Being Bridget

Blogging Again

2006-06-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

It's just been one thing after another here at Bridget's house. I don't want to re-live it, but the short version is I'm unemployed and my house was struck by fucking lightning. And no, I'm not kidding.

It fried nearly everything that was plugged in. Computer, TV, phone, dishwasher...all dead. It even melted the outlets in the kitchen and dining room. The roof damage wasn't all that bad, it just blew off a couple dozen shingles. I guess I should feel lucky because it could have been worse. But I'm not. It pisses me off.

I'm going to make the rounds now and try and catch up with everyone.

Peace, BridgetJ

Good Grief

2006-04-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

My panties are stuck in my ass over this crap. Butch has been a part of my life EVERYDAY for quite sometime (whether she likes it or not), and the fact that her blog is wiped clean really pisses me off.

I know. This is a virtual world and I shouldn't invest such a large part of myself in it, but I do. Butch is more reliable than most the people in my life. This whole operation we've got going here doesn't work without her.

Molly is an idiot. She obviously had to resort to a personal attack on Butch because she could no longer refute Butch's argument. Ridiculous.
Even more ridiculous is the championing of Molly by Daryl.

Discrediting one's opinion because of sexual preference is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. That's like saying, "Sam's opinion doesn't really matter because he's got nads." Butch has a better track record of giving rational and reasonable advice than any of those idiots.

I hope Butch returns soon. And I hope Molly and Daryl get crabs.

The 80's Bridget

2006-04-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

Little Bridget

2006-04-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

Why is it that NONE of the bitches have THEIR photo on their blog?

Come on girls...let's start with some early photos and work our way up.

Cupcake Coleman

2006-04-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Trying to figure out this picture thing.

This is my Cupcake Coleman.

Can a Man "Opt Out" of Child Support?

2006-04-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

If this guy were my son, I might have to rethink my position on the plumbing supply line. What a jerk.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/08/fatherhood.suit.ap/index.html

Men, you do have a choice. 1) You can become a homosexual. Sure fire way to ensure nobody gets preggers. Or 2) WEAR A RAINCOAT. Yeah, I know they suck. But too bad. Don't want to wear one? See choice #1 (no raincoat there in monogamous relationships only, of course).

You can't just say because this child was unplanned and she won't abort that you aren't paying to support it . That's just TOO FUCKING BAD.

I'm sick and tired of people not taking responsibility for their kids, financially and otherwise. CHILDREN NEED THEIR PARENTS YOU FOOLS! Not just financially, but physically and emotionally.

Loser said he couldn't pick up his kids because he had dinner plans with his fiancee and some friends. Well, asshole, it doesn't work that way. How do you think my kids feel knowing their father would rather hang out with his friends than be with them? What a terrible feeling for them.

I know. It was the same way when we were married. He'd rather be anywhere but home with us. But I'm an adult and can handle it.. My poor little guy was just shattered when he finally put 2 and 2 together and realized his father would rather have dinner with them instead of him.

People, get a clue. Once you have kids it's NOT about what YOU want anymore. IT'S ABOUT THE KIDS, YOU IDIOT!

BOYCOTT SUPPORTERS OF CHILD ABUSE

2006-03-30T12:07:00.000-06:00

This is a sticky post. Scroll down for NEW BOYCOTT NEWS.

Listen up. The Pearls' website is nothing more than a bunch of sadistic recommendations for abusing children in the name of their loving and forgiving Jesus.

Beating a child with a plumbing supply line is abuse. Beating an infant because it cries is abuse. Beating children "until they cower" (quote from website) is abuse.

"If a child flees, don’t chase him... Go to his hiding place and laugh at his frail attempts." What kind of loving parent does that?

Boycott any and all websites/message boards/blogs that carry links to the Pearls' website or sells any of their materials. Including, but not limited to Homeschoolblogger, Homesteadblogger, and The Old Schoolhouse (the stupid fuckers that are rationalizing abuse, read her twisted comments here)

For all of the Xtians who lurk here: THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! Don't sit idly by while your fellow Xtians rationalize this criminal abuse of children. This makes ALL Xtians look bad unless you comment otherwise. Let others know (by posting a comment on this or another blog) that all Xtains do not condone this type of abuse.

Companies who sell the Pearls' books and/or advertise for TOS and HSBlogger:
Amazon.com (US), Amazon.ca (CA), Barnes & Noble - stopped selling To Train Up a Child, but still carries No Greater Joy, Ebay.com , Ebay.CA , Ebay.UK , Half.com (US), Vegsource - the homeschool swap boards allow sales of Pearl materials (Mostly US, but some Intl.), Chapters.Indigo (CA), Christian Home Education (UK), Memoria Press (US), Heritage Resources (CA), Teach Magazine (US), Homeschool Digest (US), HomesteadBlogger.com
EMAIL THESE COMPANIES!

Please join me and my friends in getting the word out on this human atrocity. Leave a comment for this post if you'd like to be included.

