Tell me what you really think.
Amen. As a former teacher now staying home with two kids, it's hard work to keep them thinking, to keep providing experiences for them to be continually learning, but that's my responsibility as a parent. I can't say that I could answer all the questions you posed, but I also don't feel I finished learning once I left university. I can tell you that I'm learning a lot about dinos and construction machinery to keep up with my preschoolers, and know that it'll be something different in a few weeks/months.
"Make ends meat"...I'm going to be shaking my head over that one for a while.
Mamacita, you sure are one amazing person. I agree with your assertion that it is largely a CHOICE on what kind of adult you become. My high school did not have classes that I needed to challenge me. Instead of lamenting that fact, I petitioned and fought with the school board to allow me to create my own class and make up my own lesson plans. (My parents didn't even know I was petitioning to do this until I had to fight further, but they still didn't get involved in MY fight. I've always pushed myself harder than my parents did because I always wanted to make my own way--and work hard to learn my own lessons.) I was finally told that I had to find a teacher who would supervise the class and look over my lesson plans--and who would give me an ending grade after checking my work. I did so and set to work to create my class that would challenge me and make me LEARN something new every day.
I can't imagine life without learning new things, seeking interesting knowledge, and laughing at the things other people get upset about (see your reference to historical context in literature, etc.) on pretty much a daily basis. Thanks for reminding us that there are still others like this out there.
Awards, rewards, badges, certificates, trophies, and self esteem mean nothing unless they're honestly and individually earned by accomplishment and merit and work.
My daughter got a participation trophy a couple of two weeks ago. I caught her giving it a strange look and I asked what what was wrong. She said that she thought she would feel differently when she got the trophy. I think she understood that since 40 other girls got the same trophy, some better than her, some worse than her, that it didn't mean much in the end.
I felt bad for her, being the kind of mommy that wants the best of everything for her. At the same time, I really happy that she understood that the trophy could be used as a memento of a fun activity, if not an actual sign of accomplishment.
Mamacita,
This was a wonderful and well reasoned post. Thanks for writing it.
It made me think.
I agree that we choose to become the adults we are. It's a conscious choice and not always an easy one, especially of adulthood has a foundation in a turbulent childhood. But who we become, and who we'll be is our choice.
I shudder when I hear about people who believe their lives are "spinning out of control" I once lived like a dervish, but I stopped the insanity (without Susan Powter's help) by understanding my own power. And by power, I mean self control.
I like learning. I don't know what I'd do without the constant exposure to life's ever evolving events and experiences (Siggy's numerous manifestos on the subject have taught me the difference between the two).
I pity the People addict..as well as those with an "Us" monkey on their backs, but to each his own. I like Time and The Atlantic and Vanity Fair and yes, I read the articles.
Now, I won't lie--I've read the mindless fodder of People and Us on occasion, but if I had to choose between pablum and meat, I'm going for the meat every time. That's how the cro-mag developed into rationally thinking beings. When they discovered meat (proteins)and introduced it into their diets, their brains grew, as did their skill levels--both physically and mentally.
I just can't for that to happen to the Democrats!!!
Happy Easter to you and your readers, Mamacita.
Best,
LK
They say it's Bach's birthday;
It's my anniversary, too, yeah.
(The Beatles, like Nascar, received shameless brouhaha.)
32 years of sweet, new beginnings-
My husband is smarter than Kenneth Jennings.
Here's a pop quiz for my favorite snob:
What French story of love contains a watch fob?
Name 2 composers 'sides Bach born in 1685,
When ornamentation was fresh and alive?
And now I must part; please pardon my exit.
Just remember one thing:
If it ain't baroque, don't fix it.
Blessed Good Friday, Mamacita!
xo
O. Henry wasn't French!
Forgive this old aunt.
This grandma's no wench,
But mixed up with Maupassant.
I need more yoga for strength and agility;
Fresh, oxygenated blood brings the mind flexibility,
Encouraging equanimity, magnanimity, and civility,
And helping ward off that dreaded senility.
Jane, please excuse my smug audacity
And pray I'm not losing my perspicacity.
Amen! So tell me ... when did you made a secret trip to our local school system?
but five distinguished, scandal-free, honest, kind, decent politicians?
DO such mythical creatures actually EXIST!?
Seriously, though? GREAT post. I found myself answering all those questions you asked, and shaking my head and smiling, just like you said I would...
I know about that Ghandi fellow. He dressed funny and lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Or maybe 1300. Somewhere in there.
Excellent post. The dumbing down of America started with lazy parenting, too much TV, technology, video games, and the ME generation. I know many parents who think it is terrible that they have to sacrifice anything to rear children. HUH?? A total bibliophile, I didn't read a book for two years after each one of my kids was born, and just now at 52 get to be in my first Book Club. I think waiting for it made it all the more special.
Stop being so vague. What do you REALLY think?
You go girl. And Gandhi is on right now! I'm watching it! He's talking about the homespun!
If you were an insomniac who'd just welcomed the Easter Bunny to her front yard, you'd be watching, too!
L-o-v-e this post!
To date, it was this single post that put me in your sphere (not that I wasn't close already, but boy did you nail this one).
I guess I'm a snob. Whaddya know?
I have some "yellers" in my own family and wonder where the genetic code splintered. Sometimes it comes down to simple life choices and where we choose to invest our pursuits.
Amen to Mamacita on this fabulous Easter morning!
I think I'm going to answer all those questions...haha, for I am curious as to what all I do know. Classical composers should be thrown into the mix as well. 
You're amazing, and like the poles, you're magnetic.
;]
I'm totally with you on all this. Everyone should be better educated. I have to admit, though, I'm stumped. Why does the pentagon have so many bathrooms? Something to do with emergency lockdowns or something?
Of course! Now I feel silly...
I don't totally agree with you.
I think there are some people who fart AND discuss history. My husband honked his butt tonight, and then we talked about Caesar Augustus.
A friend of mine is a history professor. She had an affair with a married man.
People are way more complicated than their hats, or tv shows they watch.
Wow... I was astonished when I came across your article by random chance and please just allow me to say that it is the most intellectually stimulating text I have had the pleasure of reading in some time. To make that statement, and to confess that I am a college student (complete with text books) is sad. I recently switched schools in fact because UEI is rather pathetic as an institution of higher learning. I loved all of what you had to say. In fact, I was so inspired that I "googled" just to learn about a few things you pointed out. I love learning, now if only I had a better memory. I become quite frustrated at times over that.
Oh, and I like the last reader's comment about her husband "honking" his butt. I have been called a snob more times than I care to admit, but even I can be a deviant, and have the sarcastic sense of humor that accompanies it.
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