Going Green . . . or. . . Decisively Desperate?

Our clothes dryer has been broken for a couple of weeks now.

At first we did tiny loads and hung things around the house, but today Baby Boy and I were feeling inspired, so we decided to make use of the fantabulous weather we've been having.

Well, it's too hot for people to be outside, but it's just right for drying laundry.

Actually, everything smells so clean and feels so fresh, we may just keep it up awhile, you know until the Homeowners' Association sends around that pesky cease and desist letter, LOL.

 

In case you're wondering, yes, that is the old skeleton of one of those portable cabanas you take to the beach.  We haven't been to the beach in a while, so at least it's getting used for something. 

Until next time . . .

It's a GRADUATION CELEBRATION!!!

Our homeschool group had a fabulous end-of-the-year-non-graduation-graduation-celebration this weekend.

It was a great way to socialize, eat, dance, honor the graduates who wanted to be honored and not honor the graduates who did not want to be honored.  How's that for diversity, LOL.

Talking about the homeschool experience and plans for the future.  

Opening gifts that will be of good use during his college days.

First look at the diploma. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

It's not a party until everyone dances with Grandma! 

Remember the Macarena?

The friend-who's-a-girl-but-definitely-not-his-girlfriend . . . or whatever. 

We had such a great time and the mood was lighthearted and festive enough that I didn't have to cry at all. 

We all danced and laughed and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning.  Mom #2 and I felt so grown up.  We're usually in bed by 10:30 PM, LOL.  

I think we all consider that a complete success.  

Until next time . . .

Collegiate Grades and Homeschool Reflections

Grades are in.  A's and B's all around!  YAH!!!

So . . . Baby Boy is finishing up with his Chemistry co-op class this week and that will be the "official" end of his high school studies.

We're taking summer session together at the community college and then I am thinking of transferring to one of the local universities in the fall since I have some credits left over from my first attempt at higher education. 

That is, of course, provided the financial aide package is on point.  If not, we'll both be back at the community college in the fall, LOL.  I think I can do one more semester there without going over the amount of transferable credits. 

I'm pretty late applying, and I know that the good money goes to the early birds.  I'm writing scholarship essays like nobody's business.  If anyone has an award winning essay they would like to part with for a small fee . . . email me.  Just kidding.  Well, not really.  Sort of.

Naturally, I'm starting to reflect back on what homeschooling and the strange progression of the last few months has meant to both of us.  Baby Boy is taking it all in stride.  I'm having mini breakdowns three or four times a day, LOL.  I'm all about the feelings.

The real light bulb moment came when I was writing an application essay.  They wanted to know my background and interests and how I came to be in the position to apply for entrance to their school.  As I sat in front of the keyboard grasping for some order in my crazy life, it suddenly hit me!

All of those years, I thought I was teaching him, but it really has become something of a paradox.  I have learned so much from him over the years.  He has taught me to have patience with those who are less capable than I am.  He taught me to slow down and relish the process instead of rushing to the reward.  He taught me that when someone doesn’t understand what I am saying, it is unacceptable to simply repeat.  I have to think hard and actually find a new, different and innovative way to express myself.  He taught me that when in an impossible situation, giving up is not an option.  Creative crisis management is always in order.  Most importantly, he has given me a love of learning.  When I was younger, I was a good student, but not an enthusiastic one.  I have learned in these few years that learning is not only necessary but it is fun.  An adventure, if you will. 

It was such an amazing journey that he and I shared.  Now it is time for us to both fulfill our own individual educational goals.  I will always be proud of him and I hope he is proud of me as well.   

We'll be attending a small graduation party this weekend.  I'm going to see if I can cry all week so that I run out of tears and don't embarrass both him and myself at the party.   Wish me luck with that, LOL.


Until next time . . .

Nothing Turns to Something

I have been sooooooooo busy doing absolutely nothing! 

It's been wonderful!  Fabulous!  Incredible!

Of course today I'm starting my housework, paperwork, all that fun (NOT!) stuff I've been neglecting so far this week.  But it certainly has been fun-filled neglectful few days.

Oh, I'm short on words because I'm dieting.  The words I'm really feeling aren't appropriate for daytime viewing. 

** Email me later on tonight . . . and I'll give you a scathing review of how I feel about dieting, LOL.**

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Until next time . . .

The Beginning? The End? I'm Not Sure.

Today is the last day of the semester.

Baby Boy and I have given everything we have to give.  E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

This has been such a learning experience for both of us.

Baby Boy with it being his first time in a classroom in ages . . . since elementary school.  Dealing with personalities that aren't his or mine or Mom #2's.  Dealing with much stricter deadlines and expectations than I gave him.  I've really tried to prepare him, but Mom is Mom.  If you aren't there yet, you'll know what I mean soon.  You can do all the hard work and still have a little shock.  Actually you can have a lot of shock.  Trust Me.

As for myself, I haven't been in school in almost twenty years and I am learning how to deal with EVERYTHING.  I can't begin to tell you how different it is squeezing school and homework and studying in with all my regular Motherly and Wifely duties.  I think I may be delirious.  I'm not sure yet.  I'll let you know later, LOL.  I'm dealing with shock too.  Maybe more than Baby Boy.  Who's to say?

RIGHT NOW we are both sitting at the computer like fiends and hitting refresh, refresh, refresh, waiting for final grades to come in.  We're both cautiously optimistic.  We've worked hard.  That's what really matters.

Right?

Well, that AND making all As.

I know.  I have a problem.

It should be a great two weeks . . . you know . . . until Summer Session begins. 

Until next time . . .