Butch
Missy
Audrey
Joy
Samuel
Frankie
Jo
Wisteria
Scooby
Meg

Damn, Now This is Fucking Sick

2006-03-30T12:01:00.000-06:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,189665,00.html

A Good Find

2006-03-29T12:49:00.000-06:00

http://gods4suckers.net/archives/2006/03/24/xian-parenting-tip-237-spank-kids-with-2-ft-long-pvc-pipe/

Role Reversal Questions

2006-03-23T12:26:00.000-06:00

What would the headline be if a 13yo boy beat his mother with a plumbing supply line? Or a belt? Or a "paddle?"

Would he be considered "a danger to society," and placed in juvenile detention? Probably.

If my neighbor's kid runs out in the middle of the street can I run after him and whip him with a belt?

Can I beat anyone's child with plumbing supply line? Or just my own child?

Is it okay to whip a 17yo but not an 18yo?

Rhetoric from a Well-Trained Moron

2006-03-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

Well-Trained Moron

Defining a Christian

2006-03-21T23:49:00.001-06:00

We had dinner tonight at our regular Mexican hangout, Pancho's. The kids feasted on fajitas while I...well...I usually drink my dinner at Pancho's.

Whenever one of the kids says something stupid, I do the spectacles, testicles (or hoo hoo), wallet, and watch thing that Catholics do. Well, tonight when I did it I got more than I bargained for.

"Mom, I think we are all reincarnated when we die."

Margaritaaaaaaaaa!!! Make it a double!

A little background info. The kids go to a Baptist church every other Sunday with loser. They believe they are Christians because loser told them they were. Loser is a PK that goes to church to meet chicks.

My son may have said something then but I didn't hear him because I'm frantically scanning the room for the waiter. He finally arrives with the goods and my heart rate goes back to normal.

So I start to go over all the basic tenets. He looks very confused about it all and says he believes in Jesus but isn't sure about all that other stuff they are serving up on Sunday morning.

He thinks for a moment and says, "Does that mean I'm not a Christian?"

"Do you think you are a Christian?"

"Yes."

"Well then I guess you are."

I tell him I believe that a Christian is someone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for our sins. Period. Finito. It has nothing to do with going to church, following the Ten Commandments, reading the Bible, or even believing that the Bible is the word of God. The Bible was not written by God. It was written by Luke, John, Tom, Dick, Harry, and Kermit.

He starts, "But the preacher says" and I stop him right there. Who is this preacher? What does he know and how does he know it? Why is he an expert? Because he has read the Bible? Has he spoken to God? (Probably claims he has.) Has he been to heaven and returned with all this knowledge? Are you supposed to believe him because he wears a white collar?

And then my 11yo kid says the smartest thing he has ever said in his entire life, "Faulty appeal to authority!" YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Ahhhh. I deserve another drink.

Where to Shop?

2006-03-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

EVERYBODY sells the Pearls' baby beating books!

I guess I'm going to have to go straight to the publisher for a lot of my curricula. What about Rainbow Resource? I didn't find anything related to the Pearls on their website.

Boycott News

2006-03-18T18:37:00.000-06:00

There is a big fat ad for TOS Magazine in the Memoria Press catalog I received today. (SWB's name is bolded on the front of the ad. lol)

Their email is magister at memoriapress dot com

You can add this to the list, Audrey.

Another piece about the Pearls.

By the way, who is keeping track of all this? I think we need to elect a secretary. I nominate Audrey. She doesn't really homeschool anyway (wink). No kid that is homeschooled looks THAT happy....ever.

Sicko Xtians Rationalizing Child Abuse

2006-03-16T20:54:00.000-06:00

I first read about this article on cod's website
www.odonnellweb.com

Here's a link to the article http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/418676.html

Xtians will go to any lengths to rationalize their sick behavior.

They live in TN, as do I. What that means is that the child has to be dead before the Department of Children's Services will remove them from the home.

Whipping an infant with a plumbing supply line is FUCKING CHILD ABUSE. As is wrapping a child so tightly in his covers (so he doesn't get out of bed) that he suffocates and dies.

I hope these fuckers die a slow painful death. I'm getting out the voodoo dolls and naming them now.

A Beautiful Day

2006-03-14T23:39:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful day here in Middle Tennessee.

Yesterday we had several thunderstorms pass through, but it cleared up and ended up being a nice late afternoon.

I was sitting in the kitchen late yesterday and all the thunderstorms were long gone. It was clear and cooler. Then without any warning whatsoever, it starts hailing. Grape sized hail. No rain. No thunder. Just a little-bitty grey cloud passing overhead. The sound is deafening. It continued about 2 minutes and stopped abruptly. Still no rain.

Then about 20 minutes later it starts happening again. But still no rain, just a puny little cloud.

The weather here has been so strange the past few years. I've seen hail before, but never without an accompanying thunderstorm. I just stood there watching it hit the driveway and bounce around. Quite a mesmerizing sight.

Mini Pity Party

2006-03-14T08:25:00.000-06:00

So take your average day of cleaning, cooking, homeschooling, grocery shopping, reading, paying bills, appointments, moderating quarrels, laundry, etc.

Now.....minus 6 hours from each day, including weekends.

