“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Suess
What a simple lesson! I don’t know much about Dr. Seuss but I read somewhere that March 2nd is his birthday. I also read that he wrote his first children’s book on a dare. A friend bet him he couldn’t write a book using only fifty words. It really does make you admire the way his mind must have worked.
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, here’s a link to Seussville – A wonderful way to explore the life of Dr. Seuss, his books and characters, and have some fun with games and activities.
Rave: I have lost 40 pounds since November 1st! “What is your secret?” I get that a lot! There is no secret! I just started eating better. I cut out sugar, starches and enriched flour. I eat more often and I drink lots of water. I eat 4-5 meals/snacks a day. I do some exercise and try to get at least 8 hours sleep each night. I find that makes a difference. Im not on any celebrity trainer plan but if you wondered if any of them were inspiration, it would have to be Chris Powell and Bob Harper.
Rave: I decided a week ago that I did not need to smoke anymore. I have quit in the past and always gone back. I feel like I need to figure out how to cope better. Im not sure what the answers are yet, but Im taking it one day at a time. Im sure I will find success in this. My health is my focus right now and that is how it should be! The grandchildren are great motivators towards wanting to live a healthier life!
Recently I shared that we are home schooling Anthony. The reality is he is registered in our school district, but simply attends school at home (well at Nana’s). His mom enrolled him with k12.com back at the start of the school year. k12 sent Anthony anything you could imagine a student needing. A globe for history and safety goggles for science, even a phonics kit with letter tiles and instructions. They sent him a computer so he was able to connect to do class connect classes, attend Monday meetings, assemblies and more. I have to boast about the literature they sent to him as well, books like Madeline, Peter Rabbit, Tom Thumb and more!
I am not Anthony’s teacher, I am his learning coach. He has a homeroom teacher that he can connect with anytime we need help in the school day. We can contact him with k-mail or a phone call. He also has a math and phonics teacher for his online classes. All I am expected to do is present the lessons. Several times a week we connect with his teachers and other students in an online classroom. The students actually get to raise their hands and participate. We started his history lessons this year by making a passport and constructing suitcases to travel the world with our imaginations. After learning, what each continent offers we moved on to the next. I do not remember learning that in kindergarten!
I am amazed at the lessons we accomplish everyday. When I brag about Anthony and this virtual school, people seem to think I sit him down in front of a computer all day. When in reality only about 20% of what we do is online. One of the online features this virtual school provides is Study Island. There students do lessons that are appropriate for their age. When the lesson is completed, they just move onto the next. Recently they added Reading Eggs to the Study Island program. Anthony loves this so much he begs to ‘play’ Reading Eggs.
K12 is all over the USA. I would recommend this program to anyone. If your family has different schedules or a child that needs extra attention, then this program might just be your answer. There are clubs and activities for children of all ages. Monthly the school holds outings for the many families around the state to get together and share an experience. This month is the 153rd birthday of our state, and they are holding the meeting at the state capitol. We do not have to work our schedules around school; we work school around our schedules.
I lived in Atlanta when I first started watching Paula Deen. It really was like sitting in your neighbors kitchen and having a visit. When my husband and I moved to the west coast I continued to watch Paula and others on the Food Network. I loved the personal touch she brought to her shows. I love watching her interact with her sons, and over the years it was interesting to watch her wedding, their home being built and her family grow. I have even tried a recipe or two and have a few of her cookbooks.
She is not the only food network star I like. I have tried Rachel Ray, Tyler Florence, Sandra Lee and Ina’s recipes too. I decide which foods I make for my family and I alter any recipes I wish. Im picky and don’t use cilantro or mushrooms. When making Rachel Ray’s recipes I don’t use as much cumin as she does or omit it altogether. We cant blame those cooks/chefs for pounds gained or lost from their shows. They don’t provide the food or tell us how often to eat it. They are simply there to entertain us.
Over the years I have come to adore and trust Paula. If she promotes a product she uses herself, I’ve assumed it means its quality. Now that she is using her celebrity to endorse a deal with pharmaceutical company, it feels like it’s a ploy to make a buck off a bad situation. I hope the best for her and her family. Since coming to terms with my own blood sugar levels and need for diet and exercise to make changes, I can certainly sympathize.
I do however have an opinion on her news about having diabetes. I think she could have chosen to share her news in a different way. I believe it is a missed opportunity. Her own son has done a few shows with her trying to show the ‘lighter’ options. She could have used her disease and its announcement as a platform for promoting healthy eating, attracting an entirely new fan base and positively influencing the one she already has.
