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What's the Matter?

I'm beginning to discover that everything we endeavor to learn and research about, has a background to learn first, or more connected things to learn after. I guess that's where the eternality of learning comes in - I'll need eternity to get it all down!

JD wanted to learn about electricity, having just completed his merit badge for Radio (and consequently, his Technician's Amateur Radio License). Easy, right? Not so fast.

Everything I found about electricity connected it to magnetism. So maybe we need to study that. Question is, do we study it BEFORE or AFTER electricity? I've found books doing it both ways.

Then, there came a new problem. We will be talking about atoms of electrical energy. We haven't ever talked about that. Now, we have to study matter.

I decided that, rather than stretch the subject out for weeks, matter could been discussed competently and understandably in one day. A quick run-through of atoms (and a short perusal of the periodic table of elements), molecules, and the states of matter, ended in two experiments. One showed the three states of matter in relation to water - we melted an ice cube and demonstrated how it could go from a sold (ice)to a liquid (water) to a gas (steam).

That was fun, but I had a topper for that. Using a bottle with vinegar in it, we topped it with a balloon that contained some baking soda. Mix the two and - voila! -carbon dioxide gas that inflated the balloon. It was striking and exciting!

But it didn't end there. JD found more information on atoms and molecules in a favorite book of his, and AR drew her own little picture of a hydrogen atom and another of three states of matter (a cup, water, and - ahem - flatulence).

It seems they got it. If only magnetism and electricity were that simple.

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Too Cool to be a True American?

The newsline reads: "Suddenly, it may be cool to be an American." Why? Because the "rest of the world" likes the new choice for American president. He is more like them. Sorry world, but I don't want to be your kind of cool.

I don't want to be cool if it means that the values of the founders of my country are downplayed as old-fashioned, bigoted or evil. I don't want to be cool if it means that religion and God are despised, but nature worship (worshipping the created instead of the Creator) is undisputed.

I don't want to be cool if it means that my hard-earned income goes to every "cause celebre" but not to me, my children, or our future at our own discretion. I don't want to be cool if my liberty is erased for some vague and limiting universal equality.

I don't want to be cool if it means YOU are raising my children while I helplessly stand by. I don't want to be cool if it means that evil individuals find us (truthfully) weak fools and exploit us as such.

I don't want to be cool if it means that having a differing voice makes me evil and bigoted. I don't want to be cool if it means that tolerance is agreeing only with your side.

I don't want to be cool if it means I cannot own anything, including myself. I don't want to be cool if it means that believing in God and the right to bear arms makes me a frustrated ignorant yokel.

Sorry, world, I just don't like your brand of cool.

Pumpkin Patch

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Spider in the Tub

The other day, I found a lone spider sitting in the bathtub in my back bathroom. Generally, my feelings toward spiders are very benign, but my husband harbors an intense phobia of the little fellas. I didn't have the energy/desire to chase the thing, scoop it up, and relocate it to my garden, so instead I turned on the spigot, and down went my little trouble down the drain.
I don't mourn the small loss and I have no guilt over it, but I did find myself making a most interesting analogy. Does a spider belong in a bathtub? I suppose if it felt there were enough bugs living in the near vicinity, it may have "thought" (since I don't know about the mental gyrations of arachnids) that a tub is a nice place to make a web. But there was no insects or web there, and - with my human eyes - I could not see one in progress either. So the spider had no place in my bathtub, and it was not in a location where it could do what it does best.
Are we like spiders? Are we doing the good things that are the point of our living, or are we "hanging out" where we have no place to be? And, do we notice the incipient danger when we are "out of place"?
I'm sure my tub was a pleasant place, porcelain, smooth and cool to the touch. But, it held an element of danger that did not - could not - occur to the spider. When we are doing things that detract from living up to our potential and making the world a better place in our small sphere, we don't realize that it is hazardous. Outside of our natures lies catastrophe when situations spiral out of our control.
It is not to say that someone couldn't come along and knock us off of our web when we are busily spinning, or that our latest trip to the bathtub was absolutely uneventful, but our chances for disaster escalate when we take it into our hands to do and be where we should not. It is a gamble each time we are away from the safety of our web and our duty.
Our comfortable web gets tired-looking and ordinary quickly, I know. The bathtub is so enticing. We cannot live awry from our paths without cost. Go to the tub today, some may say, you will be okay. But then, perhaps someone may turn on the spigot, and then you are lost. The web is not perfect and not without some risk, but life is like that. Yet, staying within the web, we know who and what we are and what we are to do, and those lines that hold it together give us opportunity to move, avoid, and - if needed - escape. It is our natural habitat and its familiarity brings us peace and security; something you cannot get from that unknown, slippery tub.
What about fun? So many "spiders" ask far too often about entertaining, "getting away," but there are safe places for a spider to retreat, gardens, dark corners, what have you. You have to think, in your pursuit of leisure to a) not seek it beyond renewal and refreshing, and b) to seek it in safe places. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a tragedy and, in nature, I see no mice taking a holiday in a cat's bed, no fish partying in a shark's mouth, and no antelope jumping around a pride of hungry lions. Like the Country Mouse said to her City cousin, "Better crumbs in peace than riches in fear."