Sigh.

A Time and Place for Everything

2006-03-10T21:50:00.000-06:00

If there were any mothers in my homeschool group that didn't hate me, they do now.

I just can't stand stupid people. If you start babbling a bunch of stupid crap to me you'd better be prepared for a confrontation.

One of the mothers said her kids have begged her to go to public school and she has finally given in. They will go next year (6th and 9th grade). I just smiled and nodded and said we've all got to do what we think is best for our children.

So the looney keeps on talking and I'm mostly just nodding because I don't know her very well. But when I hear the word "witness," my ears
perked up and I returned from lala land.

Her kids want to go to public school so they can "witness" to other kids about Jesus. Huh? Don't you know me, bitch? Haven't you heard the stories about me? Divorced, irreligious, liberal, etc.?

I shook my head and raised my brows. "Did you say your children want to witness to other kids AT SCHOOL?" Here I go again...

She looked a little frightened (obviously hadn't heard the stories). And I start in on her. "That's insane. If the parents of the kids in ps want their kids to be witnessed to, they'll take them to church." I go on and on about how that is just plain WRONG and how would she like it if other kids witnessed to her kids about other religions.

She backed up a little and said that they won't just do it with their words, but by exhibiting christ-like behavior. Oh. Fucking. Hell. Now I'm talking really fast and gathering up my shit because if I don't leave now they'll take me off every email list they've got.

What the fuck is wrong with these people? Why do they think their beliefs are right and everyone else in the world is beneath them? The thought that there are other parents out there who send their kids to school with an agenda is frightening.

I bet every bitch at that table went home and took me off the group email list.

Let Us Pray

2006-03-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

So I took my kids to dinner last night at this place called Dotson's. It's a family owned meat and three type place with GREAT food, but HORRIBLE service. We keep going because they have the best fried chicken and limas around.

Anyway, we're sitting there waiting for our waitress to deliver our drinks, and a family sits in the round booth behind us: a mom, dad, two kids, and a set of grandparents. They look like a walking Jeff Foxworthy joke.

One kid is about three, and from the moment he walks in the door you wonder if there will be another peaceful moment for your entire meal.
He's jumping around, shooting spit balls, pestering his sister, complaining, whining, etc. Driving me CRAZY.

The parents are pissed off and everyone knows it. They are even cursing and telling him to sit still or they are going to spank him. The dad wants to know if the "goddamn waitress is ever coming back," and just acting like an ass. Everyone in the whole place is staring at them.

Then it got very quiet. I turned around and..

They were praying.

ARRRRGHHHHH

2006-03-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

My 11yo son is killing me. His attitude is the absolute worst I've ever seen it.

I gave him his grammar worksheet and he didn't even read the directions. Every damn one is wrong. I asked him why he didn't read them, and he just said,"I didn't feel like it."

Math? Forget it. It's two hours later and he hasn't even completed the first page. This has been going on for weeks.

I've sent him to bed and taken all his electronics away. I don't know what else to do.

He sits slouchy in his chair and doodles and looks out the window, lays his head down on the table, moans, complains, and is just basically becoming a gigantic pain in my ass.

His loser dad is coming today at 3pm to spend the afternoon with him, so he won't be spending the entire day in his room. He'll probably complain to loser that I am the worst mom ever and beg to go and live with him. Fat chance. Over my fucking dead body.

I have just completely fucking lost it. I have no idea what to do with him. I'm so pissed right now I've got fire shooting out of my ass. I spend all MY time, effort, and money to make sure he is getting a decent education so he can have all the doors open for him for any path he wants to take. And what does he do? He acts like it's an inconvenience to him and walks around here with an attitude.

AARRRRGHHHHHH

Spring Fever

2006-03-04T21:55:00.000-06:00

I've got a terrible case of spring fever. We've been holed up in this house for months and are so ready to get out. January and February were very productive months and I think we deserve a little break. Not a full-blown break, mind you, but what I call "mini-school."

I let them sleep in and we don't get started until around 930am. We just do the basics and fall off around 1230 for lunch and free time. I'm hoping if we mini-school for a couple of weeks we can come back full steam.

Rant of the day...
Yes. I've got opinions about everything. Do I find it necessary to post every opinion I've ever had on a fucking message board? No.

People rarely listen to people that never shut up. I skip over those posts by compulsive posters because they basically just like to amuse themselves with the sound of their own voice. Fools.

Today there was a girl that wanted to know what kind of shoes she should wear with a periwinkle silk dress (I suggest metallic silver strappy slingbacks, btw). I could have posted a comment, but I didn't. Not because I didn't know what she should wear, but because just because I've got an opinion on something doesn't mean I have to share it with everyone.

That's all beside the fact that all the fundies would probably say they would never wear such slutty "fuck me" shoes and it would end up being a three-page thread about inappropriate footwear.

Point here being: Just because you've got an opinion doesn't mean everyone wants to hear it.

Thought for the day...
Ignorance can be fixed. Stupid is forever.

