New Math and Thank You's

Hellooooo!! (said in my best Elaine from Seinfield voice)

I hope you are all doing well and that the start of the new school year is going well. We are experiencing some homework meltdowns with Middle child, but in his defense, he hasn't had homework since 1st grade, so any amount in 5th grade seems totally overwhelming to him (and me!!). This issue leads me to my first topic: New Math.

I have VIVID (read: horrible) memories of being in Elementary school and bringing home math homework only to have my mom tell me she didn't know what I was doing because it was "New Math". Thus she could not help and I was on my own. On the flip side of this, my dad was so good with math he would make me do math problems on paper napkins while we were eating dinner. This memory is just as VIVID as the first.

Middle child has brought home math homework and though I am familiar with most of the terms (array's, math triangles, etc) sometimes I am not quite sure what the directions are. And since Middle child listens more to his friends (No, you don't need to bring home the reference book) than to his teachers, sometimes I am winging helping him. Back in the day, we memorized all our multiplication facts, we didn't know how we got to the answer, we just knew our facts.

He had math homework again today (OMG mom, I have tons of math homework. 6.34 minutes later, he was done) and I was trying to help him but all of my ways were "wrong" so Husband tried to help. Husband is not familiar with how they teach math now, and in a moment of horror, told Middle child that he didn't know what he was trying to do since it was the "New Math".

I think I gasped and may have punched Husband in the arm. Over the years, I have learned that there is no "new math", only new ways to teach it. 1 + 1 = 2 no matter HOW you teach it. I was quick to dismiss Husband's comment and looked thru Middle child's math book to find out what we were supposed to do. I have no doubt that Google will be a good friend to me in the future as Geometry is NOT my gig. I can do Algebra, to some extent, and should be able to help. I will have to help him how I remember doing it but it is better than not being able to help at all.

Second topic: Things/People I would like to sat Thanks to.

My good friend Laura did this on her blog and I thought it was really nice. I don't think we thank people enough for what they do, and saying thanks can be the highlight of someone's day. I am big on the "I appreciate what you do for me" but sometimes don't get to the basic thank you. I will try to keep this list short and light and thank only those who come quickly to mind (keep in mind, I did New Math today, so my brain is a little fried).

1. I thank him a lot but I don't think he really realizes how thankful I am to be married to him: my Husband. He does a ridiculous amount for me, the kids, other people's kids, while never complaining. He willingly drives Daughter all over the place so she can be with her friends, plays with the kids outside, puts gas in my van, and is still has time to chase me around the house.

2. My girl friends. This encompasses quite a few gals. I am referring to my Junior High bestie (Hi Zip), my High School girl friends (most are Kim's), my college roomies (you know who you are!!), and the group of wonderful ladies I hang out with now. Our lives are busy and different but we can get together, talk, laugh, call each other out, and still remain friends at the end of an evening.

3. My griddle. Only my griddle can make quick work of 2 or 3 dozen pancakes on a busy morning.

4. My boss and co-workers. Though I work in 92 degrees (this is NO joke), am on my feet for 6 hours, get a steam bath every time I open the dishwasher, and usually come home with food in my hair, I cannot imagine being in any other place. The kids seems to be over Lunch Lady Steve being gone and are embracing my mom-ness and willingness to help them with whatever they need.

That's my top 4. Want to know the math facts that are related to 4.....???

My workouts are non-existent since I am on my feet all day. Still doing weights and have started back to the eating clean movement. Was feeling really sluggish but I am back to protein, vegs, fruit, and trying to stay away from stuff that is processed. Certain things I will give up but not bread and cheese. Not extreme amounts of either but I have to have something to dip into my egg and I like light cheese sticks for work. Will let you know how it goes. I am still within my normal weight range and at work average about 7 miles of walking in 6 hours. Lots of lifting, too. Right now with my schedule, focusing on food is easier than fitting in extra exercise.

Have a great Labor Day weekend. I will be sleeping and spending time with my Brother (LOOOONNNG over due) and his family, and then sleeping some more. I am sure there will be laundry involved, but that's easy, there is no math involved.

Rock on peeps!!

Cat