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My youngest children are 12, 11, and nine years old, and in the seventh, sixth and fourth grades. It was last year I realized I could no longer help the 12 year old with her math homework. All three of them are learning Geometry and Algebra on their grade levels. I think I’m a smart person, an intellectual even. I have to admit, this NEW math has lost me! I didn’t take Algebra I until the eighth grade, and Algebra II in the ninth. I did fairly well in both. At that time, I was 13 and 14 years old. That’s been what… a century ago. Not actually, but it has been a little more than quarter of a century.
Geometry and Trigonometry both came along in the 10th grade. I thought I was a math wiz after doing so well in Algebra. That first semester was a rude awakening! I realized math and I were not friends. Shoot, we weren’t even on speaking terms! I dropped out of both, and changed my mind about ever seeking a career with math requirements. It just wasn’t happening!
Now, my kids are asking questions, and needing help with math. For a while, I would look it over, and if it was past basic Algebra, pretended I knew what I was doing. I’d then flip a few pages, scratch my head, and scribble a little bit on their paper. Finally, I’d say, “This isn’t how we did it when I was in school. Things have changed. Ask your dad, or your sister.”
I’d pass the buck to my husband, or my oldest daughter. He’s much more literate with it comes to math, and she’s now a college sophomore, majoring in Biology. Now, I’m so past keeping up appearances. These days when they ask for help with math, and it’s past basic Algebra, and Geometrical shapes, in particular triangles, I immediately respond, “Call your sister.”
A couple of weeks ago, the 12 year old had a problem I couldn’t help her with, I directed her to her sister. They talked on the phone for about 15 minutes. The problem was solved, and I never broke a sweet, or popped a blood vessel. Seriously, as technology advances, and the process of math becomes NEW to the ninth power, it’s time parents take a refresher course, and catch up to our kids.
My nine year old said, a couple of months ago, “We’re smarter than you were at our age. We have computers and so much more technology.”
Of course I had a rebuttal. Although they have the latest advances in technology, and get the answers to anything at almost the speed of light, those advances make them lazy. Youth of today, (adults too), don’t have to think for themselves. Formulas and equations no longer have to be studied and learned. That’s what hi-tech calculators are for.
Phone numbers are no longer committed to memory. They’re all stored in cell phones that are more than just phones. AT&T has a list of Smart Phones to include the Black Jack, BlackBerry, I-Phone, and the Palm-Centro. They tell time in all parts of the world, function as personal computers, and act as MP3 players. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Now that’s technology for you.
I remember having to do a report in sixth grade on Africa. It took a few weeks to finish. There were certain things that needed to be included in the report. When our set of Encyclopedia Britannica didn’t have everything I needed, I had to find another family with a set of encyclopedias. Eventually my research led me to the public library to look through periodicals.
Recently, one of my daughters had a report due for Science. She went to the Internet, printed all the research she needed, including maps and pictures, all within 30 minutes. She was then ready to get started on a report. My sixth grade report couldn’t compare. Yes, at their age they have greater access to the latest information.
I’ve decided to reacquaint myself with math, and learn the latest methods. Part of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Philosophy says, “The end of education is to know God, and all of his laws…”
In order to keep up with my kids in math and technology, I have to do one of two things. Stay one step ahead, or learn right along side them. I’d better hurry, or I’ll have some serious catching up to do!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Huxtable Effect
Read a great blog post today, "Obama Family Obsession, The Huxtable Effect, and the Black Image on the Screen", by Nordette, from the link below.
http://www.blogher.com/obama-family-obsession-huxtable-effect-and-black-image-screen
http://www.blogher.com/obama-family-obsession-huxtable-effect-and-black-image-screen
Saturday, November 8, 2008
How to save money at Wal-Mart by ad matching
Everyone who knows me knows I like Coca Cola, and Wal-Mart. I think we have moved past the like stage. The three of us are in an on-going steady relationship. I buy Coke, and visit Wal-Mart on a steady, basis. Often, I buy my Coke at Wal-Mart.
As our kids have gotten older, and become involved in everything, I’ve come to at least one realization. We had to save money somewhere. As often as I frequent Wal-Mart, and as much money as I spend there, additional savings were a must.
With a large family we cook and eat at home. Therefore, grocery shopping is a necessity. About two years ago, I learned Wal-Mart honors local competitor ads. Before learning this, I took the circulars and ran from store to store, for their savings that week. My route consisted of four to five stores. Another thing, I love to grocery shop! And saving money doing it is icing on the cake.