WARNING: Blasphemy Below

2006-03-04T11:25:00.000-06:00

The message forums on this website are hilarious. www.themarriagebed.com

I'm completely flabbergasted by the fact that there are people in this world who debate whether or not Jesus masturbated. Do Xtians really sit around and drum up shit like this in their heads?

I have read the Bible and I don't remember that part.

300 Page Loads So Far Today

2006-03-03T20:31:00.000-06:00

My goodness you have all been busy today!

I knew my post would stir up the local sandbox. Get a grip. ANYONE who solicits funds on a message board SHOULD BE sharply questioned.

People have become far too comfortable in this virtual world and think that anything is acceptable. Don't agree? Then go visit Samuel over at No School, Just Learning (link to the right), and see what crazy fucks googled to hit his blog.

If I had posted that same comment about JGE after her bullshit post people would have had the same reaction.

Blind faith can be emotionally expensive.

Peace, BridgetJ

Sending Condolences Through Paypal

2006-03-03T12:45:00.000-06:00

Unfucking believeable.

The woman has set up a link straight to paypal, so people can send money to the recently deceased woman's family. What a scam. If by chance the woman really is dead, I'm sure she WOULD NOT want her friends soliciting funds on message boards.

People, use your heads.

Gone Again

2006-03-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

The kids are going to my aunts this weekend. This may be their last visit for a while.

I told my son that he is NOT allowed to spend the night at ANY of his friends' houses and that he is NOT to go to ANY church with ANYone. He will still, of course, leave her house at 8am and run loose in town until 8pm. I wonder what she would do if he didn't show up at 8pm. Where would she look for him? She has no idea where he is so she'd have no idea where to start looking.

Oh, I am SO not looking forward to having this conversation. She doesn't like it when people tell her what she can and can't do. This is going to send her into orbit.

She already thinks I'm a control freak because I won't allow him to sleep in his clothes, I make him take a shower every morning, I don't allow cokes and twinkies for breakfast, they are in bed by 9pm and up at 730am, etc. And the kicker for her? She can't believe I make them floss their teeth!! I'm sorry, but the braces and monthly visits cost me 150 bucks a month! Yes, goddamn it! He will brush those teeth three times a day and floss every night for as long as he lives in this house.

She thinks "kids should be kids." Well, I believe that to a certain extent, but I also have a responsibility to encourage healthy, sanitary habits.

The One That Got Away

2006-03-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

Several times over the past four years I have read a post over there and thought, "I cannot BELIEVE I take advice about homeschooling my children from these people." They feel sorry for non-Xtians, spend time logging IPs from all the posters, believe the earth is 4,000 years old, have praises sewn inside the hems of their clothes, etc.

And today another doozy. I just don't get it. How looney must one be to believe that drinking unfiltered water can make one a homosexual?

I hope this woman doesn't tell anyone she homeschools her kids. THIS is a perfect example of why some people think homeschoolers are extremists.

Kate, dear, I'm begging you. Please put your kids in public school.

Rant of the day...
They are still "restructuring" departments and laying people off where I work. When I log onto my email my ass puckers up so tight you couldn't get a straight pin up it. Decent jobs working from home are few and far between.

Now for the rant...If my sister would GET OFF HER ASS and take care of my mother's estate I might be able TO FUCKING SLEEP TONIGHT! I mentioned it to her for the 500th fucking time yesterday, and I got the standard, "Can I call you back? I'm busy." ARGGGHHHH!

You will probably see me rant about this frequently. I know I should get a lawyer, but I just don't want this to turn ugly. But if I DON'T get a lawyer, it will be even uglier.

I'm going to stew on it some more this weekend. Another hurdle is that the property belonging to the estate is in CA, and I live in TN.

Thought for the day...
I dwell in possibility. - Emily Dickinson

Another Confession

2006-03-01T23:44:00.000-06:00

My favorite CD is Barry Manilow's greatest hits. So corny. I hope this and the fact that I think ole Dickey boy is smokin' doesn't make you all think less of me. We dance in the kitchen to Piano Man and Copa Cabana, and we crank up I Write the Songs during dinner and put it on replay.

Observation:
Not a lot of activity over there today. Wonder if the troll ran them off or if they all gave it up for Lent.

Thought for the day...
Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.
Benjamin Franklin

The Stat Challenged

2006-03-01T21:14:00.000-06:00

I can't figure out how to get the stats to post here, but I can count.

Yesterday's totals:

238 visitors
423 page loads

Not bad for a little wannabe blog goddess.

Well-Trained What?

2006-02-28T20:39:00.000-06:00

Hooooooeeeeee... I honestly think people WANTED to believe that Butch wrote all that crap. They want her to be humbled. People, people, people. And these are the Well-Trained Minds? God help us.

Psst....listen....If I ever want to post anything, anything at all, anywhere, I will post it. Trust me. I'm not getting off my size 6 (thank you, thank you very much) ass and driving to the fucking library so I can spout off. I will spout off from the comfort of my own home.

A Dilemma

2006-02-28T15:39:00.000-06:00

My kids have spent every other Saturday night with my Aunt and Grandmother since birth. They go early on Saturday and come back late Sunday afternoon. They love going over there. I'm sure it's mostly because of all the candy and cokes.

