For those of you who did NOT see when I posted this on facebook...
I am so very proud.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Musings
I know, I know, I'm on a roll with this whole blogging business. I go weeks without a post, then BAM! You get three posts in a week. What can I say? I guess I had a lot to say this week.
I've been thinking a lot today about the attack ten years ago. If you're friends with me on facebook then you know that I am a facebook junkie. But a couple weeks ago I read something a friend posted there that left a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to deactivate my account (I have since reactivated it at Ernie's request, since he's so far away and wants to stay updated with pictures and stuff). This anonymous friend said something along the lines of, "Why do people keep telling me to remember 9/11? It happened, get over it. I wish they'd all f-off."
We are incredibly lucky to live near Ernie's family (this is related, so please bear with me). He has cousins who live about 30 minutes away from us. I love them. They are kind and accepting and pull Lily and me into their family as if we've always been there. They are really amazing. Well, a couple of weeks ago they threw me a little birthday party, which was especially thoughtful since Ernie wasn't here and I was feeling a little sorry for myself. At the party, Loyda was telling me about a trip she took with her daughter's class to D.C. They visited the Holocaust museum and the kids didn't even know what the Holocaust was all about. Being slightly history-obsessed, I realize that I know and care more about history that the average joe, but I don't think I was unjustified in being horrified. I mean, not knowing the details of the Revolutionary War, or the War of 1812 or the Civil War or the Spanish-American War is understandable. Still horrifying to me, but understandable. But there are still people alive today who experienced the Holocaust. That there are people who don't know about it today is astonishing and - really - quite sad.
Ernie - and I'm certain many others - doesn't understand my obsession with history. He sees all my books as more of a nuisance than anything else. For me, I don't understand how anyone can NOT be interested in history. By analyzing the social, political, and economic threads of the past, the study of history gives us the skills to analyze those threads in the present. More importantly, when we as a people don't know where we've been - don't understand what was sacrificed to get us to where we are - we become complacent and apathetic. Then we become vulnerable. Vulnerable to demagogues like Hitler, who was really quite charming and persuasive. We are the sum of our history - good and bad - and those who don't understand that are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.
We can't truly move forward and progress as a society without an understanding of our history. Knowing the trials and sacrifices of the past pushes me to do better - *be* better. The difference between success and failure has nothing to do with money or privilege. It has to do with motivation. When we become complacent, we lose our motivation. Our drive. As individuals, this is scary enough, but as a country it is terrifying. Because then we are on the verge of losing the freedoms that millions have fought and died for. The freedoms we so cavalierly take for granted. Talk about dishonoring their memory.
Anyhow, the point of my rambling post is that I will continue to remember and talk about September 11th, just as I will continue to remember and discuss the other terrible and awesome events of the past. I don't care who that annoys or makes uncomfortable. And it has nothing to do with perpetuating a cycle of fear, or any other such drivel people spout about September 11th. And it has NOTHING to do with politics. It has to do with reminding myself and others that freedom doesn't come free. That isn't just a platitude, so think about it for a moment. We cannot sit idly by and expect to retain our freedom without effort and understanding. Because there will come a time when we have to stop relying on others to do the heavy lifting. A time when we will have to save ourselves. I hope that we are up to the task.
I've been thinking a lot today about the attack ten years ago. If you're friends with me on facebook then you know that I am a facebook junkie. But a couple weeks ago I read something a friend posted there that left a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to deactivate my account (I have since reactivated it at Ernie's request, since he's so far away and wants to stay updated with pictures and stuff). This anonymous friend said something along the lines of, "Why do people keep telling me to remember 9/11? It happened, get over it. I wish they'd all f-off."