Studies have shown that grocery prices at Wal-Mart are generally 15% less than the shelf price at other stores - however the sales prices at other stores is generally 30% less than the prices at Wal-Mart. If you combine these two factors you can easily save 40% or more on your groceries without ever clipping a coupon. The key is to use the competitor's prices at Wal-Mart. (From http://world.visualwebtools.com/00/00/D7/DD/walmart.html)
How to ad match:
1. Gather local grocery store ad papers. Collect as many circulars from local grocery stores to maximize your saving potential. Wal-Mart’s policy is to honor competitor’s ads within a 50-mile radius. Price matching is a national policy at Wal-Mart, and policies may vary from Wal-Mart to the next.
2. Circle items. With a dark pen or marker, go through each paper, circling the sales items relevant to your family.
3. Make a list. List each item, price, and store, grouping items together by circular. Make sure to list, and match brands. When it comes to brand names, Wal-Mart is usually good about matching store brand for store brand. Wal-Mart store brand is Great Value (GV), where Brookshire’s is Food Club. Each store will have its own name brand. When it comes to other name brands, ad matching must be done with the same brand. Matching the appropriate size of items is key. An ad for a 12 oz. bottle can not be ad matched for a 16oz. bottle of the same product. Be sure to read all the information in the ad. Cereal ads can be tricky. The ad may be for General Mills Cereal. Below the ad it will name specific cereals, and certain sizes. One dollar and ninety-nine cents for a box of Trix might only apply to the 12 oz. box, not the 72 oz. Making a list also allows you to be more effective at the check out, not wasting your time, the checkers, and the people behind you.
Example
Gallon milk, 2.99 - Food King (store brand)
Large dozen eggs, .99 – Food King (store brand)
Kraft singles 12 oz., 2.99 – Budget Saver (name brand)
Peter Pan peanut butter 18 oz., 1.99 – Budget Saver (brand name)
4. Add coupons for added savings. If clipping coupons is a part of your savings routine, using coupons for the products on your ad match list is optimal for added savings.
5. Check out, and watch the savings. Remember to take the ad papers with you. Often Wal-Mart will ask to see them, for verification. Many checkers will be knowledgeable of local sales, and others won’t. When putting your groceries on the belt, make sure to put all ad match items together, either before or after other groceries. I prefer after.
Making a menu from my ad match list always helps in realizing my savings. Buying things randomly just because it’s on sale proves not to be wise. We’ve all been victim to the hype of a SALE, and bought things that never got eaten. After a year or so, after the expiration date, finally threw it out. I’ve been told, it’s not really a sale if you can’t use it. That’s a waste of money, not a savings.
As our kids have gotten older, and become involved in everything, I’ve come to at least one realization. We had to save money somewhere. As often as I frequent Wal-Mart, and as much money as I spend there, additional savings were a must.
With a large family we cook and eat at home. Therefore, grocery shopping is a necessity. About two years ago, I learned Wal-Mart honors local competitor ads. Before learning this, I took the circulars and ran from store to store, for their savings that week. My route consisted of four to five stores. Another thing, I love to grocery shop! And saving money doing it is icing on the cake.
Studies have shown that grocery prices at Wal-Mart are generally 15% less than the shelf price at other stores - however the sales prices at other stores is generally 30% less than the prices at Wal-Mart. If you combine these two factors you can easily save 40% or more on your groceries without ever clipping a coupon. The key is to use the competitor's prices at Wal-Mart. (From http://world.visualwebtools.com/00/00/D7/DD/walmart.html)
How to ad match:
1. Gather local grocery store ad papers. Collect as many circulars from local grocery stores to maximize your saving potential. Wal-Mart’s policy is to honor competitor’s ads within a 50-mile radius. Price matching is a national policy at Wal-Mart, and policies may vary from Wal-Mart to the next.
2. Circle items. With a dark pen or marker, go through each paper, circling the sales items relevant to your family.
3. Make a list. List each item, price, and store, grouping items together by circular. Make sure to list, and match brands. When it comes to brand names, Wal-Mart is usually good about matching store brand for store brand. Wal-Mart store brand is Great Value (GV), where Brookshire’s is Food Club. Each store will have its own name brand. When it comes to other name brands, ad matching must be done with the same brand. Matching the appropriate size of items is key. An ad for a 12 oz. bottle can not be ad matched for a 16oz. bottle of the same product. Be sure to read all the information in the ad. Cereal ads can be tricky. The ad may be for General Mills Cereal. Below the ad it will name specific cereals, and certain sizes. One dollar and ninety-nine cents for a box of Trix might only apply to the 12 oz. box, not the 72 oz. Making a list also allows you to be more effective at the check out, not wasting your time, the checkers, and the people behind you.
Example
Gallon milk, 2.99 - Food King (store brand)
Large dozen eggs, .99 – Food King (store brand)
Kraft singles 12 oz., 2.99 – Budget Saver (name brand)
Peter Pan peanut butter 18 oz., 1.99 – Budget Saver (brand name)
4. Add coupons for added savings. If clipping coupons is a part of your savings routine, using coupons for the products on your ad match list is optimal for added savings.