Anyway, here's the dilemma. There are four other boys that live within 3 or four houses. One is a model child that goes to the most prestigious private school in the area. Another is a model child that goes to a decent public school. The problem is the 3rd and 4th kids who are brothers. They homeschool.

The boys are 9 and 12. I have met their mother several times and there is just something not right. The nine year old can't read and the 12 year old probably reads on a first grade level. Neither knows any math. The mother has admitted to me that they don't school. They watch tv and play video games all day long. She said she wanted to put them in public school but was afraid they would put the 9 year old in K because he couldn't read and the 12yo in like 2nd or 3rd grade. I couldn't believe she was saying this to me.

They wear the same clothes for several days in a row and my son said they sleep in their clothes, too. They have hair past there shoulders and NEVER get haircuts. They always look dirty and their hair is always a nasty mess. They play M rated video games and have all the freedom they want. I'm convinced something is very wrong over there. The mother looks like she could be abusing drugs or is being abused herself. I've once caught the boys (not mine) having match fights where they get a big box of matches and flick them at each other (while they are lit).

Here's the dilemma: My son has gone to church with them the last two visits. I'm uncomfortable with that. I told my Aunt I didn't want him going and she let him anyway. He's been talking about the last time he went how they had to sing with their palms up. I want to puke.
He said he likes going with them, but I know it's only because of the boys.

What would you do?

Hi - Ho Silver!

2006-02-28T11:40:00.000-06:00

Looks like we've got another 5 page thread about our little friend. And Peek is still sleeping. Why all the talk about NOT talking about it?

Curriculum Talk

2006-02-27T23:08:00.000-06:00

Hey, Butch, were you able to retrieve your document?

Confessions

2006-02-27T20:17:00.000-06:00

I have a dirty little secret. It's so bad. How could something like this happen to me?

I'm addicted to "The Batchelor."

My addiction started several years ago with the very first season. And tonight is the finale of the the season.

I like Sarah. But you can tell he has a better connection with Moana. But Sarah is the kindergarten teacher and the doctor wife type. And Moana is just sultry and mysterious. He may have a better connection with Moana, but he's got a good head on his shoulders and is looking for the wifey type. I bet he chooses Sarah. But I think he's in love with Moana. Moana will be suicidal if he dumps her.

Sigh. I need a life.

Them? Me? You? Aww...Fuck. Who?

2006-02-27T09:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, people. I'll validate you. Validations will be given in the order they were requested.

We interrupt this program for a special announcement.

I didn't respond to the Coward (aka Catnip) over on the board because I prefer to express my thoughts about things other than homeschooling here on my blog.

Catnip said:
I also wouldn't act all nice and respectful to them in one place, and totally bash them some place else. That's two faced.

Hmmm. Interesting that you say I've been all nice and respectful to them. I don't know who the fuck them is, but if it includes you, you're welcome.

I do not address or respond to them (or you) EVER. It is a message board and I treat it as such. The real difference between you and me is that I do not associate said posts with actual people. I very rarely look at the poster's name, because even after four years of reading the board I still can't recall who the fuck anyone is. Know why? Because they aren't people. I may remember a post or two, but I seldom remember the name of the poster.

So if I chose to return to MY blog and ridicule a POST I read somewhere, don't let it ruffle your fur. Oh, and I don't moderate my comments. So if you'd like to post, do so freely. You can post your name if you'd like, but you needn't be offended if I don't remember it.

Disclaimer: None of the above applies to that pious Cheerio bitch. Her comments are condescending and pedantic. Foolish are those who loiter in her wake.

Peace, BridgetJ

Welcome to Bridget's World

2006-02-26T18:25:00.000-06:00

Thank you for stopping by. I'm flattered that anyone would want to read what little ole' me has to say.

Peace, BridgetJ

My Sweet Little Coleman

2006-02-25T18:11:00.000-06:00

Another Saturday night and here I sit. Well, I'm working really. But even if I wasn't I'd still be sitting here. You'd think a hot single chick like me would have something exciting to do on a Saturday night. The sad truth is I've had one date...yes, I said ONE, in the last 4 years (so grandpa is definitely getting laid more than I am), and it was a disaster. No, I won't rehash it here and put you all through it, but let's just say while he looked GREAT on paper, irl eh....not so much.

All these posts about children growing up has had me a little heavy hearted today. My kids are with their loser dad this weekend, and never have I missed them so much. I don't want them to grow up. I want them to be four and nine again. Nine was such a great year.

I've done my son, Coleman, a great disservice. I haven't let him realize anything for himself. His passions are my passions, not his own. I have been squishing his poor little body through *my mold all these years, and that's not right.

He is a person. A real person. Not a little Bridget, or a little loser dad. I need to let him make more decisions on his own, and not be such a control freak. I need to appreciate him more and tell him all the joy he brings to my life, instead of being such a hard ass.

Unfortunately, he has just entered the You're Ruining My Life stage, so inevitably I want to wring his little neck frequently.

Now let's hope he doesn't piss me off within 5 minutes of walking through the door.

