I had such a nice dream this morning; I was lying in bed in the partially awake state and I had such a vivid dream. I was at home (the home I grew up in, in Saskatoon) and I was packing my lunch to go to work at school. Also there was my sister Ruth and Jean Borsheim and her son Mark. I got my lunch together and explained what I had packed to Mark, had a short visit with him but I wanted to pack cookies in my lunch and we didn't have any. So I thought that Grandma would have cookies next door, so I went next door to where my grandparents lived. My grandfather walked down the short flight of steps at the back entry to let me in, and when I had come up to the kitchen, there was my grandmother, sitting around the table with my cousin Janelle and her boys. Janelle was just pulling a baked ham (baked with pineapple) out of the oven and they were obviously getting ready to eat lunch. I was thinking that Janelle was also going to be late for work - then I realized that Janelle didn't work at the school I worked at, then I realized that I didn't teach at the school I had attended when I was growing up, so I woke up.
However it was such a great dream. I'm sure I haven't seen Jean Borsheim in over 20 years, although I'm her friend on facebook. I know I haven't seen her son Mark in at least as long, if not longer. We were friends when we were in university together but after we graduated we left for opposite ends of the continent and I know I haven't seen him since. It was so nice to have a short visit with both of them, even if it was just in a dream.
Then, to get to see my grandparents again! They've been dead for a long time; my grandmother for over 30 years now, my grandfather for over 20. To see them, and to share a moment of time with them was wonderful! It was also great to see that Janelle was visiting them, and that she got to introduce her boys to them, seeing as they were born after our grandparents had died.
Even if it was only a dream, it was a great way to start my day.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Some Days are Harder than Others
I was excited this morning; I had a job interview - my fourth or fifth, and I was sure I'd get this one. I had a good interview, I think I answered the questions fully. I think I had good answers. I drove home feeling good about the whole thing. But I got a phone call saying that I didn't get the job.
I'm disappointed. I want to be working. I want to be bringing in a income. I want to feel in control. However, the truth is, even with a job - I'm never truly in control. Things can change in an instant. God's always in control and I need to remember that. He wants the best for me, and that will come in his time. I have to trust in him.
Still, it is hard. Back to prayer one again.
I'm disappointed. I want to be working. I want to be bringing in a income. I want to feel in control. However, the truth is, even with a job - I'm never truly in control. Things can change in an instant. God's always in control and I need to remember that. He wants the best for me, and that will come in his time. I have to trust in him.
Still, it is hard. Back to prayer one again.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Thankfulness
There are so many little things in my life that I can be thankful for. From when I get up in the morning to when I go to bed at night, there are a lot of small things that make me smile and be thankful.
When I first get up in the morning, I get a bowl out of the cupboard, put a small plate under it, and put a quarter cup Red River cereal in it. I add a cup of water, put it in the microwave (4 minutes at 70%; 9 minutes at 40%), and wait for it to be ready. Sometimes I go back to bed to wait. However, every morning when I open my cupboard and pull out a bowl and plate, I'm thankful for my dishes.
When I first moved to Regina, shell-shocked after having my marriage fall apart so abruptly, I moved down with my clothing and personal possessions and nothing else. The church here gave me a shower and provided me with the things I needed to make a home. The Hinnergardts gave me the dishes. I use them every day and am thankful for them, and thankful for friends who knew what I needed.
Now I have to mention that I'm also thankful for the cupboard the dishes are in. I have a fairly large kitchen with lots of cupboards (not that you can ever have too many), but the wall where my dishes are stored didn't have cupboards on it before this fall. That's when I splurged and purchased some and my brother-in-law put them up for me. Now I have my dishes stored between the dishwasher and the dining room - which is the ideal location. It's so much more convenient than it was before. I'm thankful for the many storage spaces I have throughout my house - and I'm thankful for my cupboards.
