A Divorce Is Announced

According to www.dictionary.com, the word “divorce” can mean a few things. Of course the dissolution of a marriage between husband and wife is the first to come to mind. But in my case, Definition #6 works best: to separate; cut off. Yep, that’s exactly what’s going on with me and the “Big Guy.” When you’ve been wronged, as I have been, sometimes there is just no going back.

Last year I purchased a copy of Microsoft Small Business Office 2007. I used one of the many OEM companies so that I could save some money on my purchase. I got my License Key and Product Number. The installation went great. And although the interface was different from Office 2003, I got used to it, and even began to like it. Everything was going smoothly … until my computer needed to be have the hard drive wiped clean and have everything reinstalled. I thought that I had all the bases covered. I checked my Microsoft Office information that I had and copied down the serial numbers that I had been given at the time of purchase. And then I went about wiping my hard drive.

But, as with most hasty plans, I didn’t notice onesignificant flaw. You see, I had forgotten that Microsoft gives you two sets of serial number – the Product and the License. I had only copied the Product Number, not the license number. Okay, I admit it I was really mad at myself, but I took solace in the thought that I could just call Microsoft up and get this resolved in a quick and painless manner. Hah!

First of all, I don’t understand why you need to go through a registration process with the “Brain Trust” since they tell you that they have no way of knowing your license number. So, when you register you copy of Microsoft 2007 it must all be for nothing because no one can help you to retrieve the information. However, if had downloaded from one of their preferred digital retailers, such as Digital River, I would have been able to get my license code from them. The young lady that I spoke to on the telephone suggested that I call back the company that I had originally purchased it from and see if they had it. Of course, that company only keeps the information for about a year, and I was (of course) too late by a matter of weeks.

Okay, I take a deep breath at this point and call Microsoft back. I tell them what’s happened and the only way that they can help me is to suggest that I repurchase the program for another $150+. I mean, it’s only reasonable that this giant company is unable and unwilling to create some form of retrieval system for people in my situation. Just buy a new one they say. And that’s when I started contemplating turning to a life of crime. I searched the internet to find ways to restore what was rightfully mine, and actually found a lot of cool ways around the licensing problem, but I digress.

After abandoning my criminal aspirations, I started going through the myriads of nieces and nephews who might be in college who could get me a copy at a significantly discounted rate (Microsoft Ultimate for College is only $50). I can live with $50 more, but anything over is ridiculous! I tried to find someone who might be willing to take a chance of letting me install their license into the evil program.

Finally I regained my senses and called out to an old friend who I will refer to as COG. COG was appalled that I had even bothered spending that kind of money on the software in this day in age. After a big sigh (of disgust or acceptance, I’m not sure which) he suggested that I use one of the free applications. So, I chimed in that I had downloaded OpenOffice to use once this stupid Microsoft trial period was over. He shook his head (yes, I could hear him shaking his head over the telephone!) and said just save the hard drive space and use GoogleDocs or better yet, Zoho.

What pray tell is Zoho? Well, it’s this wonderful place that I have fallen in love with and plan to use for the rest of my life (or until something cooler comes along – I am kind of fickle these days). It’s kind of like Google Docs in that it has a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation package. But that’s about where the comparison stops. Zoho (www.zoho.com) also has a project management application and webinar software that ranges from free to $24/mo. They also offer Customer Relationship Management, an online invoicing tool, online database and reporting. And let’s not forget the online organizing tool, a centralized public repository for working on shared documents with team members, instant messaging and group chat tools, online web application creator, online document management, online note taker and even a Zoho Wiki!

So, by divorcing Microsoft I free up a gazillion gigs of memory. I don’t have to be told stupid things like, “Well, yes you registered, but we don’t keep track of those things so the best thing you can do is spend more money on the program that you already purchased” and I am still totally compatible with all of my clients needs, since Zoho imports Microsoft Office documents. And heck, I can probably offer more services since I have the project management and webinar tools handy.

