I don’t talk about Aidan’s education much. We are using the state funded k12 program; it’s a home-based charter school that gives us an amazing amount of flexibility with our schedules. This morning I was reading BuzzMachine, a blog by Jeff Jarvis, when I came upon this statement in TedxNYed: This is Bullshit:
We must stop looking at education as a product – in which we turn out every student giving the same answer – to a process, in which every student looks for new answers. Life is a beta.
I can’t begin to wrap my mind around the idea of the amount of information at my fingertips. What I’m doing at Home Ec 101 isn’t creating information, it’s simply listening to the questions people are asking and distilling the information into a form some people find more palatable.
Do I know what the kids will end up doing or being?
No.
I want to teach them to find the information they need, to vet it, process it, and perhaps share it in a new form.
A month ago I was contacted by an editor at a traditional publisher. She wanted to know if I would be interested in having a conversation about turning Home-Ec 101 into a book.
Immediately I turned to Google and Facebook, looking to see if it was a legit company.
Yes.
I returned the email and a few days later we had a conversation that outlined the whole process. The biggest hurdle is the pitch. She sent me a sample proposal and from that I began piecing together one for Home-Ec 101. After stressing about it and pestering people into giving their opinions, I finally turned it in -before the deadline, thank you very much.
Since then, it’s been a waiting game. Well, until yesterday that is. Around 1pm I got an email from the editor saying they really liked the idea and that it seems marketable. In fact, they wanted to hear it pitched in a larger size. (The original specs were for a paperback, slightly taller than your average novel, but not as thick (about 240 pgs ). Apparently they want to see it priced out in a larger book, I don’t know if that has anything to do with the number of words, adding content, or if it’s to allow for more whitespace. I’ll negotiate my contract when the final size & cost of production are figured out.
Regardless, I’m beyond excited, if nothing else, this is flattering and validating. I plug away at HE101 hoping I’m not wasting my time. Insecure much? Always.
Publishing projects take a while, so it will be some time before I make the big announcement on Home-Ec 101. It’s not a secret, but I’m going to try to not make a big deal out of it until closer to the release.
As per usual there was some great discussion, but there were moments that tickled me to no end.
Someone described being a fan of a brand on Facebook as it being “A friend with benefits.”
Viagra, it’s bigger than the brand.
The highlight of the evening was Andra Watkins impromptu illustration of inappropriate IRL networking behavior. “Hi! Me. Me. Me, me, me, me me me. ME!” I wish we had been able to get video.
Posted by Heather on Aug 18, 2009 in boys, geekery
Ever since Aidan was a baby, I knew we would probably end up homeschooling. Private school is out of the question and my own public school experience left some things to be desired.
We are very lucky to have found the South Carolina Virtual Charter School. It’s a great cross between public and homeschooling. Aidan can move at his own pace through the curriculum that meets national standards. We are free to supplement and work under the guidance of a teacher. This program offers the accountability I need to maintain focus and drive and removed the the fear of choosing the wrong curriculum.
At this point, my only concern is trying to figure out how to fill the six hour a day attendance requirement until we catch up to his ability. Yesterday, with a huge chunk of time to fill and requirements completed I came up with an activity that blends several disciplines at any given time.
Yes, Aidan now has his own site. I resized and uploaded the pictures. We talked about what to say and I wrote down what he wanted to type. I underlined each letter that needed to be capitalized and he did all of the typing, including entering all of the captions.
Is there anything more embarrassing than sitting while someone reads your bio out to an audience? Squirm, squirm, squirm. Half-hearted smile, small wave. Torture.
That said, I was very happy with the turnout for last night’s first breakout event. Social Media Club Charleston is very new and fairly informal. We have a goal of a speaker or panel once a quarter with social gatherings in between. In the near future I’ll create a calendar and blog at www.SMCCharleston.org to share events and commentary from events. This will be in addition to the Facebook Group.
It was so nice to see new faces. Granted, I love all of the usual suspects, but I don’t want to have a clique. The point of this group is to be inclusive and I hope those who came out felt welcome.
Sometimes I wish more of my time could be spent immersed in geektalk and company.
Last night’s four panelists: Dan Conover, Janet Edens, Andy Owens, and Ken Hawkins shared perspectives on the changing landscape of media. Each of the panelists had worked (or currently works) for the Post and Courier. Ken Hawkins left to create and launch The Digitel, which is doing well for the work of a naive dreamer [tic]. Andy Owens now works for the Charleston Regional Business Journal and covered his experience working for a smaller company with less overhead. Janet Edens still works for the P&C and has a unique perspective as the paper struggles to remain viable. Conover took a buyout last summer and covered a transition from traditional newspaper employee to a freelancer utilizing new media to secure income.
It’s exciting talk, as no one knows exactly where media will end up. While the outcome is still hazy, that doesn’t mean we can’t use current events like the Iran election to discern the course and discuss potential advantages and deficiencies. There’s an interesting mix of hope, trepidition, and enough big words to help me remember that my world isn’t only comprised of the kids.
Last month Chuck posted a wish on his blog. It was only a simple wish, just to celebrate his 70th birthday in a special way. I am so grateful to be part of a group of people willing to make those little moments in life so special.
Thank you Heidi for coordinating last night’s meet up and thank you to everyone who came.