5. Check out, and watch the savings. Remember to take the ad papers with you. Often Wal-Mart will ask to see them, for verification. Many checkers will be knowledgeable of local sales, and others won’t. When putting your groceries on the belt, make sure to put all ad match items together, either before or after other groceries. I prefer after.
Making a menu from my ad match list always helps in realizing my savings. Buying things randomly just because it’s on sale proves not to be wise. We’ve all been victim to the hype of a SALE, and bought things that never got eaten. After a year or so, after the expiration date, finally threw it out. I’ve been told, it’s not really a sale if you can’t use it. That’s a waste of money, not a savings.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes We Can
Yesterday, I was so excited about the whole election process, and the anticipation of what could happen.That caused me to reflect on the life of husband's 85 year-old grandmother. During Grandma Georgia's lifetime, she's seen a day where black people couldn't vote, where they marched, were jailed, attacked and lynched for the right to vote.
Today, Barak OBama is President Elect, of the United States of America!
I was moved by the sea of people that gathered in Grant Park, in Chicago, as a showing support. There were not just Blacks in attendance, but Whites, Asians and others... people! America identifies with OBama not just because he's black, but that he understands who we are, and has been where situations, counting pennies, making arrangements on bills, and having more month than we have money.
Like many of us, OBama knows someone without health insurance, and is struggling to pay for life sustaining medicine. He understands that “No Child Left Behind,” is leaving our children behind, frustrated, and without hope. Understanding where I’m coming from means much more than him being a black man. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter, because it does.
Listening to OBama's speech Tuesday night, I couldn't stop grinning. His "Yes We Can," rang so deep within me.
He spoke about Ann Nixon-Cooper, and that “…She was there for the busses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher in Atlanta who told the people, ‘We shall overcome.’ Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon. A wall came down in Berlin. A world was connected by our own science and imagination. And, this year, in this election she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote. Because, after 106 years in America, through the best of times, and the darkest of hours, she knows how American can change. Yes we can…
…While we breath we hope, and where we are met with sinicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up a spirit of a people, Yes we can.”
I couldn't wait to tell my children this morning that Barak OBama had won. On our way to school, I took that opportunity to explain the impact of him becoming the first Black President. Barriers are being broken, and the tides are slowly changing. No, ignorance has not been wiped out over night. But because Rosa Parks sat on a bus, Martin Luther King marched on Washington, and Barak OBama was ELECTED President of the United States of America, November 4, 2008, my child, or any child can become what ever they want. Yes they can!
Today, Barak OBama is President Elect, of the United States of America!
I was moved by the sea of people that gathered in Grant Park, in Chicago, as a showing support. There were not just Blacks in attendance, but Whites, Asians and others... people! America identifies with OBama not just because he's black, but that he understands who we are, and has been where situations, counting pennies, making arrangements on bills, and having more month than we have money.
Like many of us, OBama knows someone without health insurance, and is struggling to pay for life sustaining medicine. He understands that “No Child Left Behind,” is leaving our children behind, frustrated, and without hope. Understanding where I’m coming from means much more than him being a black man. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter, because it does.
Listening to OBama's speech Tuesday night, I couldn't stop grinning. His "Yes We Can," rang so deep within me.
He spoke about Ann Nixon-Cooper, and that “…She was there for the busses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher in Atlanta who told the people, ‘We shall overcome.’ Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon. A wall came down in Berlin. A world was connected by our own science and imagination. And, this year, in this election she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote. Because, after 106 years in America, through the best of times, and the darkest of hours, she knows how American can change. Yes we can…
…While we breath we hope, and where we are met with sinicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up a spirit of a people, Yes we can.”
I couldn't wait to tell my children this morning that Barak OBama had won. On our way to school, I took that opportunity to explain the impact of him becoming the first Black President. Barriers are being broken, and the tides are slowly changing. No, ignorance has not been wiped out over night. But because Rosa Parks sat on a bus, Martin Luther King marched on Washington, and Barak OBama was ELECTED President of the United States of America, November 4, 2008, my child, or any child can become what ever they want. Yes they can!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Watching God
Riding to work in the quiet and cool of the morning, at times makes me want to take a right, where I should turn left, and just keep on riding. Looking at the trees, flowers, and clouds, just marveling at the work of God, makes me want more.
One of my favorite books is Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." While reading the book, I kept looking for the meaning of the title. Then finally, during the hurricane in Florida, it became evident. The movie makes a better illustration. Teacake asks again and again, "Janie, whatcha doing?" She simply replies, "Watching God."
When I'm riding along, and notice even the simply things, like turtles sunbathing, or a flock of geese that have made a field near my house, their home every summer, I smile and whisper, "Watching God," as if someone asked what I was doing.