So, although we’ve been together over twenty years, I think it is now time for me to divorce the “Big M” and become one with the free internet resources with their multiple redundancies. And if there’s a document to two that I’d like to store on my hard drive, I always have the option to export them from the server to my little laptop. And with Zoho I can also work anywhere that there is an internet connection, thus freeing myself up from having to lug my laptop around from place to place when I’m working on things.

So, thank you COG for freeing me from this unhappy and one-sided relationship. I hope to be able to return the favor one day soon.

Goodbye Microsoft.

Hello Zoho!

The New School Year Giveaway

Has the new school year started with gusto at your house? Or guesses?

“I guess we’ll use this curriculum. I guess we’ll start on Monday. I guess we’ll use this folder, and I guess we could try unit studies this year.”

Does any of this sound familiar? Time for a change?

Get ready to plan a year of enthusiastic homeschool learning with consistent input from the Lord! Take the guesswork out of your planning, systematically organizing your homeschool this year with the E-Book:

The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine offers The New School Year . . . FREE!

Now’s a good time—get your free E-Book!

A Great Deal Ends Tonight at Midnight

How would you like to get 4 issues of a magazine for the price of 1? That's what it is like when you order a one-year print subscription to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine (US only). Use coupon code FB795 before midnight PST September 22, and  you'll receive a full year for only $7.95. Get a full year of homeschooling encouragement, advice, and ideas.

Remember use Coupon Code FB795.

This is also a great time to buy a gift for a friend. But, this offer ends tonight at midnight PST--September 22.

Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood

If you're looking for some light, but entertaining reading then you've come to the right place. Mr. Philip Done does an excellent job of describing the trials and titillations of educating third graders in the public forum.  Being a school teacher definitely is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!)

The author has done an excellent job of evoking word pictures to make you laugh and begin your memories of being a third grader again. I had forgotten about the "invisible" balls that we would toss back and forth at recess. And his vivid portrayal of a third grade boy stirs memories of why I despised them so much when I was in the third grade -- arm farts, bad, bad jokes about bodily functions and the need to stick things up their nose during lunchtime, just to name a few.  And to think we grow up to marry these "interesting" boys later on in life -- go figure!

One thing that I really enjoyed about the book is its layout. For example, the chapters are set up according to the school year which allows the reader to really get into the "school" frame of mind. I appreciated the behind the scene classroom preparation (See p. 36 paragraph 1) that Mr. Done describes -- it explains a lot about the way some of my teacher's rooms were decorated. And he gives practical and hilarious advice to people who are just entering "Teacherhood."

Each month has a theme and contains many stories of his adventures with his classes over the years.  And his stories aren't just about the children. He includes the whole cast of characters: principals, parents and the community that he lives and works in. Reading his book gives you a very well-rounded idea of what being a teacher is really like.  I mean, I never would have thought that being a teacher during the school shopping season could be so perilous, would you?

Mr. Done says something in his September chapter that I think all parents, especially homeschooling parents who are with their kids 24/7 need to keep in  mind. Mr. Done asks (and answers) the question:

"Would I trade this life of giggles and stories and songs and runny noses and glitter and chairs that are too small to sit in? Not in a million years. Life with kids is a rich one. And though there are days when I'd rather not deal with spilled paint and the missing books and sic Betta fish, I'm sure that someday when I'm retired I will look back on all of this and itch to clean out a backpack, pump up a ball, and hear a good knock-knock joke."

Our lives with our children is indeed a rich one. And one thing that Philip Done accomplishes masterfully in his book (and in his classroom) is to infuse his teaching with humor and joy. As educators of our own children we need to keep in mind that this time we have with our children is limited. We'll never be able to put them back into a bottle and have them be six or eight or twelve again.

So this homeschooling year I'm working really hard to make sure that I have realistic expectations. I don't expect my 6-year old to ever finish a story in under 20 minutes, so I'd better schedule art around the time her stories bubble forth. She can color and talk much better than doing math and talking. And my two, almost three year old needs to have some energetic workout time, so breaking up the day with my new FitFactor Kids video will give him a chance to jump around with his sisters.

I'm hoping that the repeated "gym times" throughout the day will limit his interruptions and help him be more patient while waiting for the girls to get finished with their work. And Jade needs to have a written schedule or else it's my fault that I have to endure cries of "That's not what you said this morning!" as I tell her what her next assignment is. Because life's too short to be all uptight. (Just don't tell them I said that!)