After I eat breakfast (or sometimes while I'm waiting for my porridge to be ready), I unload my dishwasher. Sometimes I do up the dishes in the sink as well - sometimes I figure they'll wait for a bit. However I taught myself years ago to be thankful while I was doing dishes. It's something that has to be done pretty much every day, and it's a bit of a pain and a nuisance, however I have the choice to either complain about it or be thankful for it. I've chosen to be thankful that I have food to eat and dishes to wash. My dishwasher is very old (the serial number starts 67 - which is the year it was manufactured I think), but it still works, and I'm very thankful for that. I'm thankful I have a dishwasher so that there's not that much I have to wash in the sink.
I usually have my sister and her husband eat supper with us, and once a week (tonight in fact) I have the rest of the family over for supper. I have a dining room with a large table, and lots of chairs. I can seat 12 around the table; any more than that and we have to expand to other rooms. I bought the table, chairs and buffet off kijiji - for a really good price. Right now my table is covered with "stuff"; I'm working on recovering the chairs and have fabric and sewing implements all over it. It'll get cleared off before supper. I have a skylight in my dining room. It means that during the day it's nice and bright in here (it's where I'm typing this up right now). It's so nice to have the natural light in here - I'd love to have another skylight in my kitchen. Last week my brother-in-law ripped the carpet out of the dining room. Right now we have the original tile showing. It's a very pretty brown, but some of the tiles have lifted out of place, and some of them have nails all over them (I'm sure that they were just nailed down firmly before they lay the carpet.) But it's much easier to sweep a floor than vacuum it; especially when we regularly have small children and toddlers eat with us. When I get a job, I'll celebrate by laying a new floor. I'm so thankful that I have the space to have family and friends over; that we can share a meal and our lives together.
After supper everyone usually moves to the living room. I have a really large living room; I've had over 40 people in it at one time; I have three couches in it, a piano, two cedar chests, three arm chairs, and lots of floor space. My couches are all second-hand, and two of them have holes where the fabric's worn through. However, they are comfortable, and until I can afford something else, they work just fine. When I first moved here, my Dad made me a front hall closet, borrowing a bit of space from the living room for it; it has a book case on the back side. The living room is large enough that I don't think anyone would notice that the closet isn't original to the house. I'm thankful that I am able to have a crowd over with lots of room for everyone. I'm so thankful for my front hall closet. I'm thankful that I have such generous parents who would build me a closet. I'm thankful that I have friends that visit regularly. (I'm really a home body and would rather have people visit than go out to visit.)
When I go to bed in the evening, I'm so thankful for my bed. I just bought myself a new bed this fall. For Christmas I bought myself new sheets (300 count, really nice.) It's an added bonus that my sheets exactly match the quilts on my bed. It's such a wonderful thing to be able to snuggle into bed, with such soft, soft sheets.
Right now my house is terribly messy, from one end of it to another. My kitchen sink is filled with dirty dishes; my living room looks like it's conquered with clutter; I have trouble walking through my bedroom because of sewing machines, sergers, sewing projects, etc. piled up in it; my dining room table is covered with clutter, and the floors all need washing, sweeping, or vacuuming. Some of it will get cleaned up before people come over this evening. Some of it won't. Oh well. I'm thankful that I know how to do the cleaning (even if I don't always have the inclination). Life is good.
When I first get up in the morning, I get a bowl out of the cupboard, put a small plate under it, and put a quarter cup Red River cereal in it. I add a cup of water, put it in the microwave (4 minutes at 70%; 9 minutes at 40%), and wait for it to be ready. Sometimes I go back to bed to wait. However, every morning when I open my cupboard and pull out a bowl and plate, I'm thankful for my dishes.
When I first moved to Regina, shell-shocked after having my marriage fall apart so abruptly, I moved down with my clothing and personal possessions and nothing else. The church here gave me a shower and provided me with the things I needed to make a home. The Hinnergardts gave me the dishes. I use them every day and am thankful for them, and thankful for friends who knew what I needed.
Now I have to mention that I'm also thankful for the cupboard the dishes are in. I have a fairly large kitchen with lots of cupboards (not that you can ever have too many), but the wall where my dishes are stored didn't have cupboards on it before this fall. That's when I splurged and purchased some and my brother-in-law put them up for me. Now I have my dishes stored between the dishwasher and the dining room - which is the ideal location. It's so much more convenient than it was before. I'm thankful for the many storage spaces I have throughout my house - and I'm thankful for my cupboards.
