Curious question about when unschoolers grow up
greencow32766
Curious question: My daughter and I are new to unschooling and every
day I understand more and more how it works and she has shown me that
she will find things she is passionate about and will go non-stop
reseaching about it and loves every minute of it. I think this will be
the best thing ever for her and I'm very excited to see what she comes
up with next!
I've had this nagging thought in the back of my head that's been
bothering me though: When she grows up and has "grown up"
responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
etc....I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
day I understand more and more how it works and she has shown me that
she will find things she is passionate about and will go non-stop
reseaching about it and loves every minute of it. I think this will be
the best thing ever for her and I'm very excited to see what she comes
up with next!
I've had this nagging thought in the back of my head that's been
bothering me though: When she grows up and has "grown up"
responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
etc....I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
Pam Sorooshian
My 20 year old unschooled daughter grew up disorganized and impetuous
and I worried a lot that she'd never be "responsible."
She now keeps a detailed calendar, budgets her money carefully, takes a
full-time course load at her university, meets a LOT of different
obligations for various organizations and social activities and she's
held several jobs and has been considered an outstanding employee.
She tries to do all these things - the regular life kinds of things -
as efficiently as possible to leave the MOST possible time for those
things about which she is passionate. She had to make some mistakes -
she didn't keep good track of her checking account at first, for
example. And she had to find a good calendaring method that worked well
for her. But - she learned. Now she exercises on a regular basis, eats
healthy foods, gets all her assignments for college courses in on time
and doesn't usually have to stay up at night to do them, works at a
good job related to her future career plans, etc.
So - this wasn't intended to be bragging - this is to tell you that it
IS possible and that it is, in fact, wanting the maximum possible
opportunities to follow her own passions that motivates her to BE
responsible and organized. AND - tonight she cleaned the kitchen.
Cheerfully. WOW! And she went to bed early because, she said, "I have a
really long day tomorrow and want to make sure I'm rested."
-pam
and I worried a lot that she'd never be "responsible."
She now keeps a detailed calendar, budgets her money carefully, takes a
full-time course load at her university, meets a LOT of different
obligations for various organizations and social activities and she's
held several jobs and has been considered an outstanding employee.
She tries to do all these things - the regular life kinds of things -
as efficiently as possible to leave the MOST possible time for those
things about which she is passionate. She had to make some mistakes -
she didn't keep good track of her checking account at first, for
example. And she had to find a good calendaring method that worked well
for her. But - she learned. Now she exercises on a regular basis, eats
healthy foods, gets all her assignments for college courses in on time
and doesn't usually have to stay up at night to do them, works at a
good job related to her future career plans, etc.
So - this wasn't intended to be bragging - this is to tell you that it
IS possible and that it is, in fact, wanting the maximum possible
opportunities to follow her own passions that motivates her to BE
responsible and organized. AND - tonight she cleaned the kitchen.
Cheerfully. WOW! And she went to bed early because, she said, "I have a
really long day tomorrow and want to make sure I'm rested."
-pam
On Apr 6, 2005, at 10:03 PM, greencow32766 wrote:
> When she grows up and has "grown up"
> responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
> passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
> like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
> etc...
Dawn Adams
I see my daughter doing stuff she's not passionate about now. There are a
lot of different motivations. She wants to help me, wants to play on the
messy dining room table, wants animals to be safe (her motivation for
climbing into ditches yesterday and grabbing garbage). It's not that
everything she does needs to have an intense interest behind it, but it does
need a purpose that appeals to and makes sense to her.
That's where I have the problem with, "some things just need to be done,
like it or not," line. It doesn't offer any reasonable explanation why they
should be done. You're just expected to give in to the idea of drudgery and
do it. But if Catherine has no problem doing things she might not otherwise
like because it's usually made clear that there's a specific interest behind
it. She doen't like picking up her Polly Pocket stuff but she does it
everytime. Not because she 'has' to but because she knows her 3 yr old
brother also loves Polly Pocket and will run away with tiny boots that may
never be seen again. Kids don't need to be passionate to do things, they
mostly just need honest reasons.
The other thing is, so what if your child is a slob through childhood.
