Tonight is "Preview Night" at one of the high schools we are considering for Elijah. We're taking the big tour. We did the same thing with another high school last Wednesday night. It was crazy. They had everything from business and marketing classes to horse-care and computer-repair classes. You can raise your own goat or chicken at this school, yet it's totally state of the art -- straight out of the movies. Where was this place when I was a teenager? Right here, I guess -- not in San Ramon, CA.
Anyhow, there I was going through the typical process of accepting that I have a child this old and that he really is going to high school next year, when the principal gets up to speak. His ENTIRE presentation was about planning for college and how our kids need to carefully plot out their high school 'careers' in order to best pursue their futures. Whoa, Mister, one wrinkle at a time!
Speaking of wrinkles. I have been so good this week. I've gotten a ton of big things done, yet my to-do list is longer than it was on Monday. What's up with that!?
To combat this annoyance, I'm now keeping a list of weekly accomplishments. As I wrap up a task, I move it from the devilish to-do list to the angelic all-done list. It's fantastic. Try it out sometime.
One big project I'm excited to get going on is our Trunk Show Program -- a travelling circus of sewing-pattern samples for fabric shops to display. I'm busy drawing up fabric choices and construction notes for elephants, turtles, handbags, Happy Stackers, you name it. If you have a quilt shop and are interested in receiving info about this program once it's ready, email Nica and we'll put you on our list!
Now to plan out some class Valentines with Charlotte. The whole troop has just trumpeted through the front door, feeling particularly chatty today. If you can't shush 'em, join 'em!
Wow, that's interesting that you actually check out the schools and decide where to send your child. Here your kids attend the school for whatever area they live in. You have no choice and they rarely make exceptions.
Also, wow on the classes! They don't offer anything like that around here. I realize my city is pretty small but still.
I think the whole concept of schools is very different in the US from what it is in Canada even if it sort of looks the same on the outside.
Posted by: Jen | February 09, 2011 at 04:46 PM
Your going to love it, the whole high school thing is really lots of wonderful with a bit of sass thrown in from time to time, but on the whole wonderful. My oldest graduated last year and I have 2 in high school now - it really is a good time.
Trunk shows, I'm in heaven and cannot wait to see your list of where you've sent them...I'd travel to see it!
Posted by: kathryn | February 09, 2011 at 05:02 PM
I'm going thru the same thing w/ THE BIG HIGH SCHOOL decision. Public v. Private. How to pay. What's best? So much energy in deciding. Lousy neighborhood school, so crossing fingers for a transfer or a windfall:) Good luck!
Posted by: Laura Zarrin | February 09, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Did you go to the infamous Cal High in San Ramon? That is where I went and now I want to blow off making dinner and go dig my yearbooks out of the attic and see if I can find you. : )
Posted by: Kim M. | February 09, 2011 at 06:27 PM
We didn't have anything like that in my high school either, though we had block scheduling and longer labs which was great practice for the longer class lengths in college. And Russian. I got to learn Russian (and Latin, French and Spanish) in high school. I was like a regular polyglot!
Posted by: Seanna Lea | February 10, 2011 at 04:23 AM
3 cheers for the angelic accomplishment list! I started doing this every Friday, and it makes that never-ending "to do" list so much less depressing. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve.
Posted by: Kelly | February 10, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Hi Heather - My son will also be in high school next year also He is in private school and has Student Life Success as one of his electives. Last week they practiced filling out job applications, deciding what career they are suited for and even had an interview. Good luck on your search!
Posted by: Tami | February 11, 2011 at 02:24 PM
I love the idea of your all-done list! I blogged about this inspiration and have officially started my own "Ta Done!" list. Although its empty for this week. Bah. I think I might write "shower" on it since that seems to be a big enough accomplishment on its own :-)
Posted by: Carrie | February 12, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Eeeek...I know what you mean. My daughter is SIXTEEN today. We are throwing her a party tonight. ARRRGHH. But she still loves it when I tell stories about when she was little. Deep down, they are always your "little one."
Posted by: The Dreaming Bear | February 12, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Hey, LOVE your blog, and have already quoted you to my OH...."creativity is necessary for my soul"
thanks for that!
fee x
(my eldest starts High School in September, wish i was his generation (school wise!) as the subjects look fab. No latin for him!!)
Posted by: fee | February 12, 2011 at 09:37 AM
Ha haaa! Of course! An accomplishment list alongside the to-do-list that only gets longer, due to my mind generating new ideas. Love it! I'm now making a new google calendar with ONLY accomplishments. Thank you:)
Posted by: Gunvor R | February 13, 2011 at 01:36 AM
"Ta-Done" is perfect, Carrie. Love that.
Posted by: Heather Bailey | February 14, 2011 at 09:24 AM
I have a 10mo old Eli... I cannot even picture him being 3yrs old, much less in high school! You totally don't look old enough either! ;-)
I feel like I get almost no sewing done now that Eli is mostly mobile. I REALLY cherish his nap times now. haha
btw - LOVE LOVE LOVE your fabrics... Pop Garden was one of my first ever "designer" purchases when I started sewing 2 years ago.
You rock!
Posted by: Cristin | February 15, 2011 at 12:49 PM