at the helm" issue. Yes, I am <em>that</em> much of a control freak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, to make a long story short (too late), we've settled on Eclectic/Unit Studies. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Of course you can combine methods, this is home school; you can do anything you want! You can spend every day on a new roller coaster, feeding gummy bears to a chimp on its birthday. Find what works and go from there. <span style="font-family: Georgia;">Reach out to your community, but trust your instincts. Google away, but remember, as the parent, you're the one seeing this through so don't break yourself trying to conform to someone else's view or method. </span>Or find what doesn't work and avoid it like the plague, but be open to the possibility that you just haven't found the right one...yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Never say you know the last word about any human heart"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">~Henry James</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Happy hunting from Bat Country</em></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-64607072370024832802011-03-06T19:40:00.017-05:002011-04-09T15:38:03.633-04:00The Support System<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This has been an interesting topic as I investigate the actualities of Home Schooling Lorelei while working. A little context for you, I am graduating from USF with my BA in Psychology in exactly two months. I have worked for the same company for nearly three years (another May milestone) and my career in Project Management looks even more promising now that I have earned my <a href="http://www.pmi.org/CareerDevelopment/Pages/AboutCredentialsCAPM.aspx">Certified Associate in Project Management</a> certificate. I've finally gotten to a place where I can support our little family of two on one income and monthly support from Lorelei's natural father. It's been a long, tenuous few years but we've come out better than ever.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All of that being said and my daughter quickly approaching school age, I have decided to take on Home Schooling. Sheer madness I tell you. My searches online have been vaguely promising. There a hundreds of working single moms and dads as well as dual income households that boast home schooled children. Unfortunately, after reading dozens of accounts they most seem to have the same few points in common</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One or both parents work from home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Single parents work odd hours (second and third shift) or part-time positions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The "home schooled" children attend co-op classes while the parent(s) are at work which basically turns itself into a labor-intensive private school experience</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As you can probably tell, none of these are great options for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While I may be able to work from home in the future, it's not likely given my job responsibilities. And while it would be wonderful to go out and find the perfect position that allows me to work from home, times are tough out there and as any single parent can attest, income security trumps almost everything else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As for the second option, I have a lot invested in my current career and it's not just vanity that makes me value this. If I'm it for Lorelei and me, I <em>have</em> to prioritize our well-being...and start getting creative. I'll just say it, I'm not a fan of the co-op yet because I haven't found one I liked. If I do, check for an update.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take Charge</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I refuse to give up. If Home Schooling means I can turn the educational process on its ear by taking matters into my own hands, that must mean I can do what I love best; control everything! Let's turn the clock around, learn year-round and double up studies whenever possible. </span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Plan</span></strong><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">New lessons on nights and weekends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Practice and homework during the days (see below)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This might not sound revolutionary but trust me, it's going to take a complete reconfiguration of our schedules to make sure to get about 20 hours of learning time into each week.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Support</span></strong><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>In home day care provider</strong> (<a href="http://dcfsanswrite.state.fl.us/Childcare/provider/">find one in Florida</a>) - Lorelei and I were lucky enough to find an exceptional in home day care provider when we returned to Tampa Bay. She is amazingly committed to the children she watches and has jumped on board with our Home School mission. She has offered to work with Lorelei one-on-one while the younger children nap for approximately an hour a day on worksheets I provide. Lorelei is thrilled to do her "homework" and our inaugural week proved a smashing success. Bottom line: Lorelei is away from the school setting (as planned) while still learning and I keep my full-time hours at work. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Grandma</strong> - one day a week Lorelei gets to spend the day with Grandma. My mother has been 100% supportive of my decision to Home School and has agreed to work with Lorelei during the day (a little longer than the day care provider) on worksheets and computer programs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Online resources</strong> - I mentioned them on the Home School page and I'll keep updating as I can. Specifically, <a href="http://nickjrboost.com/">Nick Jr. Boost</a> (a paid site within nickjr.com) has proven itself to be one of the best learning sites. While I don't rely on it solely for curriculum, it's an excellent way to keep Lorelei learning while I'm making dinner or doing laundry. The laptop goes wherever I am so we are always together; so I can monitor her activity and give the appropriate encouragement or troubleshooting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>The State of Floria</strong> - No joke. Our tax dollars pay for research, development and implamentation of countless resources and most if not all are posted in the internet, just sitting <a href="http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/index.shtml">there</a>...waiting...seriously. Get Googling!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The Library</strong> - I can't believe I have to say this one but it's amazing how many out there forget what an amazing resource this can be. Through the <a href="http://pals.polarislibrary.com/polaris/Search/default.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.4">online databases</a> and requesting site, I can search and request thousands of book, video, Wii and computer titles. They're delivered to my home library in a reasonable amount of time. We can experiment with what works and what doesn't with zero out of pocket (save the occasional late fee).