I am feeling really groovy today. Our official Home school has been humming along for the past three days of the new year, and all the kiddies are excited and working.
OK- actually the three year old- Ari, has no desire to work. He has his own folder of activities, but he seems more interested in drawing kittens (he calls them mews) and 'earning' praise stickers!
I actually underestimated the girls this year. They are faster than last term and I have had to scramble to provide worksheets and tests, above the planned curriculum to fill their time - and we have really full days!
This is so exciting, because we might be able to add an additional hour of geography this year! We are studying the American Government this year and the girls will start their projects on the Presidency next week.
They did extraordinarily well last year and tested above their grade levels. I am quite proud of their consistent work and even of my teaching, because last year I endured a long and painful depression. It was the first time in my life that I have had to have a serious talk with my children about my illness. I have been suffering from depression since I was a small child - around nine years old,and I have always regarded the illness a sad curse. I have tried several medications and I found actual relief with Paxil- WOW was it awesome!!!!!!!! - and then the side effects became 'aggressive' so - away with Paxil and after a couple of weeks, I could literally feel the depression undulate against my peace.
Depression sucks!
But I feel so much better now! God has been very good to me, and I have an awesome family.
Also I called my friend Lane today and we had a wow conversation as the children got ready for their day. It was only about a twenty minute chat but she is so very marvelous, that it felt very filling - do you know?
We used to be neighbors -Lane and I, and I was always so busy and/or depressed that I did not socialize aggressively.I hate spreading the icks! Now that I have moved away (only about 7 miles or so) I realized that I really missed her. Neat Huh!
She's also a writer and really that makes her so much more special than the average bloke or blokette you meet everyday. Anyhoo the lunch break is at its' end. Have a great day people. OH- here is this great list of things to do everyday to increase your happiness. I 'do' at least five of these things EVERYDAY, and it makes me feel as if I am a giver and not simply a pouty taker in this world- try some , it's super good!!
The 10 steps to happiness:
Plant something and nurture it
Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
Have a good laugh at least once a day
Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
Cut your TV viewing by half
Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day
– BBC 2 documentary series 'Making Slough Happy'
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