pause and think about it

So, You’re New to Online Learning…

March 21, 2020

I have been homeschooling my son for a little over three years. Technically, it’s online learning and not considered homeschool, but the concept is the same. My son is enrolled at an online public charter school. He has teachers that instruct him, but I am his learning coach. Every day, I take on the role of a teacher, administrator, lunch lady… You get the idea.

Just like many of you, we started online learning in the midst of a disaster. Soon after my son was enrolled in his new school, we were hit by a hurricane… … More So, You’re New to Online Learning…

Year in Review

December 31, 2017

It has been an interesting year, to say the least. Looking back, I have a lot to be thankful for. Sure, there were many unpleasant moments, but I’m not the sort to dwell on the negative… not anymore. These days, people’s memories are measured with the photos they take on their cell phone. I have … More Year in Review

The Conservatory

October 5, 2017

I found three four five frogs in the house yesterday morning. I found two or three the day before. They came in with my plants when I brought them in for the winter. It’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last. It happens every year, and I’ve come to accept the … More The Conservatory

Choose to Stand

September 30, 2017

I guess I’m one of those people who just don’t get it. I know who started the latest trend of protesting our national anthem. Colin Kaepernick chose to sit on the bench rather than stand at attention. Why? Well, it’s because he is “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for … More Choose to Stand

A Happy Ending and a New Beginning

June 4, 2017

My son and I have spent the last three months working hard to finish up our homeschool year. I have had a lot experiences and thoughts to share, but I lacked the motivation to write about them. Sure, I started to write a few blog posts, but I couldn’t bring myself to publish them. I’m … More A Happy Ending and a New Beginning

And the Rocket’s Red Glare

February 27, 2017

Most people know that our national anthem originated from the war of 1812, but not many know that the tune the poem Francis Scott Key wrote is set to was normally sung by drunken folks in pubs like an Irish shanty. While teaching my son his history lessons today, I realized how much more there … More And the Rocket’s Red Glare

I Protest to Your Protest

February 23, 2017

I used to have a different view on education than I do now. I started out in private school in California in my elementary years. It was a good school. My parents had a difficult time getting my teachers to understand my problems with eating sugary treats, but other than that, my experience was pretty … More I Protest to Your Protest

All or Nothing

January 16, 2017

I think I’ve figured out one of the biggest reasons the world seems to be on fire. People have forgotten how to compromise. We live in an all or nothing world, and it’s killing us. We must all agree on everything or we can’t be friends. We have to belong to the same religion or … More All or Nothing

Baby It’s Cold Outside

January 11, 2017

I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter lately about a modern revamp of the song Baby It’s Cold Outside written by Frank Loesser in 1944. The song was written for the movie Neptune’s Daughter which premiered in 1949. Many artists have covered the song over the decades since it debuted. I must confess, it ranks … More Baby It’s Cold Outside

That Time I Accepted That I’m a Quitter

November 26, 2016

I don’t like giving up. Quitters never win. Or do they? I seem to be doing a lot of quitting lately. Am I setting the right example for my son? In school, quitting is a bad thing. Dropping out of high school changes your life, and not for the better. It affects your ability to … More That Time I Accepted That I’m a Quitter

A journey to fulfillment