After I eat breakfast (or sometimes while I'm waiting for my porridge to be ready), I unload my dishwasher. Sometimes I do up the dishes in the sink as well - sometimes I figure they'll wait for a bit. However I taught myself years ago to be thankful while I was doing dishes. It's something that has to be done pretty much every day, and it's a bit of a pain and a nuisance, however I have the choice to either complain about it or be thankful for it. I've chosen to be thankful that I have food to eat and dishes to wash. My dishwasher is very old (the serial number starts 67 - which is the year it was manufactured I think), but it still works, and I'm very thankful for that. I'm thankful I have a dishwasher so that there's not that much I have to wash in the sink.
I usually have my sister and her husband eat supper with us, and once a week (tonight in fact) I have the rest of the family over for supper. I have a dining room with a large table, and lots of chairs. I can seat 12 around the table; any more than that and we have to expand to other rooms. I bought the table, chairs and buffet off kijiji - for a really good price. Right now my table is covered with "stuff"; I'm working on recovering the chairs and have fabric and sewing implements all over it. It'll get cleared off before supper. I have a skylight in my dining room. It means that during the day it's nice and bright in here (it's where I'm typing this up right now). It's so nice to have the natural light in here - I'd love to have another skylight in my kitchen. Last week my brother-in-law ripped the carpet out of the dining room. Right now we have the original tile showing. It's a very pretty brown, but some of the tiles have lifted out of place, and some of them have nails all over them (I'm sure that they were just nailed down firmly before they lay the carpet.) But it's much easier to sweep a floor than vacuum it; especially when we regularly have small children and toddlers eat with us. When I get a job, I'll celebrate by laying a new floor. I'm so thankful that I have the space to have family and friends over; that we can share a meal and our lives together.
After supper everyone usually moves to the living room. I have a really large living room; I've had over 40 people in it at one time; I have three couches in it, a piano, two cedar chests, three arm chairs, and lots of floor space. My couches are all second-hand, and two of them have holes where the fabric's worn through. However, they are comfortable, and until I can afford something else, they work just fine. When I first moved here, my Dad made me a front hall closet, borrowing a bit of space from the living room for it; it has a book case on the back side. The living room is large enough that I don't think anyone would notice that the closet isn't original to the house. I'm thankful that I am able to have a crowd over with lots of room for everyone. I'm so thankful for my front hall closet. I'm thankful that I have such generous parents who would build me a closet. I'm thankful that I have friends that visit regularly. (I'm really a home body and would rather have people visit than go out to visit.)
When I go to bed in the evening, I'm so thankful for my bed. I just bought myself a new bed this fall. For Christmas I bought myself new sheets (300 count, really nice.) It's an added bonus that my sheets exactly match the quilts on my bed. It's such a wonderful thing to be able to snuggle into bed, with such soft, soft sheets.
Right now my house is terribly messy, from one end of it to another. My kitchen sink is filled with dirty dishes; my living room looks like it's conquered with clutter; I have trouble walking through my bedroom because of sewing machines, sergers, sewing projects, etc. piled up in it; my dining room table is covered with clutter, and the floors all need washing, sweeping, or vacuuming. Some of it will get cleaned up before people come over this evening. Some of it won't. Oh well. I'm thankful that I know how to do the cleaning (even if I don't always have the inclination). Life is good.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Answered Prayer
I have written previously about the challenges I faced daily, dropping Bram off to meet his car pool. Every day was scary - not the actual waiting, but getting back to Regina; having to cross the divided highway with all of the early morning traffic in the dark to head back the other way. It didn't help that I missed the meridian access twice in the dark and had to be towed out both times.
Here's where we used to go:
Well, I prayed about it. And my prayers have been answered. They are busy building the new overpass at Pinkie Road, just before the layby where I used to drop Bram off. I'm assuming it's because of the work there, but they have barricaded off the layby - it is no longer accessible. So, we can't use that as a meeting place for the car pool, and the one group that usually leaves a vehicle there until they come back from Moose Jaw, can't anymore.