Rant of the day...
Stupid fundies. Virgin birth? I thinks not. If Mary would have come clean in the first place we wouldn't have to be putting up with all this nonsense. I wonder if Mary knew that her little itty bitty lie would start a religion the would be brainwashing people for thousands of years.

Thought for the day...
A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. - George Moore

Peace, BridgetJ

Here, Kitty Kitty, Here, Kitty Kitty

2006-02-24T23:58:00.000-06:00

Someone needs to put a bowl of milk out over at the board. They could use a little excitement for the weekend.

More Planning

2006-02-24T22:36:00.000-06:00

All this curriculum talk has me wondering about my preliminary choices, so I'm gonna post them here. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. And please remember, I've been using Abeka for four years. So I'm branching out on my own for the first time. This is for my 11yo ds who will be in 6th grade.

Hake 6th Grammar
Writing program (still looking for one)
Lial's BCM
Latin Grammar I or Henle (haven't decided)
Rainbow Science
History of the US Series with
Understanding the Constitution workbook
Outling by Remedia Publications
Runkle Geography
Critical Thinking Book 1

He also has a Spanish class twice a week, and Speech club twice a month.

My 6yo dd will be in 1st next year, but I haven't even started planning for her yet. I would love to have some recommendations for her, too.

Thanks!

Wednesday Part Two

2006-02-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

I've been kind of busy tonight with work, so I haven't had time to play around here much.

The short of it: I remained in a vegetative state for most of the day. Didn't formulate a cure for the bird flu or discover any new solar systems.

Rant of the day...
I didn't see that stupid bitch on Good Morning America this morning, and it's a good thing. I hate watching well-educated, seemingly informed women make asses of themselves. What an idiot.

She said it was a tragedy for a well-educated mother to quit work to stay home with her children. So what if I'm a dumbass? Is it okay if I quit work and stay home with my kids then? Reminds me of that pitifully confused young girl that posted about homeschooling being treason and "specialization."

Thought for the day...
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin
(Yeah, yeah. I know. I fucking squandered another one.)

Peace, BridgetJ

Wednesday Part One

2006-02-22T10:52:00.000-06:00

I had Cheese Puffs, grape juice, and a Marlboro for breakfast, and I just finished cleaning my nasty-ass room. The door to my room hasn't been breached by anyone other than me and my kids for like four years now, so I've kinda let it go. I've actually sat on my ass very little today (so far). I'm off to clean the kids' rooms now.

Motivational thoughts will be accepted throughout the day. Bless you.

A Day to Myself

2006-02-21T22:41:00.000-06:00

I've got the whole day to myself tomorrow. Have no idea what to do with myself. So you will probably see me here, browsing blogs, wandering around the Net aimlessly.

Maybe I'll do some more planning for next year. Maybe I'll sit around and watch Jerry Springer (NOT). I've got a few books going now: Teen Proofing by John Rosemond, Condi vs. Hillary by Dick Morris, and tons of homeschooling catalogs to peruse. I need to clean up my bookshelves to make room for new stuff. Ugh. I SO could use some help getting motivated.

What motivates you?

Rant of the day...
Oh! Why, why, WHY did I ever marry? Why didn't I listen to my mother? Twenty-three is far too young to make a clearheaded decision about the rest of your life. Or maybe it's not. Maybe it's just me that wasn't capable of tying my shoes and chewing gum at the same time in my early twenties. (Disclaimer: I'm only 34 now and don't profess to be not one iota smarter.)

It's like Indiana Jones when he's standing there trying to choose the right cup. The old man says, "Chooooooose wisely." This one. No. That one. No. Yes. Awwww fuck.

I couldn't have made a poorer choice. My ex makes Danny Bonnaduce look like a model husband. What the fuck was I thinking? I can't even make any excuses. I don't know why I was initially attracted to him. He was good looking. But so what? So were the four or five guys I dated before him.

What a dumbass. (Not me. Him. No wait. Me, too.) Jesus H. Christ. I can't take 15 more years of him. I'd rather have my eyes plucked out by vultures.

Thought for the day...
If the gods listened to the prayers of men, all humankind would quickly perish since they constantly pray for many evils to befall one another. –Epicurus

Peace, BridgetJ

Welcome Visitors!

2006-02-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

Three days ago my profile had been viewed 15 times. Now all of sudden 160 people have checked me out.

Please leave me a love note if you drop in. I'd really love to hear from you. I promise I won't bite (or scratch).

Peace, BridgetJ

Jesus Who?

2006-02-20T22:33:00.000-06:00

I live in the Bible belt, about 15 minutes south of Nashville, but I didn't grow up here. I was born here, my parents divorced, my mom remarried, and we moved around a bit before landing in the SF Bay Area.

We never went to church. The only exposure I had to religion was when my mother would yell, "Jesus H. Christ, Bill!" when arguing with my step-father (I'm still trying to figure out what the "H" means). My mother was an Atheist. Anytime someone would mention the word "god" she would go on a tirade about how as long as there were children being abused in this world she would never believe in any god.