We are incredibly lucky to live near Ernie's family (this is related, so please bear with me). He has cousins who live about 30 minutes away from us. I love them. They are kind and accepting and pull Lily and me into their family as if we've always been there. They are really amazing. Well, a couple of weeks ago they threw me a little birthday party, which was especially thoughtful since Ernie wasn't here and I was feeling a little sorry for myself. At the party, Loyda was telling me about a trip she took with her daughter's class to D.C. They visited the Holocaust museum and the kids didn't even know what the Holocaust was all about. Being slightly history-obsessed, I realize that I know and care more about history that the average joe, but I don't think I was unjustified in being horrified. I mean, not knowing the details of the Revolutionary War, or the War of 1812 or the Civil War or the Spanish-American War is understandable. Still horrifying to me, but understandable. But there are still people alive today who experienced the Holocaust. That there are people who don't know about it today is astonishing and - really - quite sad.
Ernie - and I'm certain many others - doesn't understand my obsession with history. He sees all my books as more of a nuisance than anything else. For me, I don't understand how anyone can NOT be interested in history. By analyzing the social, political, and economic threads of the past, the study of history gives us the skills to analyze those threads in the present. More importantly, when we as a people don't know where we've been - don't understand what was sacrificed to get us to where we are - we become complacent and apathetic. Then we become vulnerable. Vulnerable to demagogues like Hitler, who was really quite charming and persuasive. We are the sum of our history - good and bad - and those who don't understand that are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.
We can't truly move forward and progress as a society without an understanding of our history. Knowing the trials and sacrifices of the past pushes me to do better - *be* better. The difference between success and failure has nothing to do with money or privilege. It has to do with motivation. When we become complacent, we lose our motivation. Our drive. As individuals, this is scary enough, but as a country it is terrifying. Because then we are on the verge of losing the freedoms that millions have fought and died for. The freedoms we so cavalierly take for granted. Talk about dishonoring their memory.
Anyhow, the point of my rambling post is that I will continue to remember and talk about September 11th, just as I will continue to remember and discuss the other terrible and awesome events of the past. I don't care who that annoys or makes uncomfortable. And it has nothing to do with perpetuating a cycle of fear, or any other such drivel people spout about September 11th. And it has NOTHING to do with politics. It has to do with reminding myself and others that freedom doesn't come free. That isn't just a platitude, so think about it for a moment. We cannot sit idly by and expect to retain our freedom without effort and understanding. Because there will come a time when we have to stop relying on others to do the heavy lifting. A time when we will have to save ourselves. I hope that we are up to the task.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The year's last, loveliest smile
Mmmm....Do you smell that? This morning I woke up filled with excitement. The smell of fall was everywhere, filing my senses and giving me cozy dreams of sweaters, pretty scarves and warm colors. Fall has always been my favorite time of year. As an Arizona girl, I looked forward to bidding adieu to the blistering heat. In California I waited with anticipation for the world to blaze with golds, reds and oranges. In the south, I can't wait for our walks in the crisp, soft morning air, steaming cups of hot cocoa and woolly, oversized sweaters. Everywhere I go, the result is still the same. I love Fall.
It's funny, really, that I've always associated Fall with warmth, considering it is the time of year when the temperatures begin to drop. But something about this season just *feels* warm. It's like comfort food.
So to commemorate the changing off the seasons, Lily and I took a trip to Fort Clinch State Park. It was the first day since we got here that wasn't too hot to go traipsing around the place for longer than five minutes. What better way to kick of the season than a day spent enjoying its beauty.
And of course, seeing as how we live in Florida, we couldn't have a day out without a jaunt down to the beach for a little sea shell collecting
It was a wonderful day. The kind that makes you wonder why you don't take the time to enjoy the beautiful world we live in more often. The kind that makes you grateful to be alive and experiencing the wonder of this world. It was, in short, the perfect Fall day.
(PS: yes, I know it isn't actually Fall yet. But it *feels* Fall-y. Ya dig?)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Decorated with guaranteed happiness
At the risk of sounding redundant, we've had a busy couple of weeks, the Bug and I. The most notable being getting hit by Hurricane Irene and celebrating Lily's 4th birthday. I should preface this by saying both those statements are misleading. First, we were not actually *hit* by the Hurricane (thank goodness), and, second, Lily is not actually four-years-old yet (also, thank goodness).