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Been-there-done-that Parents</strong> - The first rule of parenting? Everyone else knows more than you do. It's just a fact. A parent with one kid knows more than someone who is expecting their first. A parent with three older kids can lecture a parent of one toddler and the toddler mom should just shut up and listen. You may not always agree, and you may walk away with a list of things you'll never do but it's a free fount of knowledge and the proof is sitting right in front of you. Before investing one cent in anything else, start talking. Even if they've never Home Schooled, even if they think you are crazy for doing it, keep talking!</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are so many more places and people available to assist and for State and Non-Profit resources I'll need a whole other Blog post but we can leave it at this. After some hand-wringing and serious doubt, I think I've figured out how to <em>have it all</em>. Mind you, I won't have a social life for the next however many years, but on the great priority list of life, it just didn't rank.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Good luck from Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-53456365180692280452011-03-03T09:16:00.001-05:002011-04-09T15:37:11.708-04:00About the 100 Thing Challenge | A Guy Named DaveJust <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">because</span> I have my own blog doesn't mean I've stopped reading others. Here's a fun <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">experiment</span> to find out what really matters. Even if you don't actually limit yourself to 100 things. Could you identify the 100 things you can't live without. We are not talking about being on a desert island and you <em>have</em> to eat and such. This is more if you moved to a 500 sq. ft. apartment and had no storage, what would you need day-to-day.<br />
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Once you get to that point, could you be happy living a minimalist lifestyle? Don't ask me, I've never tried, and as long as there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maxx</span> near me, I may never succeed, but it's an interesting concept and one I'm going to give a whirl. What the hey, we'll call it my Lenten goal.<br />
<a href="http://guynameddave.com/about-the-100-thing-challenge/">About the 100 Thing Challenge A Guy Named Dave</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-33181979406346931062011-03-02T10:21:00.001-05:002011-03-10T09:57:25.336-05:00Making everything a learning experience<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the first fears I had about embarking on the Home Schooling of my poor unsuspecting little girl was that I was going to somehow warp her mind and stunt her growth by not teaching her whatever it is they teach in school. After reading countless blogs and books and articles and well-meaning posts I'm a little more comfortable with the "world as a classroom".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turns out, everything we as adults take for granted is brand-spanking new to the little monster. All of a sudden, every little errand becomes a field trip and every mundane chore a lesson. Now I'm not saying every day is a picnic or I've turned into a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><a href="http://www.duggarfamily.com/">Duggar</a></span>, I'm just saying I think I'm really going to like spending time with my daughter that doesn't revolve around taking turns on who gets to pick the TV show.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A comparison of Kindergarten Math (30 minutes)</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>In school:</strong> Lorelei would be given a worksheet of triangles and squares, something akin to "square, square, triangle, square, square, ______" what comes next? Lorelei walks away with a gold star and secure in the knowledge that she can keep up with the rest of the class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>At home:</strong> While making lasagna, we discuss what our favorite ingredients are, Lorelei mixes learns the names of and mixes three different kinds of cheese, pick our fresh herbs from the garden, and determine a pattern of Noodles, Cheese, Vegetables, Sauce. While the lasagna cooks, we go on a little nature walk, learn about mushroom, read street signs, identify and pick flowers and discuss her day at the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">baby sitter's</span>. At the table we decide squash is better the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">zucchini</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">because</span> yellow is prettier than green but both are good because they are healthy vegetables.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Home: 1 - School: 0</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Farewell from Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5643749331172873825.post-30861774417738042802011-03-01T11:44:00.001-05:002011-03-10T09:54:52.709-05:00Because I can...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello world. Not that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">any one's</span> reading this yet but you will. I suppose I'll start with introductions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>My name is Amanda</strong> and I have no idea how I got here. Scratch that, I have a very good idea as to how I got here but I can't remember sitting down and plotting out my course to end up here. In fact, I don't remember plotting any course. Yesterday I was ditching Spanish II to walk down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McD's</span></span> and today I'm writing curriculum notes to home school my daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That about sums it up I suppose. But for those of you who like a little more information. I am a single (okay divorced but I hate saying it) mom of an amazing little girl who some days I want to drop kick. I work too hard for a national TV network (don't want to say who because I'm not really sure about legality and such). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Why am I blogging?</strong> Because after weeks of searching I have yet to find a truly helpful resource in single-parenting, fully-employed home schooling. Then there's the strange yet hard-won lessons of living 40 years in the span of 25 (I get a lot done in a day). That and I love to write but don't have the attention span (or time) for the Great American Novel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So the hope is to a get a little something started. Some insights from the front line on what it's like to raise, support and teach a child while investing in your body, mind, soul and career.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I haven't scared you away yet, welcome to the Great American Experiment. The new generation of movers and shakers.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to Bat Country</span></em>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373717983379442370noreply@blogger.com1