With all we do, work, the kids, cooking, cleaning, our civic and religious obligations, day in and day out, we fail to notice the beauty and wonder around us, God has so amazingly orchestrated. As humans we are creatures of habit. Driving home, we usually take the same route, every day. Or when going to a specific place we have a route we take.
A couple months ago, while riding my bike, I did something out of the ordinary, mainly because I was bored and I rode the route backwards. It was the same route, but from a different perspective, and on the opposite side of the street. I saw things I never noticed before!
I then decided take a different route home, and to the places I frequent most, seeing the sights. Yes, the sights in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I'm going God watching. I encourage you to slow down, take a different route, and watch God, for yourself. You'll be surprised what you will see.
One of my favorite books is Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." While reading the book, I kept looking for the meaning of the title. Then finally, during the hurricane in Florida, it became evident. The movie makes a better illustration. Teacake asks again and again, "Janie, whatcha doing?" She simply replies, "Watching God."
When I'm riding along, and notice even the simply things, like turtles sunbathing, or a flock of geese that have made a field near my house, their home every summer, I smile and whisper, "Watching God," as if someone asked what I was doing.
With all we do, work, the kids, cooking, cleaning, our civic and religious obligations, day in and day out, we fail to notice the beauty and wonder around us, God has so amazingly orchestrated. As humans we are creatures of habit. Driving home, we usually take the same route, every day. Or when going to a specific place we have a route we take.
A couple months ago, while riding my bike, I did something out of the ordinary, mainly because I was bored and I rode the route backwards. It was the same route, but from a different perspective, and on the opposite side of the street. I saw things I never noticed before!
I then decided take a different route home, and to the places I frequent most, seeing the sights. Yes, the sights in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I'm going God watching. I encourage you to slow down, take a different route, and watch God, for yourself. You'll be surprised what you will see.
Living Life to the Fullest
Just one month ago, I turned 40. Wahooooo! Before the big day, I was making a list of things to do to celebrate the whole year of being 40. Not just to celebrate being 40, but celebrate me! I want to do something’s I've never done before, and some I never knew I wanted to do. The point is, I want to live life to the fullest! When I get to where I can't do, or can't go, my list of "I wish I had done," should be very short!
All too often we tell our children, spouses, and ourselves, I can't, or we can't because of money, gas, and my personal favorite, "I've gotta work." And before you know it, life has passed us by. The funny thing is, we've forgotten to notice things around us. Like the house on the corner has changed colors. And it's been that color for years!Having kids is no excuse not to do something. Conquer your fears, do something out of the ordinary. Hell, just do something. My first something was to pierce the cartilage of my ear. My son said no to the nose ring! LOL. I plan on climbing Mt. Magazine, Arkansas' highest mountain. But before I tackle that, I will climb Pinnacle Mountain. Mt list is getting longer and longer!
My 11 year old daughter has no idea how much I admire her. She's strong willed, and when she puts her mind to something she's not stopping until it's done. And she never backs down from a challenge. She broke her wrist, and got a black eye on separate occasions, due to a boy challenging her. She has wanted to break or set a record for a couple of years now. And together we will set/break one. She's also said, she will someday be a millionaire. And I believe her! She's driven!
I don't want to just live life to the fullest for one year. I will for the rest of my life! There have been people my age, and younger dieing lately. And I wonder, what is it they never got to do? When it comes my time, my obituary will sing of what all I've done, and tried to do. Life's too short to be a by-stander, watching it go by. Jump in the game, and get some of it.Live life to the fullest!!!
All too often we tell our children, spouses, and ourselves, I can't, or we can't because of money, gas, and my personal favorite, "I've gotta work." And before you know it, life has passed us by. The funny thing is, we've forgotten to notice things around us. Like the house on the corner has changed colors. And it's been that color for years!Having kids is no excuse not to do something. Conquer your fears, do something out of the ordinary. Hell, just do something. My first something was to pierce the cartilage of my ear. My son said no to the nose ring! LOL. I plan on climbing Mt. Magazine, Arkansas' highest mountain. But before I tackle that, I will climb Pinnacle Mountain. Mt list is getting longer and longer!
My 11 year old daughter has no idea how much I admire her. She's strong willed, and when she puts her mind to something she's not stopping until it's done. And she never backs down from a challenge. She broke her wrist, and got a black eye on separate occasions, due to a boy challenging her. She has wanted to break or set a record for a couple of years now. And together we will set/break one. She's also said, she will someday be a millionaire. And I believe her! She's driven!
I don't want to just live life to the fullest for one year. I will for the rest of my life! There have been people my age, and younger dieing lately. And I wonder, what is it they never got to do? When it comes my time, my obituary will sing of what all I've done, and tried to do. Life's too short to be a by-stander, watching it go by. Jump in the game, and get some of it.Live life to the fullest!!!
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