After days of watching the Hurricane's path and getting all prepared with water, food, batteries, candles and all that fun stuff we would need in the event it did hit us, I was somewhat diappointed that Irene veered off course. I know how crazy that sounds. I mean, who actually *wants* to be hit by a hurricane. Especially living on a small barrier island. But I can't change who I am, and who I am was kinda looking forward to experiencing it.
But I digress.
So, the hurricane didn't actually hit us, but rather passed by about 200 miles off shore. Lily and I took the dog down to the beach to watch the monster waves Irene brought with her and to collect some pretty spectacular treasures that washed up on the shore in her wake.
There is just something about watching Lily play in the sand and/or the waves that brings me such joy. I can't define exactly what it is. Maybe it is just the quintessential picture of a joyful child on the beach. Or maybe it is that the worries and stresses of the real world seem a million miles away when we're there, just enjoying the beauty of the day. I don't know. But whatever the reason, there really is nothing better than spending a morning or afternoon relaxing at the beach. Even during a hurricane ;)
Now, onto our next notable event. Lily's 4th Birthday.
So, several weeks ago I made a last-minute decision to celebrate Lily's 4th birthday over Labor Day weekend, even though it is weeks before her actual birthday. I did this for several reasons. First, most of you probably know that Ernie is currently on a job in Texas. He had five days off for the holiday and was flying home. Since he would be there then, and not on her actual birthday - and Lily really wanted to celebrate with her Daddy - that weekend seemed perfect. Also, the water park where I wanted to hold the party was closed after Labor Day, so it was either schedule it early, or re-think the venue.
It was a great party. The greatest part, I'll have to admit, was the fact that there was really very little preparation required. The park provided everything but the cake and ice cream. We got there five minutes early, threw out a few tablecloths and some balloons, and were good to go. I didn't have to worry about entertainment, as the kids had to be bribed to come out of the water. The park workers brought out the food and drinks at 11:30 and the cake at noon. Then we just rolled the garbage into the tablecloths and dumped it all in the trash. Five minute setup and five minute cleanup. Now *that* is my kind of party.
Thanks to being able to swim in Grandma and Grandpa's pool almost everyday this summer, Lily was a pro at swiming by the time her party came around this year. She was so proud of going into the deep end all by herself. She spent hours in the water, only coming out for food and (of course!) presents. Now, keep in mind that in the day preceeding this party she'd stayed up until well after midnight since her Daddy had just come home. So she was very sleep deprived, amped up on sugar and the excitement of her party, *and* she'd been swimming and running around more or less non-stop for over four hours. It is, therefore, probably unsurprising that this is how we found her before we even left the parking lot of the water park:
It was a fun weekend. But it was also bittersweet, since we had to say goodbye to Ernie again on Tuesday. The next time we'll see him is Thanksgiving. I'm not going to lie, it is tough. But you do what you have to do and carry on as best you can.
Luckily, I've got this ray of sunshine to make my life easier.
After days of watching the Hurricane's path and getting all prepared with water, food, batteries, candles and all that fun stuff we would need in the event it did hit us, I was somewhat diappointed that Irene veered off course. I know how crazy that sounds. I mean, who actually *wants* to be hit by a hurricane. Especially living on a small barrier island. But I can't change who I am, and who I am was kinda looking forward to experiencing it.
But I digress.
So, the hurricane didn't actually hit us, but rather passed by about 200 miles off shore. Lily and I took the dog down to the beach to watch the monster waves Irene brought with her and to collect some pretty spectacular treasures that washed up on the shore in her wake.
There is just something about watching Lily play in the sand and/or the waves that brings me such joy. I can't define exactly what it is. Maybe it is just the quintessential picture of a joyful child on the beach. Or maybe it is that the worries and stresses of the real world seem a million miles away when we're there, just enjoying the beauty of the day. I don't know. But whatever the reason, there really is nothing better than spending a morning or afternoon relaxing at the beach. Even during a hurricane ;)
Now, onto our next notable event. Lily's 4th Birthday.