So the car pool has found a new meeting place, by a "Welcome to Regina" sign. It's less than half a kilometre closer to Regina - but that 4000 m or so makes a big difference because it's off the service road, on the south side of the highway. This means that I can just take the Lewvan overpass directly to the service road, and then take the little side road to where the parking is by the sign. I can also take the service road back to the Lewvan overpass. No more crossing the TransCanada highway during rush hour in the dark. It has made such a difference to my peace of mind.
Here's where we go now:
Thank you, Lord.
Here's where we used to go:
Well, I prayed about it. And my prayers have been answered. They are busy building the new overpass at Pinkie Road, just before the layby where I used to drop Bram off. I'm assuming it's because of the work there, but they have barricaded off the layby - it is no longer accessible. So, we can't use that as a meeting place for the car pool, and the one group that usually leaves a vehicle there until they come back from Moose Jaw, can't anymore.
So the car pool has found a new meeting place, by a "Welcome to Regina" sign. It's less than half a kilometre closer to Regina - but that 4000 m or so makes a big difference because it's off the service road, on the south side of the highway. This means that I can just take the Lewvan overpass directly to the service road, and then take the little side road to where the parking is by the sign. I can also take the service road back to the Lewvan overpass. No more crossing the TransCanada highway during rush hour in the dark. It has made such a difference to my peace of mind.
Here's where we go now:
Thank you, Lord.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Whew! Well I'm glad that's done!
Two of my sisters are leaving next week on two different mission trips. Nancy is leaving Monday for India. Glenda is leaving Thursday, I think, for Guatemala. They both had requests for me. Nancy wanted me to sew her some skirts with pockets, as skirts are the appropriate attire in India and skirts with pockets are so much more practical. Glenda wanted some bolero jackets, as the mission team she's going with has a dress code that includes wearing sleeves (no sleeveless outfits), and she had three dresses she likes to wear that are all sleeveless. And.... seeing as I'm not working right now and as I do sew, could I sew for them?
I was actually quite pleased to be asked. It didn't take that long... once I got past the procrastination stage - which took much longer than what I'd like it to. Glenda had three dresses; a pink one, a blue denim one, and a brown one. She suggested a white bolero would do for all three and I went by Fabricland, thinking that I'd just pick up some white eyelet. Unfortunately, Fabricland didn't have anything like that, so I ended up purchasing three different lengths of fabric, and making three boleros - one of which is reversible. I also sort of drafted my own pattern, using an existing pattern I had that was for stretch fabric and for long sleeves. I was quite pleased with the way they turned out, but then had to worry about whether they'd fit. Glenda says they do, so I'm happy.
Unfortunately my serger isn't working right now (I need to take it in to be serviced), so I got to finish all the seams in other ways. I guess it's good for me, but I really think I need to get my serger fixed.
Nancy provided the material and patterns for her skirts. She had four different lengths of fabric; a paisley like print with burgundy and brown in it, a blue sari fabric (really light weight) border print, and two green chiffon-like prints to go together. Only one of the patterns had pockets, so I adapted the patterns to incorporate pockets and to change the openings omitting the zippers, and having them open in the pocket. The paisley print went really, really well. Nice and easy. I purchased some solid burgundy material for the yoke, making it a contrast yoke and I was really pleased with the way it looked. The green fabrics went together in a skirt that was asymmetrical and curved down. Also very nice, but because the fabrics were so light, the skirt had to be lined. I didn't have too much trouble with it until it came time for the hem - and I'm really not happy with the way the hem turned out (sorry, Nancy), but it's done.
Then there was the sari fabric. I had trouble with the sari fabric. First of all, because it's a border print, I cut it out carefully so that the skirt wouldn't be hemmed, with the border print at the bottom. However, because a skirt normally has a curved bottom print, it meant that the skirt had a fishtail hem at the centre back. It wasn't what I planned, but it seemed ok. However even though this was the pattern that already had the pockets in it, the skirt didn't work out and I had to rip out the side seams and try again. This took awhile, and considerable more muttering to myself and procrastination. Finally last night I took another try at it and sewed it up and I think it's ok but because I had so much grief with it, the whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth and I'm not sure if it's good or just finished. Sometimes finished is good.