I really enjoyed this book. It evoked memories, made me laugh, cry and even taught me a couple of tricks to use on my sometimes unenthusiastic children to keep their interest peaked. I think it's excellent therapy for stressed out homeschoolers because it is great for gaining perspective. Especially after they've spilled the paint on the floor, used an entire roll of tape to hang up one small picture and think using glue for lip gloss is a great idea.  I mean, as Philip Done says, "What else can you expect from a third-grader?"

(I look forward to reading his previously released book 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching. I wonder how much mayhem can be caused by a class of  third graders and one little fuzzy bunny -- the suspense is killing me ...)

Fit Factor for Kids

Raising healthy and athletic kids can be challenging in this age of computers, television and video games. Coupled with busy extracurricular activities, daily exercise is easily lost in the mix. So, what's the answer? Make sure that you kids get a dose of Fit Factor each day.

What is Fit Factor? It's a DVD concept hosted by two accomplished young people, Lizzy (15 years old) and Dean (12 old). The exercises are broken into ten minute segments which makes it great for my family of homeschoolers. Although my girls are in dance class and do go outside to play, with winter coming there's not a lot of formal exercise going on at home. We've tried my yoga DVDs, but the adult formats can be a bit much for their attention span and my patience.  Yoga's supposed to be relaxing and not peppered with:

• "Move over."
• "Give Jade more space." 
• "Move over and give Alaya more space"
  
• "Michael stop climbing on me!"
  

While breakfast is being prepared the kids can enjoy a stint of "Animal Crackers."  The exercises are based upon mimicking animal movements to a nice musical background. My two-year old was entranced and participated the entire time. In a few more days he'll be an excellent kangaroo. He's already an accomplished monkey. The exercises don't require a lot of extra space, so the whole family can participate without looking like a bad Three Stooges movie.

I really like the ability to break down their workout in ten minutes increments. I'm going to see how this one works, but I'm planning on breaking up the school day with the "Fit Factor for Kids" exercises. My children are physically active learners and would really benefit after a session of sitting and writing with some structured bouncing around. It will also allow my little one some more fun time with his sisters during their school day.

And best of all, for me at least, is that this will get me moving as well.  Besides teaching I do a lot of computer work which consists, obviously, of a lot of sitting, which isn't the best for a healthy back and body. So now, I'll just workout with them, burn some calories and get rejuvenated for the next lesson.  The music is fun and original (at least I didn't recognize any of the songs!) The exercises are invigorating without being too difficult. And their supporting cast of Fit Factor kids are really demonstrate that these workouts are for children of all ages.

My Peanut Gallery

• The workouts are a lot of fun. 
• We really like the healthy eating/living tips at the end of some of the routines.  
• Does Daddy know that each eight ounce can of soda contains eight tablespoons of sugar?! Yuck!
• We have to pick better things to drink during the day
  
• Video games should only be played during car rides and at night when it is too dark to play outside. (Moms Comment: Thanks Lizzy -- they believed you much better than me on this one!)
  

There is one downside of the DVD -- I will now have to listen to Jade & Alaya fight over which exercise routine to do while I'm making breakfast.  But come to think of it, it won't be so bad because while they're squabbling Michael will grab the remote and put on the one he wants to see.  Okay, so there's no downside to "The Fit Factor Kids."

You can learn more about Fit Factor Kids by visiting their website at http://www.fitfactorkids.com. They have sample videos, information about the hosts and cast as well as a newsletter that you can sign up for updates and other info.

The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps

Hi everyone. The Old Schoolhouse is a offering this free ebook as a source of encouragement to homeschooling families. Written by a veteran homeschooler it addresses "curriculum confusion", self-doubt and the myriad of other emotions most of us go through each school year. I don't know how long it's going to be available, so you should grab it as soon as possible.

