the Boy

Here's the Boy's writing assignment today:

Now write some sentences that describe YOU

"Hi. I'm handsome. I'm creative. I am a genius. I am smarter than (the Girl). I wish this was none of your beeswax."

I've gotten several comments about the Boy's "mad reading skillz" (a direct quote from his Religious Education teacher, who is also a homeschooler) lately. There seems to be some misapprehension that I am responsible for them. In actuality, my contributions were only genes, a willingness to provide a reading-rich environment and a little structured time with the Bob books). The real power came from the focus, determination (that some have tried to diagnose as pathological) and self-confidence (as evidenced above) that he has when he wants to do something/make something happen.

Here's another fear-mongering item in the war on childhood I found in an AP article from the little weekly paper dropped on my doorstep: Beware: Snow and Germs Do Mix It says that snow, even the pristine stuff, contains the Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. It does go on to contradict the freak out implied in the title, saying that the bacteria is very common, that the acid in our digestive systems are a great defense and that those with cystic fibrosis or small formula-fed babies are truly at risk for infection.

Overheard while cleaning the house:

Savant: (Boy), what do you want your email name to be?
Boy: (without pausing) (his name)thegenius.
Savant: (deadpan) Can you spell that?
(the boy does so without hesitation)
Savant: Okay.

I've been inspired by Bob of 256 to scale down my self expectations and just put something up as frequently as possible. No, I will not commit to saying I'll do it everyday. This close to the new year, that would be the kiss of death.

    As the savant and I were settling down for the night, we had a conversation that went something like this:

SAVANT: Is that a faucet dripping or a clock ticking?

ME: (whilst reading): It's a clock.

(Gets a bright idea to help grumbling savant get back to sleep after being paged.)

ME:(in my most soothing voice) With each tick of the clock, you feel yourself sinking deeper and deeper into a relaxing, restful, slee--

SAVANT: (interrupts) --where I KILL, KILL, KILL!

ME: (laughing) You are no help at all.