Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Observations

Yesterday was a busy day for the 3 of us girls. We had a few appointments in our previous town and ended up bringing our school work with us to do in the waiting rooms we spent our time in. Interesting how waiting rooms turn into observation rooms. Maybe I am just cursed with the observation gene, but I am so aware of others. In the pediatrician's waiting room I found a few families interesting. A set of grandparents waiting for their very young daughter to finish with her babies visit. (thought: Are they just being supportive or are they helping raise this little one?)

I also noticed that our schooling was intriguing to another mom with a preschooler. She ended up drumming up a conversation about homeschooling and how she was HS all the way through high-school, but she has her kids in public school. She said they respond to other teachers better than herself. (thought: I haven't heard that reason in awhile of why someone doesn't HS and why do people feel the need to tell me why they don't homeschool.)

I always notice when someone has a new baby with them. A beautiful lady had her new baby in the infant seat and she spent her waiting time on the cell phone while her baby drank from her propped up bottle. (thought: I bet that little one would love cuddle time while she eats even if she isn't breastfed.)

And then there was the Mom in the waiting room that caught all of our attention. She had to take her little one to the bathroom for a "sample". She came storming through after the staff shooed her out of their private bathroom. As she walked across the room her screaming preschooler yelled "Mama" the whole time. This didn't not result in the mama slowing down. Then when they stormed through again when they were done in the bathroom, the little girl did the same thing, yelled "Mama Mama" the length of the room. Everyone looked up and watched them parade through the room. They even caught the children's attention. (thought: give her the benefit of the doubt...then I noticed her "JESUS" shirt and cringed.)I noticed when we were checking out, that same mom and this time her daughter was screaming about the lolly pops and stickers.

Now before you think I am too judgemental this is what I sat there thinking of myself. We look like we have been living out of the car for a few days (reality: well, just today). Of course I homeschool, look at my Birks and chipped toe nail polish. (reality: I really need a pedicure). We are hogging the kids magnetic car sand table. (reality: this is a great area to do our worksheets and look...we are studying magnets.)

12 comments:

Christy said...

I suffer from the same problem. I've tried to HS in waiting rooms, but we tend to get too distracted, so we double up the next day or have evening school. I also like to call them "real life" field trips. However, we can do our daily reading in the car and play trivia games (especially Smarter Than a 5th Grader). I'm going to have to find a way since we are facing orthodontist visits in the near future!

Tonya said...

You are a HOOT! I have the same problem.. or is it a blessing? I'm ALWAYS curious about the lives of others. (Maybe that's why I enjoy blogging so much?) I also enjoy hearing why people "believe" the way they do. (I try to use that as a chance to witness)

We also homeschool. I do it out of conviction. I hear that kids need socialization. That's actually what I'm trying to avoid. I DON'T WANT my kids around those that are allowed to watch rated "R" movies. I don't want them to hear curse words and "the facts of life" from other CHILDREN. Our little ones learn to respect others by watching us. They learn to deal with problems from watching us. YES, they're around LOTS of children, but it's in a controlled environment. (Not out on a playground somewhere) I don't hang with foul mouthed people and I certainly don't want my babies to. (Why do I feel the need to explain why we DO homeschool?) LOL!!

Our boys are VERY WELL ROUNDED and would QUICKLY go home with anyone of any race or age. (No that's not always a good thing.. they could be kidnapped) They're like their Mom - they LOVE people. As for why we HS... there are really too many blessings to count.

Thanks for sharing your heart. I always LOVE to hear how other HS families do "life." =-)

LOVE YOU!

Anonymous said...

Neat post. I enjoy all of your thoughts and observations! You are cracking me up!

Tonya... couldn't agree more on HS.

I find people often have to tell me why they DON'T HS. I always feel bad then like they are feeling defensive because I do. Yet, I would never judge someone for not doing it.

Ginny said...

I do the same thing. I am always wondering about people too. What makes them tick etc.

Annie said...

We are kindred spirits! I also am an observer, and also can sort of fall into judgement.... But I am not sure it is that COMPLETELY bad. Because I don't think we are quite judging THEM as much as evaluating certain reactions and actions so that we can either imitate them or make different decisions - and do it THOUGHTFULLY.

junglemama said...

It is great that you have found homeschooling works for your family. I am always drawn to new babies too!

Anonymous said...

Next time you're in "town" give me a jingle! I'd love to meet up with you for lunch or a quick hug! I miss you guys.
Amy Sue

Rachael said...

Last night I helped my daughter (who is not HS -- should I tell you why? j/k!) with her language arts homework and one of the sentences she made with her spelling words was "I tried IMAGINE the name and OCCUPATION of the STRANGER on the bus." Good sentence, sounds like maybe your kindred spirit! :)

Julie said...

I definitely notice other people too, and have similar thoughts to yours. I love knowing about other people's lives. I babysat a ton in high school and college and even then was always very interested in how different families did things.

Major Mom said...

I am the same way. I just cannot stop people watching. It is one of my favorite things to do. I always wonder what people think of us...who is that crazy woman with those 2 boys and what is she doing???

Randi Sue said...

I watch people, too. Usually I try to talk to them if it is appropriate. Grace tries to talk to them even if it isn't appropriate.

Susan said...

I love you my kindred spirit "intospective sister. You are a great writer and have a "keen" way to express things. People watching is fun. I learn from other's "bad" examples, as well as good. I want to play at the magnet table too.