None of my friends ever went to church. I don't ever remember even seeing any churches when I was growing up. Nobody talked about god, prayed before a meal, or had fish on the bumper of their SUV. I didn't even open a Bible until I was in college.

I moved back to TN when I was in my twenties, got married, had 2.2 kids, a dog, a white brick house in a great family-oriented neighborhood, yada, yada, yada. And all of sudden...BAM!

Churches on every fucking corner in sight. A faith section in the newspaper (there is even an Ask Pastor Mike column like Dear Abby). A mom's prayer group at the elementary school on Tuesday mornings. A neighbor knocking on my door inviting me to a Purpose Driven Life study group at her home (she actually came into my kitchen, where I was cleaning up the whole bottle of wine that had spilled out of the refrigerator door and had been chain smoking...you had to be there to see the look on her face).

I couldn't help but start to think, am I missing something here? Was this so common in everyone's lives but ours? I'm not exaggerating when I say that, excluding people I grew up with in CA, I don't know anyone, ANYONE, IRL that is not a Xtian. My family? All Xtian. My friends? All Xtian.

My family thinks I'm the one they talk about in the Bible where it says messengers of the devil will try and lead you astray. The few friends I do have just laugh and say I'm going to hell. These are all educated, relatively reasonably, middle to upper class people I'm talking about here.

My father won't be an active participant in his grandchildren's lives because I won't allow him to be their "spiritual advisor." Whatever the fuck that is. Some of the neighbors won't allow their children to come over to our house (I'm divorced, decent looking, and outspoken so I'm sure that adds to their fears as well). The first question out of everyone's mouth when meeting anyone is, "Where do you go to church?" When I say we don't attend church they actually step back like we've got the plague.

The most recent shocker is my daughter's homeschool Daisy Troop. The leader said we were taking a break for the holidays and would start meeting again in January. Well, January came and went and I didn't receive the regular weekly email reminder. I emailed her and she didn't respond. I figured they has disbanded. Wrong. I saw one of the other mothers at the grocery and she said they have been meeting for weeks. I must have been inadvertantly removed from the email list. Not.

What is wrong with these people?

Rant of the day...
See above.

Thought of the day...
What the fuck?

Peace, BridgetJ

That Fart Smells Familiar

2006-02-19T20:11:00.000-06:00

Second sleeve of Thin Mints? Gone. Good thing I have a ton of self-discipline and didn't order the Tagalongs. Now on to the good stuff.

Rant of the day...
Why is it that every fucking time someone takes a dump over there everyone runs around like an idiot saying it smells like Butch? This is the internet for christsake! It could be one of millions!

Frankly, I was shocked at how many people had the audacity to respond to the original poster that the *tone was familiar. How the fuck do you know? That's the equivalent of being in a men's locker room when someone farts and claiming you know who did it because it *smells like one of Tom's farts.

What I'm curious about is why wasn't that shit deleted by the webmaster? Could it be that the webmaster enjoyed watching the whole episode unfold? Hmmmmm.

Thought for the day...
He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.
John Milton

Peace, BridgetJ

The Good, the Bad, and the Cookies

2006-02-18T09:45:00.000-06:00

Oh dear jesus, I just consumed an entire roll of Thin Mints in less than 10 minutes. I hate the fucking Girl Scouts.

Kids are at my Aunt's house this weekend visiting their Granny, so it's just me and the cookies. That's a dangerous coupling. Will my ass fit into my favorite pants on Monday? Mmmmmmm...dunno. Oh that's right. The elastic on my favorite velour lounge pants will tell me sweet little lies.

If anyone would like brag about being the Cat, you can email me privately. I'd love to know who you are, sweet kitty.

Rant of the day...
Come on now, people. Let's get a good grip on reality here.

First of all, why in the world would you announce you were leaving the *board? Do you think anyone actually gives a crap? And secondly, if you're such a Girl Scout, why aren't you following the rules? Posting "goodbyes" is clearly against *board rules.

Cats eye's comments aren't "nasty." It's merely the naked truth and not dressed up as kind criticism. Get a grip, Rebecca. If you "CANNOT handle the nastiness" then you definitely need to stop reading the *board and get some professional help.

Thought for the day...
Condi vs. Hillary in '08. Who'll take it?

Peace, BridgetJ

Planning for 6th grade!

2006-02-16T08:58:00.000-06:00

I've decided we will start our new year on May 30. That means we've got to have all our current curriculum finished and all the new stuff ready to go. We've still got plenty of Abeka Arithmetic 6 and God's Gift of Language C to get through. Geez will I be glad to be finished with Abeka. For my oldest atleast. I don't know if I'll be using it with my 6yo or not. I can only plan one at a time.

We'll be using Lial's BCM for math. That is easy enough to plan. Lyn said she was going to *GASP....pull the book apart and put it in a binder. I think that's a great idea. I'd like to have the whole book planned out so we can finish it in a year. I need to sit down and spend some time with it. I need some tests for it, too. I need the TM, too. Sigh. I haven't even completed the planning for one subject yet.