You're raising a life learner right? A flexible person who can learn and
adapt to different situations and demands with little trouble hopefully.
They'll learn.
Dawn (in NS)
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lot of different motivations. She wants to help me, wants to play on the
messy dining room table, wants animals to be safe (her motivation for
climbing into ditches yesterday and grabbing garbage). It's not that
everything she does needs to have an intense interest behind it, but it does
need a purpose that appeals to and makes sense to her.
That's where I have the problem with, "some things just need to be done,
like it or not," line. It doesn't offer any reasonable explanation why they
should be done. You're just expected to give in to the idea of drudgery and
do it. But if Catherine has no problem doing things she might not otherwise
like because it's usually made clear that there's a specific interest behind
it. She doen't like picking up her Polly Pocket stuff but she does it
everytime. Not because she 'has' to but because she knows her 3 yr old
brother also loves Polly Pocket and will run away with tiny boots that may
never be seen again. Kids don't need to be passionate to do things, they
mostly just need honest reasons.
The other thing is, so what if your child is a slob through childhood.
You're raising a life learner right? A flexible person who can learn and
adapt to different situations and demands with little trouble hopefully.
They'll learn.
Dawn (in NS)
> I've had this nagging thought in the back of my head that's been--
> bothering me though: When she grows up and has "grown up"
> responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
> passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
> like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
> etc....I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
> going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
> but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
> sense???
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Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.3 - Release Date: 05/04/2005
soggyboysmom
--- In [email protected], "Dawn Adams"
<Wishbone@s...> wrote:
also loves his toys - to drag out into the yard and chew on!
Although bits of them are indeed often seen again - when I'm
cleaning the dog poo out of the yard (yup little brightly colored
bits of plastic in the poo).
I do love that last line: they mostly just need honest reasons.
Because it's all really a matter of choice - even the stuff grown
ups "have to do" is really a choice - you can 'choose' to not pay
bills or taxes or wash clothing or dishes but there are real
consequences to those choices. The downsides are often worse than
just doing it and getting it behind you so you have time for other
things. DS sees me pay bills on a regular basis. He knows I'd rather
be playing or watching a movie with him or something but he also
knows that those bills are what keeps the lights on and food on the
table and cable on the TV and all, so I tell him I have to go bill
pay and then I'll play - and he otherwise occupies himself so I can
get done as quickly as possible.
<Wishbone@s...> wrote:
>. She doen't like picking up her Polly Pocket stuff but she does itthings, >they
> everytime. Not because she 'has' to but because she knows her 3 yr
>old
> brother also loves Polly Pocket and will run away with tiny boots
>that may
> never be seen again. Kids don't need to be passionate to do
> mostly just need honest reasons.DS (almost 7) picks up his toys because he knows that our lab mix
also loves his toys - to drag out into the yard and chew on!
Although bits of them are indeed often seen again - when I'm
cleaning the dog poo out of the yard (yup little brightly colored
bits of plastic in the poo).
I do love that last line: they mostly just need honest reasons.
Because it's all really a matter of choice - even the stuff grown
ups "have to do" is really a choice - you can 'choose' to not pay
bills or taxes or wash clothing or dishes but there are real
consequences to those choices. The downsides are often worse than
just doing it and getting it behind you so you have time for other
things. DS sees me pay bills on a regular basis. He knows I'd rather
be playing or watching a movie with him or something but he also
knows that those bills are what keeps the lights on and food on the
table and cable on the TV and all, so I tell him I have to go bill
pay and then I'll play - and he otherwise occupies himself so I can
get done as quickly as possible.
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: greencow32766 <McGeath3@...>
...I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
-=-=-=-=-=-=
Not really--- 'cause you CHOOSE to do the cooking (or order pizza or go
out or whatever). Do you really think that all those years of forced
schooling and chores as a child make you cook and pay bills on time?
REALLY?
Don't you *really* choose to cook because the family's hungry? Pay
bills because you don't want to lose your house or car or electricity?
Pull weeds because you like an organized garden?
