Homeschooler's Writing Club - Upcoming Projects

It looks like it's time for some new winter writing projects for the Homeschooler's Writing Club. Students can write and submit a poem, story or essay. Beverly Hernandez, Homeschool, About.com, provides the details. You and your student can also read some of the past submissions.

Beverly even offers a link to CafePress. You'll find journals, mugs, t-shirts and more for your Homeschooler Writing Club member.

California Voters - Easy Voter.org

In the state of California, we have eight important Props that will be decided. I wanted to get more information so during my Internet search I found Easy Voter Guide. You'll find the voter's guide available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The guide is downloadable and can be printed.

You can also find your local poll place. There's links to the official Secretary of State voter's guide, campaign finance reports and Smartvoter.org.

For those that live in San Diego county, don't forget that we have a mayor race going on. (how can you forget) Visit Donna Frye and Jerry Sanders' websites for more information.

Remember to vote!

A & E's Biography of the Year Scholarship Challenge

If your students could pick this year's 'Biography of the Year', who would they choose? For a chance to win a $5000 Grand Prize, have your students in grades 5-12
write in 300 words or less who they think made the biggest impact on the world in 2005 - positive or negative.

Grand prize is one student winning $5,000 and the teacher winning a $500 grant to use for classroom activities in the A&E Television Networks DVD Library.

Log on today for prize information and official rules.

Sandwich Day - November 3rd

The Earl of Sandwich would be shocked to see how his simple creation has evolved. These days, one has so many sandwich choices. You'll also find that sandwiches have gone beyond lunch. Good news for this sandwich fan.

Check out this fun website for more sandwich history and recipes.

Would you like to send your friends an Sandwich Day e-card? Visit 123greetings.com for your pick from their selection.

As always, have fun and enjoy your sandwich.

Recipe Choice for the Month: Chicken Pot Pie

My husband is always asking me to make a chicken pot pie. So, this Sunday I decided to do just that. Thanks to my Kraft cooking magazine, I had a simple, easy recipe. Now, I did make some changes. For example, I did use 2 pie crust, regular Italian dressing and cream cheese. It turned out so good! My hubby had 2 helpings! You're family is going to enjoy it too.

Visit Kraft Food and Family recipe website for more information. If you're aren't already receiving Kraft's recipe magazine, sign up. It's FREE. It's full of recipes, product information, coupons and more.

Descriptive Writing Assignment for October

Each month Marcus attends a writing workshop for eighth graders. They teach them techniques, ways to improve their writing, ect. Here's this month's assignment.
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Marcus Berry
Descriptive Writing
October 18, 2005

Yuma Trip

It started out like any other day; I got up, took a shower, ate some breakfast, and finally started my homework. Just then my mom said hat we should all go to Yuma, Arizona so we could keep my dad company. She also thought it would be good for us to check out the scenery.

The next day we packed and got ready for our trip. My dad headed out to get a rental car so we could have more room and air conditioning system that works. He and I packed up the car while my mom locked up.

When we were on the freeway for a couple of hours, I started getting homesick. Mostly because it was getting really hot and I was started to sweat. About another hour into the drive I started to see gigantic boulders and many dunes. Further I surprised to see farms. The farmland was really wet and green, which I thought was possible in the blazing climate.

When we finally arrived in Yuma, it was very hot and dry. The land is flat and brown. You don’t see much green or trees. It was very different from San Diego.

I realized that I really do like living in San Diego. I like the green grass, trees and bushes. It’s also much cooler.

November 1 is National Family Literacy Day

I once had a customer service position, in a call center. We dealt with the entire United States. Most of our customers were located in rural areas. One of the issues they wanted me to know about is that we had customers that could not read well. I thought to myself okay, I can deal with it. Well, how could I know I could. I had never been knowingly been exposed to someone who didn't have the ability to read.

It was difficult to assist customers. Some were very embrassed by it. Others informed me that they would call back when their child got home. Most of our customers were not immigrants but American born. They dropped out of school early, never finishing their education.

Did you hear about Fantasia's (American Idol winner) confession that she is illiterate?

November 1 is National Family Literacy Day. It's a day to focus on the most at-risk kids and parents. That can be families who English is not their first language. Parents who have difficulty with reading and writing English.

Do you want to know ways that you can help? Visit 'The National Family Literacy Center' for more information.

Gourds Art Project - San Diego Natural History Museum

On November 6, 10 am to 3:30pm, the San Diego Natural History Museum, in Balboa Park, is offering a 'Gourds for Home Decor' class. The cost is $70. This is for ages 16 years and up.

You can turn gourds into works of art using a wood burning tool, baskerty techniques and embellishments.

To register, visit their website or call 619-255-0203.

Teen Nights are Back ! Boys and Girls Club

I'm really happy that Teen Nights are back at our local Boys and Girls Club. For kids that are 13 and older this is a great time to stay and hang out at the club or go out for fun outings.

Teen nights are on Fridays, 6pm to 9pm. They serve a light dinner. When we have outings they supply transportation.

For the month of November, we'll be going bowling and sports night. Sports night will have a variety of games that we'll play.

I really like Teen night. I get to be with my friends. We have a lot of fun. Karen, the program counselor, does a great job.

Marcus

Happy Housewives Have a Voice Out There - Darla Shine

This morning, while drinking and enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I was reading the Yahoo news. The article was titled 'Happy' Housewives Finally Get Their Due' by Carol Memmott, USA Today. That really got my interest. Ms. Memmott wrote an article about Darla Shine's new book 'Happy Housewife'. Now, this is not about the 'Desparate Housewife' show. This book is about appreciation of the Stay-At-Home Mom. Wow! A positive view of being home.

Ms. Memmott states that women can learn from June Cleavers. They looked beautiful and their homes were neat. They paid attention to their spouses too.

These are not new thoughts for this Stay-At-Home mom. I occasionally wear sweats and no make up. But, I do make an afford to be showered, hair styled and dressed when my hubby gets home. Our home typically looks neat. And I love paying attention to my husband. Sometimes, to the point of creepiness. LOL

The article got me really interested so I Googled Darla Shine. Ms. Shine has an official website. She's a host of 'Real Life', a radio segment on 'Good Day USA'. She actually does this show from home. (a real work from home mom) She gave up her full time corporate job in favor of being home with her baby. Now, a mother of two, she's wrote a book, 'Happy Housewives'.

'Happy Housewives' is a 10 step plan for how Stay-At-Home Moms can be happy. I really like the subtitle, 'I was a whining, miserable, desperate housewife - but I finally snapped out of it..You can too!' Great advice for many.

I have to say that I'm much happier being home. It took an accident and a chronic health condition but I've finally found my calling. I am a 'Happy Housewife'!