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The 2013-2014 School Year

9/19/2013

10 Comments

 
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I showed this photo to Bella about a week ago and she informed me I wouldn't be able to deal with high school if I went now and I must confess, I believe she is right.

Last night was the Open House at the high school AKA "Meet the Teacher Night." It is a chance to get a brief glimpse of what my kids are getting into for the year. 

I listened to their teachers in AP classes (I would never have signed up for them), in honors physics (I never got past biology and I did poorly in it; although I recall having a marvelous time with my classmates), in economics (blank stare), in Italian (Ciao! that's what I know), and in Transitioning to College (I remain SO happy someone qualified is working on the college essay with Peter and not me).

My friend Carol Ann summed it up best when she said at the end of period 9 (honors physics), "And to think I wanted the kid to get a job...there is no way she can work outside of the house AND get all this work done."

For the record, Carol Ann teachers AP English, honors English and some other English classes in another high school. When I looked at her syllabus last summer, I knew there would be no way I could ever pass HER class.

My kids are CHALLENGED. They have schoolwork and homework burdens that go far beyond what I EVER chose to do in high school. They are focused. I wasn't terribly. They KNOW they HAVE to go to college. It wasn't something I was particularly paying attention to and frankly, as I mentioned in the past, it is my one regret. They know the career path they want to take. I am 52-1/2 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

It is exhausting imagining how they play sports, dance, get school work done, work outside the house (they do, admittedly, not a lot of hours), hang out with friends and figure out when to sleep. I am taking this moment right now to say CHEERS to them. I am very proud of them and what they have accomplished for themselves in a really short period of time. So, if Bella wants to watch 200 episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, or another NCIS marathon, and if Peter wants to watch ESPN or play on on PS3, I now understand they NEED to. It is some of the only down time they have.

Here's to another year in school. We got this...
Music today, a story.

When I was in high school, I loved Jethro Tull. Between "Aqualung" and "War Child", I listened over and over and over. I think my friend Patti was responsible for this.

In any event, one day while listening to Pandora, THIS SONG came on and I was astounded it was Ian Anderson. 

It goes to show everyone has multiple sides.

As my kids navigate this year, I need to keep reminding myself THEY TOO have many, many facets to themselves. And they will do beautifully.

xo

http://youtu.be/HyaeOmYix7g
10 Comments
Marjie Kemper link
9/18/2013 11:31:24 pm

What a great post, and a wonderful blog you have here, Maggie. I had no idea you are a blogger, and you're a fabulous writer! Will sign up for your newsletter.

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Maggie ~ TGHR
9/19/2013 11:19:54 am

Thanks so much, Marjie; and yet, another facet of me revealed... :-)

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cathi
9/18/2013 11:49:31 pm

Right on target Maggie! I don't know how they do it.

Reply
Maggie ~ TGHR
9/19/2013 11:20:34 am

They sleep a lot less than we do. ;-)

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Carol Ann
9/19/2013 11:30:10 am

Thanks for acknowledging the hard work that our children are managing and our school district which is inspiring them to succeed. Thanks for the special mention. Who knew you were listening! Keep the inspiration flowing.

Reply
Maggie ~ TGHR
9/19/2013 08:13:23 pm

I am ALWAYS listening!
xo

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Robyn
9/19/2013 11:33:42 am

I don't know how my daughter does it either. High honor roll. AP classes, I barely made it through my regular classes. Don't forget the dance classes they take and sports or theater they do. Yikes! They hardly have time to sleep!

Reply
Maggie ~ TGHR
9/19/2013 08:14:35 pm

It is slightly insane, Robyn. They will learn time management skills in order to survive.

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Mirene
9/21/2013 12:28:47 pm

You're so right about our kids working so hard, and I feel really bad about the pressure they're under, but the only reason why they can handle so much successfully, is because the support, in every aspect, they receive from home. Respectfully, I disagree with you and Bella: not only you would be able to handle high school, but you would be on top of your AP English class too.

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Maggie ~ TGHR
9/23/2013 09:45:41 pm

Thank you, Mirene.

My adult self *might* be able to kick AP English's butt...

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    Maggie Pinque

    Believer in making dreams come true.
    Intuitive Card Reader.
    Author.  
    Inspirational Speaker. 
    ​Beacon of Optimism.

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