So, several weeks ago I made a last-minute decision to celebrate Lily's 4th birthday over Labor Day weekend, even though it is weeks before her actual birthday. I did this for several reasons. First, most of you probably know that Ernie is currently on a job in Texas. He had five days off for the holiday and was flying home. Since he would be there then, and not on her actual birthday - and Lily really wanted to celebrate with her Daddy - that weekend seemed perfect. Also, the water park where I wanted to hold the party was closed after Labor Day, so it was either schedule it early, or re-think the venue.
It was a great party. The greatest part, I'll have to admit, was the fact that there was really very little preparation required. The park provided everything but the cake and ice cream. We got there five minutes early, threw out a few tablecloths and some balloons, and were good to go. I didn't have to worry about entertainment, as the kids had to be bribed to come out of the water. The park workers brought out the food and drinks at 11:30 and the cake at noon. Then we just rolled the garbage into the tablecloths and dumped it all in the trash. Five minute setup and five minute cleanup. Now *that* is my kind of party.
Thanks to being able to swim in Grandma and Grandpa's pool almost everyday this summer, Lily was a pro at swiming by the time her party came around this year. She was so proud of going into the deep end all by herself. She spent hours in the water, only coming out for food and (of course!) presents. Now, keep in mind that in the day preceeding this party she'd stayed up until well after midnight since her Daddy had just come home. So she was very sleep deprived, amped up on sugar and the excitement of her party, *and* she'd been swimming and running around more or less non-stop for over four hours. It is, therefore, probably unsurprising that this is how we found her before we even left the parking lot of the water park:
It was a fun weekend. But it was also bittersweet, since we had to say goodbye to Ernie again on Tuesday. The next time we'll see him is Thanksgiving. I'm not going to lie, it is tough. But you do what you have to do and carry on as best you can.
Luckily, I've got this ray of sunshine to make my life easier.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sew-saw Margery Daw
The other night Lily and I were going through our nightly ritual of bedtime story/song and snuggle. During our snuggle time, Lily told me that some day she was going to be the same age as me. I told her she would, but by then I would be an old lady. After a brief, horrified pause, she promptly burst into tears. It took some coaxing, but I finally discovered that the source of her tears was that she didn't want me to be an old lady because then I wouldn't be her mommy any more. Of course, I lovingly comforted her and explained that I would always be her mommy forever and ever and nothing could change that. Secretly, it made my heart swell. It is nice to be so very loved.
Lily is a constant source of joy and happiness for me. She is constantly amazing me and making me laugh. We started preschool last week and I'll admit, I was a little worried. Last year we did a sort of daily preschool-like schedule which consisted of arts & crafts and storytime. All total, it lasted for about an hour a day. But this year I wanted a more structured schedule to get her ready for kindergarten. So I got some books and lots of supplies and set up a 3.5 hour schedule. I was nervous, but Lily loves it so much that I'm considering adding an extra hour starting next week. And she's doing really well. So far, I am digging the whole "homeschool" vibe. I still am vascillating over doing this long-term, though. There is a constant battle within myself about public school. Not only do I feel that the quality of public education leaves something to be desired, but I worry about the kinds of things Lily would be exposed to from her peers. The practical side of me realizes that I can't raise her in a vaccum. She will be exposed to bad influences no matter what I decide. But the control-freak side of me likes the greater control I have with homeschooling. Who knows what I will decide (certainly not I)
Right now we are focusing on phonetic reading and writing (ps: anyone with experience with this is welcomed to give me advice). She already knew some sight words from last year, and she knows the sounds of the alphabet as well, so it has been a remarkably easy process. Plus, her attention span has grown quite a bit from last year, so she can focus on her tasks without me feeling like I'm going to pull out my hair.
While I didn't want to make our preschool cirriculum so strict as to stunt Lily's creativity and self-expression, I did want to get her used to learning in a more structured environment. But with a kid as imaginative as Lily, I didn't have anything to worry about. After a circle time devoted to learning about India, she made herself a zebra-striped sari and built a palace in her bedroom, declaring herself an "Indian Princess".