Because I felt like procrastinating with a purpose, I also sewed some tops for Nancy. She had planned to line the skirts with the same fabric and I lined them with purchased fabric so I had lots of fabric left over. First of all I made a batwing type top out of some of the green chiffon fabric. I had enough lining to line it (which was essential), and I think it turned out pretty good, but it couldn't be worn with the skirt, as the skirt really needs a top that can be tucked in, and the batwing top will have to be worn loose. However, it is a nice top.
I also purchased some really pretty solid burgundy fabric (from the clearance section of Fabricland, of course), to sew a top to coordinate with the paisley print skirt. It's a really lightweight fabric and the top will have to be worn with a camisole or something underneath it, but I'm very pleased with the result. I cut the top out a week ago, and sewed it up last night and finished it this morning. I think I'm most pleased with this top out of all that I sewed.
I also scraped together enough of the other green chiffon material to make a top. I had to cut the sleeves off grain to get them out of the remnant of fabric left, but I managed it. I whipped it up this morning. Finally, I attempted the sari fabric again, and cut out a blouse and managed to get it sewn up in under half an hour after Ruth and I finished our cooking this morning. Then we folded everything up really small and tucked it into a padded envelope and Ruth took it to drop off at the bus depot at at about 11 am this morning.
And.... I'm done! I'm hopeful that Nancy will send me photos because I didn't take photos of any of her skirts or tops. I'm glad I did it - I wish I didn't have to put everything off until the last minute, but that's the way it goes sometimes. If I get photos I'll add them to this blog posting.
I was actually quite pleased to be asked. It didn't take that long... once I got past the procrastination stage - which took much longer than what I'd like it to. Glenda had three dresses; a pink one, a blue denim one, and a brown one. She suggested a white bolero would do for all three and I went by Fabricland, thinking that I'd just pick up some white eyelet. Unfortunately, Fabricland didn't have anything like that, so I ended up purchasing three different lengths of fabric, and making three boleros - one of which is reversible. I also sort of drafted my own pattern, using an existing pattern I had that was for stretch fabric and for long sleeves. I was quite pleased with the way they turned out, but then had to worry about whether they'd fit. Glenda says they do, so I'm happy.
Unfortunately my serger isn't working right now (I need to take it in to be serviced), so I got to finish all the seams in other ways. I guess it's good for me, but I really think I need to get my serger fixed.
Nancy provided the material and patterns for her skirts. She had four different lengths of fabric; a paisley like print with burgundy and brown in it, a blue sari fabric (really light weight) border print, and two green chiffon-like prints to go together. Only one of the patterns had pockets, so I adapted the patterns to incorporate pockets and to change the openings omitting the zippers, and having them open in the pocket. The paisley print went really, really well. Nice and easy. I purchased some solid burgundy material for the yoke, making it a contrast yoke and I was really pleased with the way it looked. The green fabrics went together in a skirt that was asymmetrical and curved down. Also very nice, but because the fabrics were so light, the skirt had to be lined. I didn't have too much trouble with it until it came time for the hem - and I'm really not happy with the way the hem turned out (sorry, Nancy), but it's done.
Then there was the sari fabric. I had trouble with the sari fabric. First of all, because it's a border print, I cut it out carefully so that the skirt wouldn't be hemmed, with the border print at the bottom. However, because a skirt normally has a curved bottom print, it meant that the skirt had a fishtail hem at the centre back. It wasn't what I planned, but it seemed ok. However even though this was the pattern that already had the pockets in it, the skirt didn't work out and I had to rip out the side seams and try again. This took awhile, and considerable more muttering to myself and procrastination. Finally last night I took another try at it and sewed it up and I think it's ok but because I had so much grief with it, the whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth and I'm not sure if it's good or just finished. Sometimes finished is good.
