Johnstons
Susan and I met just after I graduated from Gordon. She and I have a mutual friend, Erin, who introduced us. We got to know each other pretty well in the 2 years that Dave and I lived in Salem before we moved to New York. Our lives have changed a lot in the last 8 years. She is married and has 4 children and recently moved to Newark. I am married with 2 and have been settling more and more into Brooklyn. We each have kids that are distinctly atypical in their own ways. Lately we have been seeing a lot more of Susan and her family. Once a week we’ve been getting together to bake or work on art projects or science experiments. Our kids get along really, really well…something that I’m surprised at and grateful for. And really, I just like being with Susan herself. Seeing Susan and her family has become pretty important to me. I just wish the tolls on the drive to Newark weren’t so expensive!
Jacques Torres
It’s probably not entirely accurate to say that it’s a daily indulgence. Near daily is closer to the truth. Perhaps we could even narrow it more according to season. Near daily in cooler weather. Always on rainy days. Often on snowy ones too. I’ve even tried to find ways to have it iced in the summer, but it’s not quite the same, so I’ve given up on that. So, near daily in cooler weather, around 2 or 3 in the afternoon I warm some water on the stove, scoop some fancy Jacques Torres hot chocolate mix into a large mug and indulge. Oh my. It is so good.
Learning At Home
About a month after I wrote the entry “Kindergarten, my son is in” things shifted dramatically. Little problems began to snowball until Andrew started melting down in the classroom like we have never seen before. So, at the end of November, at the advice of his Developmental Pediatrician, I took him out of school and applied for homeschooling approval. I am planning on working with him from home until I find a classroom that is specifically geared towards kids like Andrew.
I find this a scary position to be in. I am constantly second-guessing myself. I have heard over and over again that Special Education in this city is a battle and that we need to be battle-ready. That parents have to fight for their kids to get what they need. There are so many days when I wonder if I have it in me.
But, I really enjoy teaching Andrew. I really like our lifestyle right now. We have a scheduled, structured day. He is still getting his therapies twice a week. He goes to Art Class on Mondays. And at home, he’s clipping right along with his reading, writing and math. My background in teaching is coming in quite handy, not only because I feel comfortable with the material I want to cover, but I also find the process so interesting. I love watching kids learn, my kids especially.
Live, Saturday Night
Kirsten Wiig is so dang talented I cannot even believe it.
8 comments:
I agree that your teaching background is a plus in your situation. I don't think I could do it...
Hi Robin! I'm a friend of the Aja-Sig's and long time reader of your blog. Love it!
I included a reference to your blog on my blog today. I can't cook for squat and your blog always makes me hungry! It's about that.
http://happilyhomesewn.blogspot.com/2011/01/andjust-to-keep-you-guessinga-recipe.html
Cheers!
I know I couldn't do home schooling, not that it's that popular in the UK. With your background, I know you'll be a huge success and Andrew is so lucky to have you for his Mummy School.
"L" is for Like!
I thought I should mention that I wish there could be a "like" button like there is on Facebook. I know Dave is the FBer and not you, but you know how it works, right? Sometimes I don't have a comment to make but really enjoy the post and wish I could just click that 'like' button to let you know I stopped by and appreciated it all!
And it cracked me up that you used Saturday Night Live as an "L" entry. Were you desperate for another 'L' option?!
LOVE the idea of a "like" button. Especially for the days when I post a story and I know folks read it and don't really have anything to say...so they don't say anything. But then I feel like "wait. was that a dumb post?" ;) A like button would be perfect for that kind of thing!
And as far as SNL...Dave and I are actually SNL junkies (do you know he's done work for them??) and I wanted to include it somewhere...so it was more "where can I fit this?" instead of "what else for L?"
Dave has worked for so many neat organizations!
So, I know this is an old post but I like your blog SO MUCH that sometimes I read it again when my reader is empty :)
And I'm just commenting to say that I think we should combine both of your J things next time we get together :)
So, I know this is an old post but I like your blog SO MUCH that sometimes I read it again when my reader is empty :)
And I'm just commenting to say that I think we should combine both of your J things next time we get together :)
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