me gusta comer

I thought about writing this post entirely in Spanish, but my deep respect for Spanish-speaking people prohibits me from butchering their language, at least in a public forum. My intentions are good, but high school Spanish was a long time ago.

We had a super cool field trip to Toni’s Tienda, the oldest Mexican tienda (store) in our area, yesterday. I may or may not have had a shameful amount of guacamole. My son is in a wonderful Spanish class in our homeschool co-op and this was a great way to extend the kids’ experience outside the classroom, which is kind of what homeschoolers do best.

I bought saffron and Mexican gum (saffron for me, gum for the kids). Since I didn’t bring in a bag, I just carried my purchase out in my hands, but later decided I didn’t need saffron rolling around in the van. I stuck it into the dark, unreachable abyss that is my purse, only to need my phone later. That’s a new one: digging for my phone through lipstick, papers, wallet, saffron and Mexican gum. Tomorrow, I make yellow rice with lime. Si, es muy bueno.

 

prepare for the beginning, and other miscellany

My fellow geeks, run, don’t walk, to see the new Star Trek movie trailers. This makes “Heroes” tolerable again. Yatta!

While you’re surfing, my column on turning the big 4-0 is out in this month’s Upstate Parent (and others, but this link is to Upstate). Also, if you’re on Facebook, Upstate Parent has a fan page now. Your support is greatly appreciated. Really.

It was pinewood derby time on Saturday. Think he had fun?

Now, I am off for a little time in the 80 degree temperatures. It’s hard to believe that one week ago, we had 6.5 inches of snow. Goodbye, winter. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

my focus is probably misplaced

But I like that headline on the catalog.

turns out, i’m a science geek

My story about how homeschooling has filled the gaps in my own education is up at Heart of the Matter Online. I am very proud to be a part of this online magazine and community that is designed to encourage Christian, homeschooling moms. (Do not stereotype us; you would be wrong.) I would be honored if you would click over and give them a view.

But back to the snow: It’s still here. We currently have more snow left on the ground than we usually get in a total snowfall. Today was another snow day for the kids and tomorrow is two-hour delay. Yep – nothing’s getting done this week.

a veritable blizzard

last night…

and since we’ve no place to go

Observations about snow in South Carolina:

The employees of Publix at Five Forks in Simpsonville must be grace personified. As far as I could tell when I was there on my ibuprofen run today, not only had they not harmed a single customer, they were all smiling and seemed genuinely glad to help the large crowd that had gathered post-church. Good on them.

We don’t know how to drive in anything more than a summer shower. If you are a transplant from some snowbound state, do not honk your horn at us. We can’t help it. Black ice is scary. That’s why most of us just stay home.

While forecasters are saying rather disturbing things like “potential for biggest snowfall since 1980” (I was 11 in 1980), instead of digging up snowman-making supplies, I am tallying the first aid gear. The boy had a temp of 102.7 this morning and the girl is spending the weekend in bed with back pain. (Orthopedists don’t go to work in the snow here, I bet.) And Buddy has somehow strained his paw. Few things are sadder than a 13-year-old dog limping around.

But everyone – even the sick and injured – will be going out to play in the snow. Enjoy!