Because I felt like procrastinating with a purpose, I also sewed some tops for Nancy. She had planned to line the skirts with the same fabric and I lined them with purchased fabric so I had lots of fabric left over. First of all I made a batwing type top out of some of the green chiffon fabric. I had enough lining to line it (which was essential), and I think it turned out pretty good, but it couldn't be worn with the skirt, as the skirt really needs a top that can be tucked in, and the batwing top will have to be worn loose. However, it is a nice top.
I also purchased some really pretty solid burgundy fabric (from the clearance section of Fabricland, of course), to sew a top to coordinate with the paisley print skirt. It's a really lightweight fabric and the top will have to be worn with a camisole or something underneath it, but I'm very pleased with the result. I cut the top out a week ago, and sewed it up last night and finished it this morning. I think I'm most pleased with this top out of all that I sewed.
I also scraped together enough of the other green chiffon material to make a top. I had to cut the sleeves off grain to get them out of the remnant of fabric left, but I managed it. I whipped it up this morning. Finally, I attempted the sari fabric again, and cut out a blouse and managed to get it sewn up in under half an hour after Ruth and I finished our cooking this morning. Then we folded everything up really small and tucked it into a padded envelope and Ruth took it to drop off at the bus depot at at about 11 am this morning.
And.... I'm done! I'm hopeful that Nancy will send me photos because I didn't take photos of any of her skirts or tops. I'm glad I did it - I wish I didn't have to put everything off until the last minute, but that's the way it goes sometimes. If I get photos I'll add them to this blog posting.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
In His Hands
Since my term position has ended, I've driven Bram most mornings to a lay-by (a pull-over spot for trucks) just west of Regina, across from the weigh scales. We have a real routine; we leave the house at 7:10, arrive there about 7:24, and wait until around 7:30, when his car pool arrives. While we're waiting, I usually read aloud to him from whatever is our latest read aloud book. Currently we're enjoying Alexander McCall Smith's The Double Comfort Safari Club. Then Bram transfers to the van for the car pool to Moose Jaw and I leave the lay-by to drive about 100 metres further on to get to where I can cross the meridian and drive back to Regina. I usually arrive back home about 7:50.
Then at about 5 pm I need to drive back out there to pick Bram up. He usually arrives some time between 5:10 and 5:20, and we drive back home together.
It sounds very routine - nothing much to it. However, I have to say that it's the worst part of my day, everyday. To start with, this is an extremely busy stretch of highway. Lots and lots of traffic; many, many people commute down that road - and most of the commuters travel that stretch between 7 and 8 in the morning and between 5 and 6 in the evening. In addition, because it's midwinter, it's always very dark out, and all that can be seen is the lights of traffic coming and going. The sun currently rises between 8:30 and 9 and sets between 5:30 and 6. In order to get to the meridian to cross to the east bound portion of the number 1 highway, I have to cross three lanes of traffic - all of it attempting to speed up to 110 kmh, while I'm trying to see the little sign showing do not enter and slow down to nearly a stop so that I can enter it. Then on the other side of the road, there is no merging lane, so I wait until there is no traffic coming to cross two lanes of traffic and drive back to Regina. I've missed the spot in the dark twice and have had to be pulled out (that really added to my pleasure in the morning).
This morning was worse than usual. They warned before I left the house that there was blowing snow, but the driver for Bram's car pool had texted him saying that they were going as usual. Two minutes after Bram transferred to their vehicle and had left for Moose Jaw, the radio announced that it was travel not recommended in all the areas around Regina, and they specifically mentioned Highway No. 1 between Regina and Moose Jaw. It was a little late by then, but I still had to make it back to Regina. Visibility was nearly nil and I didn't drive above 50 kmh the whole way back. I was very thankful to have Bram text me to tell me that he had arrived in Moose Jaw, and I texted him back that unless the weather improves, he needs to plan to spend the night there. (Thanks to the Buchanans, who are his storm-stay location.)