The Kindness of Others

I have been overwhelmed lately by how kind people have been to me. It isn't always just help, either, like the treatments Rebecca has offered for my foot and other things. Sometimes, it's just nice little things, like giving me a bouquet of flowers after I admired them at church, or bringing me a set of Disney scrapbooking stickers when they heard I'd recently gone to Disneyland. Too, are the things that I can give to others - like organizing files or kitchens, helping with gardening, or leading children's music or playing the piano - that give me a sense of personal contribution. I like to feel needed.

The liberal give and take - without thinking of payback - is refreshing and cheering. It makes me feel part of the sisterhood community within the church. I feel confident - I have friends. Life is sweeter because of it all.

Rat Resolution

Despite my better judgement (where does a mother's mind go?), we now have a pet rat. He's a fancy rat - hooded (white body with black head and shoulders) and a j-shaped stripe down his back - hence the name, Hook.

His cage is aptly named the Rat Manor - four levels for him to climb all over. Though the ramps have become superfluous at this point - the little Tarzan scales wire walls and can jump from one level to the other.

We have accustomed ourselves to letting him cling to our necks and shoulders - even with the occasional poop and pee. But we've learned early - thin fabric isn't comfy when his little claws dig in. I have healing cuts on my arms from where he first grabbed on as he grew used to his human jungle gym.

The smell isn't too bad (just wait for summer) and we do a small clean-up each evening with a full-on cage scouring each weekend. I was a little afraid I might be allergic, though in allergy season how do I know what thing am I reacting to? But I think we're okay, thank goodness, because it would break my kids' hearts to have to lose their new little buddy.

One thing for sure...he's much more entertaining than the goldfish were!

Zippedeedoodah

We are back on track, my friends. After trying (almost) everything, a final reinstall of Windows by DH has given me my blog back (and all the other Java-run applications). I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am - now I can access this and my church websites again as needed.

I was beginning to lose hope and think another blog had bit the dust.

Oh me of little faith!

Things That Keep Me Up at Night

A radio talk show host I listen to is going to start addressing what keeps him up at night. This got me thinking (smell the rubber?), what keeps me up at night. Some of the things I thought of, by the way, are not necessarily negative. It's just that when I get to thinking, I often find it hard to shut down the "factory" for the night.

• Writing Stuff. Storylines, ideas, what-do-I-do-next, etc. It can help me go to sleep, but if I get very excited and have a lot of them swimming round the brain, I have contrived to murder my sleep after all.
• Things I have to do. Usually things I don't want to do, either, or things that are complicated and need a bunch of figuring out. Logistics, that sort of nonsense.
• Finances, moving, job situation, et. al. - They are all kissing cousins, in my book (well, the moving doesn't mean much to the finances, but a new job might). It all seems so much out of my control that it is really senseless to worry about it, but I do.
• Noises and "bumps" in the night. - This is 99% when hubby is out of town and I am very much alone (kids don't count, they're sleeping) in our dark house. Once I had a nightmare about someone standing over me while I was in bed - and it seemed real. So, I relive this many times over when DH isn't around.
• People problems. - Have I offended? Am I offended? If I have to be with someone the next day, and I am in the "outs" with them (or vice versa), this really keeps me tossing and turning. I do not like confrontations and always seem to come out the worse for wear with them.
• Pain, heat, cold, sickness. Allergies, back pain, weather too hot, weather too cold, sinus infection, stomach unpleasantness all are the worst culprits at keeping me up at night. My brain doesn't even come close second!

Panic Button

Nope, I'm not pushing it. California homeschoolers everywhere are running like headless chickens over the hype and overexaggered headlines of a family who were abusing their family and, yes (Bad apples in a general good barrel), homeschooling. A judge supposedly claimed that it was illegal to teach children in California without being certified. Thus...the panic.