After preschool, I always try to take Lily on a field trip. She loves to go on nature walks and trys to spell the different things we see. Our favorite field trip (perhaps not surprisingly) is the beach. In trying to keep these field trips educations-oriented, I discovered that I am woefully lacking in the marine-knowledge department. Lily has endless questions about everything from the waves, to the sand, to the seaweed, to the shells and animals we find. And truthfully, I have very few answers. I am, after all, an Arizona girl, born and bred. Luckily, between the internet and the local library, I've found a wealth of information. We spent an hour on Monday looking at and discussing these beautiful pictures of sand. I've always felt that science and education inspire creativity, and I definitely see that opinion confirmed in Lily. The more she learns about the world, the more wonder she sees in the things around her and the more she wants to express herself.
She is a very busy girl, this daughter of mine. Between preschool, field trips and dance/drama classes, she is busy from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. But I try to make it fun for her. That is going to be my constant struggle if I do decide to stick with this homeschooling experiment. Keeping her mind engaged and making school enjoyable while still teaching her the things she needs to know.
And of course, finding time to spend with her when we can just enjoy each other's company has become even more of a priority for me.
Our schedule most days goes a little something like this:
7:30: Breakfast
8:00: Bath/hair/teeth
9:00: Free play, usually with molding clay or blocks
9:30: Circle Time
10:00: Phonics
10:30: Science
10:45: Snack
11:00: Arts & Crafts
11:30: Lunch
11:45: Math
12:00: Music time
12:15: Storytime
12:30: Quiet time
1:30: Field trip
3:30: Extracurricular class
4:30: Mommy/daughter date
I started this post about a week ago and haven't had a chance to finish, so I will just end it now rather abruptly and bid you all adieu. Yep, I'm just mysterious that way. Have a great weekend!
Lily is a constant source of joy and happiness for me. She is constantly amazing me and making me laugh. We started preschool last week and I'll admit, I was a little worried. Last year we did a sort of daily preschool-like schedule which consisted of arts & crafts and storytime. All total, it lasted for about an hour a day. But this year I wanted a more structured schedule to get her ready for kindergarten. So I got some books and lots of supplies and set up a 3.5 hour schedule. I was nervous, but Lily loves it so much that I'm considering adding an extra hour starting next week. And she's doing really well. So far, I am digging the whole "homeschool" vibe. I still am vascillating over doing this long-term, though. There is a constant battle within myself about public school. Not only do I feel that the quality of public education leaves something to be desired, but I worry about the kinds of things Lily would be exposed to from her peers. The practical side of me realizes that I can't raise her in a vaccum. She will be exposed to bad influences no matter what I decide. But the control-freak side of me likes the greater control I have with homeschooling. Who knows what I will decide (certainly not I)
Right now we are focusing on phonetic reading and writing (ps: anyone with experience with this is welcomed to give me advice). She already knew some sight words from last year, and she knows the sounds of the alphabet as well, so it has been a remarkably easy process. Plus, her attention span has grown quite a bit from last year, so she can focus on her tasks without me feeling like I'm going to pull out my hair.
While I didn't want to make our preschool cirriculum so strict as to stunt Lily's creativity and self-expression, I did want to get her used to learning in a more structured environment. But with a kid as imaginative as Lily, I didn't have anything to worry about. After a circle time devoted to learning about India, she made herself a zebra-striped sari and built a palace in her bedroom, declaring herself an "Indian Princess".
She is a very busy girl, this daughter of mine. Between preschool, field trips and dance/drama classes, she is busy from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. But I try to make it fun for her. That is going to be my constant struggle if I do decide to stick with this homeschooling experiment. Keeping her mind engaged and making school enjoyable while still teaching her the things she needs to know.
Our schedule most days goes a little something like this:
7:30: Breakfast
8:00: Bath/hair/teeth
9:00: Free play, usually with molding clay or blocks
9:30: Circle Time
10:00: Phonics
10:30: Science
10:45: Snack
11:00: Arts & Crafts
11:30: Lunch
11:45: Math
12:00: Music time
12:15: Storytime
12:30: Quiet time
1:30: Field trip
3:30: Extracurricular class
4:30: Mommy/daughter date
I started this post about a week ago and haven't had a chance to finish, so I will just end it now rather abruptly and bid you all adieu. Yep, I'm just mysterious that way. Have a great weekend!
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