I have gotten so that I really dread this drive every morning and evening. I have tried to find some other location that I could drop Bram off or pick him up - but he doesn't live anywhere near any of the car poolers and it's dependent upon their convenience. Sometimes I can pick him up elsewhere, but it really depends on what vehicle some of the others drive to the drop off location. If they drive a smaller vehicle (and they take turns, so it really varies), then there's no room for him. There is no other option that I've found for the drop off. The other option is for him to take the STC SIAST bus instead - however that costs $50 a month more, and I'm currently unemployed, so that's $50 out of an extremely limited budget.
Today I came to the realization that I'm as much in His hands as when I was commuting to Moose Jaw everyday all fall (which wasn't nearly as scary). I need to turn this burden over to Him and let Him carry the load for me. I think that's the best I can do at this time.
Then at about 5 pm I need to drive back out there to pick Bram up. He usually arrives some time between 5:10 and 5:20, and we drive back home together.
It sounds very routine - nothing much to it. However, I have to say that it's the worst part of my day, everyday. To start with, this is an extremely busy stretch of highway. Lots and lots of traffic; many, many people commute down that road - and most of the commuters travel that stretch between 7 and 8 in the morning and between 5 and 6 in the evening. In addition, because it's midwinter, it's always very dark out, and all that can be seen is the lights of traffic coming and going. The sun currently rises between 8:30 and 9 and sets between 5:30 and 6. In order to get to the meridian to cross to the east bound portion of the number 1 highway, I have to cross three lanes of traffic - all of it attempting to speed up to 110 kmh, while I'm trying to see the little sign showing do not enter and slow down to nearly a stop so that I can enter it. Then on the other side of the road, there is no merging lane, so I wait until there is no traffic coming to cross two lanes of traffic and drive back to Regina. I've missed the spot in the dark twice and have had to be pulled out (that really added to my pleasure in the morning).
This morning was worse than usual. They warned before I left the house that there was blowing snow, but the driver for Bram's car pool had texted him saying that they were going as usual. Two minutes after Bram transferred to their vehicle and had left for Moose Jaw, the radio announced that it was travel not recommended in all the areas around Regina, and they specifically mentioned Highway No. 1 between Regina and Moose Jaw. It was a little late by then, but I still had to make it back to Regina. Visibility was nearly nil and I didn't drive above 50 kmh the whole way back. I was very thankful to have Bram text me to tell me that he had arrived in Moose Jaw, and I texted him back that unless the weather improves, he needs to plan to spend the night there. (Thanks to the Buchanans, who are his storm-stay location.)
I have gotten so that I really dread this drive every morning and evening. I have tried to find some other location that I could drop Bram off or pick him up - but he doesn't live anywhere near any of the car poolers and it's dependent upon their convenience. Sometimes I can pick him up elsewhere, but it really depends on what vehicle some of the others drive to the drop off location. If they drive a smaller vehicle (and they take turns, so it really varies), then there's no room for him. There is no other option that I've found for the drop off. The other option is for him to take the STC SIAST bus instead - however that costs $50 a month more, and I'm currently unemployed, so that's $50 out of an extremely limited budget.
Today I came to the realization that I'm as much in His hands as when I was commuting to Moose Jaw everyday all fall (which wasn't nearly as scary). I need to turn this burden over to Him and let Him carry the load for me. I think that's the best I can do at this time.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Schooling Choices
OK, this posting is for my cousin, Janelle, who blogs here. Sunday I was visiting with my niece about schooling options. Her oldest child will be turning four in a little while, while she's also got a girl who's about 18 months old, and one on the way. She's considering all the options, and homeschooling is one of those options. Her husband was homeschooled for a large part of his schooling, but his mom's a teacher. She was expressing her feelings of inadequacy, and wondering what the best options would be.
During the discussion, we agreed that there is no one right answer for all kids. Some kids thrive in a public school setting; other kids really shouldn't be there but their parents don't have another option for them. The same thing could be said for private schools and for homeschooling. For most kids, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference - they'll muddle along, regardless of what you choose. For some kids, it makes a huge difference. However, no decision is set in stone - you can change your mind at pretty much any time along the journey.