There are some things to remember:

1. This is still a new ruling, not justified, and certainly not legislated. California and its justices have been very friendly homeschoolers in the past One little ruling (specific to the heinous parents of this hapless family), isn't going to change things overnight.
2. There are several organizations and legal groups that help homeschoolers who are hyper-alert to the situation. They are on top of it and when they worry, THEN I'll worry. Right now, they say, hold tight.
3. This was reported in the news. The media is not generally known for publishing things in a a moderate, calm light. It gets more readers/watchers/listeners by hyperbole and exaggeration. Never consider the media a primary source...and then find the primary source and ask them.

So, I haven't lost any sleep over this "issue" yet. When I do, then you'll hear me. Until then, chill.

The Pet Dilemma

OK...it could be the Pet Problem, but I don't feel exactly alliteratory today.

We had two goldfish, lovely fantails, that actually lived 2-3 years: Our Official Pets. But then, last year, we decided to move to Texas and I figured the fishies wouldn't live through the journey - so I gave them away. By the way, I gave away my houseplants, too, but no one seemed so broken-up about them (minus moi).

Then...we didn't move. Now, the kids are itching for another pet. And we are currently undergoing the family struggle of "what to get" vs. "What will Mom tolerate." It has yet to sink in that I have the final say since I will be that poor creature's only hope for survival.

Here's the breakdown on the pet "stats" so far:

• Dogs - NOPE. We live in a mobile home on a tiny lot, which is really no good for dogs, not fair to 'em. Besides, I am smell-sensitive and don't want one in the house (which is park rules). And the smaller they are, the yippier they are - ugh.
• Cats - NOPE. Majorly allergic. Life-and-death sort of thing. You understand.
• Other Mammals - NOPE. Smell issue again. Number One Son wants a rat (after reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH), but the thought of rodents running loose makes me a little creepy. Other thing: noise. Guinea pigs whistle annoyingly and hamsters decide to do aerobics at 3 a.m.
• Birds - NOPE. DH doesn't want them. Besides, you have them on one end of the house, and end up with bird seed all the way on the other. How do they do that?
• Fish - Undecided. We've done it, somehow successfully. Still...it would mean a new tank and equipment and breaking in new fish, which would mean some unfortunate sacrfices in order to establish biological and bacterial "balance" to the fishy world. Do we really want to do that?
• Tarantulas - ABSOLUTELY NOT. DH is pathologically terrified of spiders. It's not some freaky saw-a-scary-movie type of phobia, either. He once bicycled through a swarm of 1000's of 'em on a Uruguayan country road, with bit and pieces of 'em flying up at him. Unless I intend to institutionalize my husband, this is not an option.
• Snakes - NOPE. Nothing against them, I actually think they're cool - within my parameters. But, see, they have a habit of escaping and ending up in the least desirable places, one of which may be under the covers of the foot of my bed on a cold night when I want to put my feet there. I don't share my bed with anyone but my husband. Period.
• Other Reptiles - Up for debate. Things to consider - No feeding living things to living things (in other words, I am not storing crickets, maggots or mealworms purposely in my house), nothing that needs an extravagant (read: expensive) environment. Can't we just enjoy the lizards out in the garden?

If anyone has any other brilliant ideas...let me know. I tried to convince the kids that plants make good pets, but they're not buying it. Also, they won't consider me as a type of pet, either - I guess I should be grateful for that. And no, the standard pet rock doesn't cut the mustard.

Luckily, the jury is still out, pending the return of DH from his business trip. It buys me time and leaves my wallet a little fatter, if only for a moment.

This is Me!

Just what the world needs...more exposition by heedless neophytic writers! Still, here I am, as if my voice had any justification in existence.
I am a homeschooling LDS mom of two (one marvelously sweet boy, one incredibly charismatic girl), I am moved by flowers and green-growing things (I am no longer a theoretical gardener, I have four four-by-four boxes!), love a story with a GOOD plot (actually, I DIE for a GOOD plot), dabble in writing (Don't go there - I'm not ready to spill the beans), and generally enjoy being creative.
My husband speaks FIVE languages (anybody have a good job for him?), and has to put up with super-intelligent kids (okay, bias), and a highly-opinionated wife (fact). I apparently also love ellipses....LOLOLOLOL.
Our family believes in duty to God and to our country. My hubby served the Lord for two years in Uruguay, and I had 18 wonderful months of opportunity in Massachusetts. Both of us have family histories of service to our country, with his brother currently serving in the Navy.
Well, you'll be hearing enough from me in the days to come.
Give me a chance.
Maybe, I'll surprise you.