I don’t know how not to lead. That might sound strange to you, but it’s true. I am almost pathologically unable to sit still, be quiet, not jump in and take charge, particularly if there’s a problem to be solved. I do know how to follow, but when there’s a gaping void of leadership, I can’t ignore it. I must fill it. It’s how...

Two important blogging events coming up: Blog Action Day, October 15, 2008, where bloggers will blog to bring awareness to the issue of poverty, and Bloggers Unite for Refugees United on November 10, 2008. I will be participating in both events, and I encourage you to, too. First up is Blog Action Day on October 15th. Poverty is the topic and the Blog Action Day...

Remember the art program PDD attended at the end of the school year? Well, when we went to her ‘exhibit’ the last week of the program, we found out that the art museum has special program on the second Saturday of every month (that’s free!) where families can go and participate in art projects. Second Saturday in June we participated in a scavenger...

So, ok, as I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, I SUCK at things like NaBloPoMo. I post much more often when I’m not trying to post everyday than I do when I am trying to post everday. Must be the inner rebel in me…I don’t know. But I’ve decided to do a little experiment: July’s NaBloPoMo theme is: Food. Now, come on – can...

Today is my last day of school – I’m out of days to sub. Yes, here in Oklahoma, we are limited as to the number of days we can substitute teach. But, I suppose it’s also because you can be a substitute teacher with only a high school diploma. I guess they call themselves limiting their liability that way. Whatever. I will be the first to admit that...

It’s been several weeks since my new windows were installed, but finally I have a picture for you here of the best feature of these windows: they OPEN! As I type this, 9 of the 12 windows in the house are wide open, and it’s a beautiful thing! This particular picture is the view from my desk. The kids’ computers are in front of me, one on either...

The first time I sub in a new class, I don’t care what subject, I tell them the following: “Here’s the real deal, folks. Getting a high school diploma today does not show the world you have received a basic education. It simply means you’ve proven you can put up with the BS of an outdated system for 4 years and get that required piece of...

Second Son and I went to my parents’ house this weekend to help Dad with a few projects. Prima Donna Daughter was at her dad’s this weekend, so SS and I went out Friday night and came back last night. We got there about 6:30pm and spent a little time outside with Dad surveying the proposed projects (digging up rocks, lining the ditch at the end of the...

Wednesday night, after all the dog and website drama here, Baby Sister came over to hang the curtains she’d made for my room and Second Son’s room, only to find we had the wrong length of rod for mine and Second Son’s she deemed too short (thanks to me trusting the contractor who told me that Second Son’s windows were the same height as the...

Yes, we all survived Spring Break, hallelujah! It was touch and go a couple of times, but we made it. No stretch of days seems to pass here lately without some serious life lessons involved. Life lesson realizations, more accurately. You know, when I made the decision to take Adopted Son in, I knew what I was up against bringing someone everyone else in the world...