Joy Hakim's History of the US is what we'll be using for history. I've got Hewitt's syllabus, but fitting all 10 books into one year is just way too much. We are going to work through the syllabus at half the pace and finish in two years. I've ordered the worksheets but they haven't arrived yet. For some reason I can't just let him read it and move on. There HAS to be a worksheet! I also need to get the assessment book from Rainbow. I'd better get a move on.

The only subject that I think will be turnkey is Rainbow Science. From what I've read, everything comes in the box ready to go, and it's all planned out for us. I'm just waiting to shit a golden brick to pay for it. $250 is a chunk of change for one subject. But if it is as great as everyone claims it is I'll be satisfied.

Rant for the day....
Too many to choose from. Check back later.

Thought for the day....
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in awhile, you might miss it.
Ferris Bueller

Peace, BridgetJ

Back to School

2006-02-12T20:35:00.000-06:00

OK. We have all recovered. Now. Back to work!!!

Mini-break is over and it's time to hit the books. I hate being off schedule and being sick has put us back five full days. I can't possibly squeeze an extra assignment in anywhere this week, so we'll just have to be behind for awhile.

I've been doing the same ole things for four years now. Same schedule. Same curriculum. Same subjects. Now it's time to shake it up. I don't know how I got it stuck in my head that we had to use workbooks to accomplish anything. We've been using them (Abeka) for years and I don't feel like we've really accomplished ANYthing. Funny. But the thing I've found most rewarding is our read alouds. We'll definitely be doing more of them.

So I'm switching it up. Switching it around. Switching it down, baby. Coleman will start 6th grade in June (we school year-round), and I want to have a whole new regimen and curriculum ready. I want to do more science. I want to study Latin more. I want to read more. I want to accomplish more. I want to LEARN more. Sigh. A tall order. I know.

What I am willing to give up to get to do all this? Busywork. We've had far too much of it over the years. Dailygrams? Outta here. Reading comprehension? OUT. Spelling Workout? OUT. I want more out of my time investment here.

We're kicking it up a notch!

Rant for the Day
Sorry. But I'm not wasting any energy on a rant today. Want to read a good rant? Read Evil Missy's blog.

Thought for the Day
A brilliant intellect is useless without a focused will; and is even dangerous without a loving heart.

Peace, BridgetJ

Sick of Being Sick

2006-02-09T18:43:00.000-06:00

We've all been sick for five days now. This morning my 11yo was throwing up in the toilet and the 6yo was throwing up in the sink. Sigh. I've been sick, too, but am finally feeling better.

It's times like these that make me really feel like a *single parent. Nobody to help out and share the load. I can only hold the head of one puking child at a time.

We haven't opened the first textbook all week. We have been doing our read-aloud, which is "Patrick Henry: Firebrand of the Revolution." (A GREAT read, by the way.)

Rant for the day....
Oh Mary, mother of god. Loser ex is in the "Program" now. He's running around blaming everyone but himself for his problems and making excuses for not fulfilling his responsibilities. "I have to focus on my recovery. My recovery comes first. I have to concentrate on me and my own spiritual health now." Yada, yada, yada. Well, ya know, I'd like to focus on a few other things myself, but I'VE GOT RESPONSIBILITIES. I don't have the luxury of setting different priorities. He's got this tight little group of other loser friends now that have somehow become more important than his own children. Geez. I think I liked him better when he was using.

Thought for the day...
Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper upbringing, a sound set of values, and witnesses.

Six Degrees

2006-02-09T13:04:00.000-06:00

This is an experiment. It's actually quite interesting. Read the hypothesis

http://atypicalhomeschool.net/unschooling-adventures/experiment-redux/

Read ALL of it.

If you so choose, please copy this post, add your link as THE NEXT degree,and comment back on every preceeding degree posting.

Atypicalhomeschool -> Doc's Sunrise Rants -> Being Bridget

Doc's Sunrise Rants (first degree) -> your post (second degree) -> next post (third degree) -> and so on...

Thanks for participating!

All Fours

2006-02-07T22:43:00.000-06:00

Four jobs I've had:
waitress
communications mgr
secretary to the master of the universe
bookkeeper

Four movies I can watch over and over again:
The Day After Tomorrow
Grease
There's Something About Mary
Meet the Fockers

Four places I've lived:
SF Bay Area
St. Paul, MN
Nashville, TN
San Juan Capistrano, CA

Four TV Shows I love:
Seinfeld
The Brady Bunch
Sex and the City
The Factor

Four Places I've vacationed:
Venice, Italy
Cancun, Mexico
NYC
New Orleans, LA

Four of my favorite dishes:
veal piccata
grilled chicken caesar salad
boneless buffalo chicken tenders
stuffed mushrooms

Four sites [that are not really blogs] that I visit daily:
Ebay
Fox News
MSNBC
a homeschool message board

Four places I would rather be right now:
1st tee box at a golf club in Hawaii
lounging on the beach in Hawaii
Sedona
1978

RANTING!

2006-02-07T17:05:00.000-06:00

Who knew it would be so therapeutic?

So I decided to get my own blog. Not like I don't have a gazillion other things I need to be doing right now.

Peace, BridgetJ