We also agreed, that most kids who are home schooled end up with a bit of a hole in one area or another - where the parent doing the homeschooling disliked, or skipped, or didn't feel the importance, or for whatever reason. (It's entirely possible that kids in the school system end up with holes as well.)
I have a bit of a unique perspective. I am a teacher - have taught all ages and grades from preschool through to adult education; including all the grades between. I have taught in public, Catholic and private schools, and I home schooled my son for a year.
Having said all that, Janelle homeschools her three boys, and I really enjoy reading her blog and her reflections on that journey with them. She has talked several times about "the evil math" - the area of schooling where she feels most inadequate. I have a son, however, who is wired for math and science - and has always been! Before he was of school age he could already count in base 2 on his fingers. He's always experimented with different math concepts, he finished Math 30 (grade 12 math) in Grade 10, did Calculus 30 as an independent study in Grade 11, and is now taking Electrical Engineering Technology at SIAST, because that's the engineering technology that requires the most math.
Last night was The Party. We had around 35 kids, and Bram was a group leader for one small group as usual. When they were at the story centre (the Bible story was about the centurion who had great faith) and the kids were doing a word find, he started doodling - math. He came out and tried to borrow a pen or pencil from me, because he was trying to remember the proof for how the derivative of e to the x (sorry, can't figure out how to do superscript) is e to the x. About the time it was time to come home, he had an aha moment as he figured it out. When he came home, he wanted to explain it to me, but had to do homework first (work before play) - and then he he had to teach me a whole bunch of background calculus first.
Now you have to realize, that among other things, I teach math (or have taught math). I prefer to teach remedial math; math for the kids (or adults) who embrace the concept of "the evil math" - and Bram's surpassed my math abilities some time ago. However, he was able to explain it to me, and I was (momentarily?) enlightened. I you also wish to be enlightened - here's the explanation below.
During the discussion, we agreed that there is no one right answer for all kids. Some kids thrive in a public school setting; other kids really shouldn't be there but their parents don't have another option for them. The same thing could be said for private schools and for homeschooling. For most kids, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference - they'll muddle along, regardless of what you choose. For some kids, it makes a huge difference. However, no decision is set in stone - you can change your mind at pretty much any time along the journey.
We also agreed, that most kids who are home schooled end up with a bit of a hole in one area or another - where the parent doing the homeschooling disliked, or skipped, or didn't feel the importance, or for whatever reason. (It's entirely possible that kids in the school system end up with holes as well.)
I have a bit of a unique perspective. I am a teacher - have taught all ages and grades from preschool through to adult education; including all the grades between. I have taught in public, Catholic and private schools, and I home schooled my son for a year.
Having said all that, Janelle homeschools her three boys, and I really enjoy reading her blog and her reflections on that journey with them. She has talked several times about "the evil math" - the area of schooling where she feels most inadequate. I have a son, however, who is wired for math and science - and has always been! Before he was of school age he could already count in base 2 on his fingers. He's always experimented with different math concepts, he finished Math 30 (grade 12 math) in Grade 10, did Calculus 30 as an independent study in Grade 11, and is now taking Electrical Engineering Technology at SIAST, because that's the engineering technology that requires the most math.
Last night was The Party. We had around 35 kids, and Bram was a group leader for one small group as usual. When they were at the story centre (the Bible story was about the centurion who had great faith) and the kids were doing a word find, he started doodling - math. He came out and tried to borrow a pen or pencil from me, because he was trying to remember the proof for how the derivative of e to the x (sorry, can't figure out how to do superscript) is e to the x. About the time it was time to come home, he had an aha moment as he figured it out. When he came home, he wanted to explain it to me, but had to do homework first (work before play) - and then he he had to teach me a whole bunch of background calculus first.
Now you have to realize, that among other things, I teach math (or have taught math). I prefer to teach remedial math; math for the kids (or adults) who embrace the concept of "the evil math" - and Bram's surpassed my math abilities some time ago. However, he was able to explain it to me, and I was (momentarily?) enlightened. I you also wish to be enlightened - here's the explanation below.
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