Whether it’s a simple blogger meet up over a burger and a meal or a conference, I always have high hopes of coming home and shutting myself away for a few moments to explain the impact these moments have on my life. The funny thing is, that those moments are all I get. I’m in the middle of the busy years and someday I may be able to recap things, but right now to steal any more time away has a cost I’m not willing to pay. At this moment I have a few moments before the Benadryl kicks in (thank you springtime) and the kids are in bed. These years are finite and I’m aware that I should be greatful for the the freedoms I do have. As an introvert, these events are fulfilling, but exhausting. As a parent, I’m required to play an extrovert, even on those days I have the urge to spend tucked away in solitude.
I want to explain why I love hanging out with Tee Morris, but really all I’ll be able to say is a total fangirl “SQUEE!” Today I met authors and got a realistic look into what to expect if I ever go forward with my hopes of being published. I don’t have aspirations of being famous, but I would like to be validated. I met a lady whose books I will buy the next time I can justify a splurge at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. I think I have a new author, Tiffany Trent, I can share with my stepdauther
Today, I spent time in geek heaven. There was talk of memes, cultural revolutions, trending, early adopters, and social media douchebags: all of these are key words, words that let me know I don’t have to explain every obscure reference that may come out of my mouth. I was able to get excited and talk about things that matter to me, transparency, online presence, honesty and authority and no one gave a verbal headpat.
I’m greedy because I want more.
I hope what I take from today is the encouragement that comes from mingling with peers and use it to define and make progress toward a goal, whatever it is.
Before I turn in, I want to thank all of those who took the time to drive up to Myrtle Beach to be a part of CREATE South, but I would especially like to thank Greg Pittman, Chris Gallagher, Dan Tennant, Jared Smith, Chuck Boyd, and Raymond Owens for participating in the Community track of the conference.
If those active in the Friendfeed arena can feel free to blame Robert Scoble for contributing to the doom and gloom that is fueling the downward spiral of the US (and world) economy, then I should feel perfectly validated blaming him for my own uncomfortable situation.
It all started with a sushi dinner on Saturday night, closing the ConvergeSouth weekend. I have fondness for sushi that borders on obsessive; I can daydream about it for months on end silently trying to outlast my husband’s willpower. (Have I ever mentioned I’m neurotic?) Once the magical night of sushi arrives, I gorge and leave sated with a touch of guilt. Saturday was no different. Robert and a lady I don’t know well assumed the role of sushi selectors. This was fine by me, I always take the easy road and leave it up to the chef.
I nod sagely as I am told what each piece is, but my greedy American nature always wins. When no one is staring to see me fumble with my chopsticks I stuff my face and moan inwardly with delight.
Plate after plate of jewel colored fish arrived. I bemoaned leaving my camera in the hotel room as I sampled and asked for the plates to be passed down to my end. I’m somewhat convinced that most of the guests will gladly blame the gentleman across from me for the rapid disappearance of food, but I can assure you as sake toasts were raised I was reloading my plate.
But Heather, that sounds like a lovely evening, why are you blaming Robert Scoble for all the whining you’ve done over the past few days?
Have patience my dear readers, patience.
Monday evening it was my mission to atone for my sushi sins with a productive session at the gym. Near the end of class I was lying on my back, scissor kicking with my heels six inches off the floor, silently cursing my instructor and his future descendants when I felt a subtle pop. A twinge. Not the sweet relief of a joint cracking, just a feeling of something giving way.
As I walked to the parking lot, pain was shooting down the back of my leg and my calf was tingling.
Yes, it’s a minor injury, simply a pulled muscle that is affecting my sciatic nerve, but as anyone will tell you back injuries rarely feel minor and the past two days have been dulled by the haze of a prescription muscle relaxant and the soothing warmth of a heating pad. This my friends is why I have neglected to share stories of those wondeful people with whom I basked the flourescent glow of geekery.
This is to remind myself that yes, they can all be clean and happy at the same time.
Ellie still isn’t walking, but she’s finally sleeping better, which means I’m sleeping better. As if by magic the blinding headaches I’ve been muddling through have ended. Consequently, I am happier and probably more pleasant person. No comments from the peanut gallery, please.
As per usual there are a lot of things happening both in the local blogosphere and with Home Ec 101 that keep me busy. Last night Eugene helped organize a meet-up at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ. The food was good, the atmosphere was casual, the staff was nice, and of course the company was great. I was truly happy to meet Raymond and Larry, both relatively new to blogging, but quite informed about the changing state of media.
Last night’s conversation did nothing but stoke the excitement I feel about ConvergeSouth. I may have a partner for the roadtrip, which is also exciting.
Ten years ago I didn’t see life outside of the restaurant industry, eight years ago I was double majoring in Biochem and Biology, five years ago I was anxiously awaiting the birth of my first child. The twists and turns of life amuse me greatly.
That said, I was very happy with the turnout for last night’s first breakout event. Social Media Club Charleston is very new and fairly informal. We have a goal of a speaker or panel once a quarter with social gatherings in between. In the near future I’ll create a calendar and blog at www.SMCCharleston.org to share events and commentary from events. This will be in addition to the 
Last night’s four panelists: Dan Conover, Janet Edens, Andy Owens, and Ken Hawkins shared perspectives on the changing landscape of media. Each of the panelists had worked (or currently works) for the Post and Courier. Ken Hawkins left to create and launch 
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