Here's the link: The New School Year (http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOSEBookSellSheets/The-New-School-Year/index_TheNewSchoolYear.htm)

The Study Pod Review (Or How Swiper the Fox(es) Moved into My Home)

Who would have thought that an innocent looking little package would cause such an uproar in my household?  I opened it up and was immediately enchanted by this simple, yet elegant solution for my many book reading endeavors. But then I went and got the children's opinions -- boy was that a mistake!

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At first glance it looks like a small hard-covered book. When you open it up there are two areas where you can store pencils, pens and other small items. There are two wire page holders attached which fold easily into the casing. You simply open the wire holders and add your book of choice.

Now the really cool thing about the Study Pod is that it can hold books of all sizes. I experimented with oversized books (i.e., 100 Lessons to Reading), cookbooks, paperback books (i.e., children's books, adult mysteries, etc.)  and the Study Pod had no problem handling the varying page sizes and page counts. And it easily stood up with the smaller books even when with my forgetting to put the stabilizing leg (located in the back of the Study Pod) in to keep it stationary.

The Study Pod is very compact and stores easily on my bookshelves. Since my home has a few "space issues" this is a great feature for us. I also like that there is a place for us to put pens, paper, crochet hooks, and other supplies that might be needed to get the assignments done -- it saves a lot of time

Meet Swiper the Fox(es)

Jade was my first test subject. Once she realized I wasn't going to have her do any actual homework, really liked the idea and the way it was easier for her to do copywork (in our mock copywork session). She also liked how it held awkward books -- you know the large paperback books that just refuse to stay open when you're trying read it unless you put bricks on either end -- and freed up her hands while helping her maintain her place.

Alaya -- also leery because she thought this was a trick to get her to do more schoolwork -- liked not having to hold her readers in her hand. She was actually more intrigued by the construction of the Study Pod. She found the stabilizing lock that keep the Study Pod open and stabilized (no book avalanches with this product!) something that I totally missed in my first inspection. She also told me that it was easier to read the words with the Study Pod.

Michael found the open spaces inside the Study Pod to be a really cool place to hide his toys, my keys and his sister's video games.  And since we are sampling the black Study Pod, he discovered that if he picked the darkest corner in our home he'd be sure that none of us would ever find it again. (Unfortunately for him, I happened to notice him glancing over his shoulder looking to see if anyone was watching him!)

And then there's me.  Before Children (B.C.) I was an avid crocheter and craft-type person. One of my greatest frustrations came from the inability for the books to stay open by themselves while I was trying to get the hang of a new pattern. The same thing applies to trying out new recipes. I don't know who makes those books, but they must enjoy torturing others. So, the StudyPod is like my new best friend.  I am really happy with it's versatility.

So, now the fun begins.  Alaya swipes it so that she can play with the different ways that you position the wire page holders and see which book is too big for it to handle ... and that explains the piles of books I discovered. Michael swipes it from Alaya because he has more important documents and wallets to hide from the rest of the family. I swipe it from Michael and put it on top of the bookcase because I don't want these yahoos to break it before I get to use it. But I forget that Jade is quite tall for her age, and she swipes it from the bookcase and hides it in her bed. See, this way she can play her DS and read a book at the same time ...

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So I guess you can say that my family really likes the Study Pod which is the wonderful invention of  Phil Rucinski, a self-avowed homework hater. Aside from creating kleptomaniacs, the Study Pod makes it easier for students to study by creating a more natural posture for writing, reading and studying. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to have a hands-free reading experience.

You can pick up your Study Pods by visiting http://www.studypodbookholder.com/. The STUDYPOD is available in Black, Blue, and Pink. If you don't like those colors you can always purchase the BOOKPOD  (same product just different color schemes) which is available in Black, Gray, and Beige. They sell one unit for $19.95 and if you buy two or more you can purchase them at a discounted price of $16.95 each. You can mix and match STUDYPOD and BOOKPOD to take advantage of the $16.95 price.

Well I'm off to  go order two pinks and one blue Study Pod to end the Swiper Madness that's running rampant here. I mean, we all know that this one is MINE!

P.S. As a bonus for readers, GENIO is offering a $5 off coupon code for orders from the website.  Enter the code TOSBLOG5 when ordering to receive your additional $5 off!