Do you scrapbook 24/7? As much as you love it, could you---REALLY? I
love working in my garden, checking my bees, playing with my dogs,
watching movies with my children, grocery shopping, scrapbooking, and
.... COOKING! <G> As much as I love to do those things, I also take out
the trash, wash the dishes, sweep and mop and vacuum (well, THOSE as
little as humanly possible!), and clean toilets. They're done because I
like it have it at least minimally clean around here! I CHOOSE to clean
because I *like* it clean (-ish! <g>).
Do your *own* cleaning and cooking and bill-paying joyfully. THAT'S
what will show your daughter how it's done!
~Kelly
From: greencow32766 <McGeath3@...>
...I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
-=-=-=-=-=-=
Not really--- 'cause you CHOOSE to do the cooking (or order pizza or go
out or whatever). Do you really think that all those years of forced
schooling and chores as a child make you cook and pay bills on time?
REALLY?
Don't you *really* choose to cook because the family's hungry? Pay
bills because you don't want to lose your house or car or electricity?
Pull weeds because you like an organized garden?
Do you scrapbook 24/7? As much as you love it, could you---REALLY? I
love working in my garden, checking my bees, playing with my dogs,
watching movies with my children, grocery shopping, scrapbooking, and
.... COOKING! <G> As much as I love to do those things, I also take out
the trash, wash the dishes, sweep and mop and vacuum (well, THOSE as
little as humanly possible!), and clean toilets. They're done because I
like it have it at least minimally clean around here! I CHOOSE to clean
because I *like* it clean (-ish! <g>).
Do your *own* cleaning and cooking and bill-paying joyfully. THAT'S
what will show your daughter how it's done!
~Kelly
sheila
-----Original Message-----
From: greencow32766 <McGeath3@...>
...I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
-=-=-=-=-=-=
You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepare your family's meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
I haven't ever done it or looked into the cost very much, but I have heard that it isn't very expensive. Different people have different ideas of what *expensive* is when it comes to the cost of feeding the family, though.
Sheila
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: greencow32766 <McGeath3@...>
...I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
-=-=-=-=-=-=
You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepare your family's meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
I haven't ever done it or looked into the cost very much, but I have heard that it isn't very expensive. Different people have different ideas of what *expensive* is when it comes to the cost of feeding the family, though.
Sheila
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/7/2005 1:15:32 AM Central Standard Time,
McGeath3@... writes:
When she grows up and has "grown up"
responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
etc....I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
~~~
I think you answered your own question. You do the things you have to do,
even though you don't want to, because you know doing them will be better than
not doing them.
At the last minute (night before), I asked my mother to drive me to Little
Rock, about 3 hours away from here. I knew Will, who's 11, would resist the
idea of getting up too early, at least at first, so I told her I would be by
at 9:00, using the shorthand explanation that that is when Will would be able
to be up and ready. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him about it, yet, and
I knew he likes having information well in advance of change of plans, and
this was rather last minute and he may have had plans for his day. She didn't
like 9:00, because she's an early riser and can't really drive at night so an
early start (7:00) would be better for her. After I told her 9:00, she made
a semi-sarcastic comment like, "Let me know when the Little Prince would
like to get up and I'll be ready."
That kind of ticked me off, but I steeled myself so we wouldn't argue all
the way to Little Rock. She cleverly worked the phrase "Little Prince" into the
conversation a couple of more times. I ignored it.
After that, I phoned my husband (who was watching Will at baseball practice)
and told him the situation, and asked him to explain to Will on the way home
why we needed to go THAT day and not any other. When they came in the house
later I asked Will if he knew about what was happening in the morning. He
was aware, and didn't complain. He knew we'd have to get up even earlier than
7:00 to get to my mother's by then. I told him I would get his clean
clothes out of the dryer and he could wear his clothes to bed if he wanted, and I
would just bundle him up in the morning in a blanket and walk him sleepily to
the car. He thought that was a good idea, and decided to get in the shower
right then so he would be clean for the next day.
Later, as I was going up to bed, I found Will in his room setting his alarm
clock for 6:05. He saw me and said, "I'm settimg my clock so you won't have
to wake me up in the morning."
Okay. <g> His alarm did go off at 6:05 and when I heard it I helped him get
dressed and bundled him in a blanket and walked him sleepily to the car.
I'd already started the car and turned on the heated seat so he would be warm
and comfy and get another 1/2 hour of sleep.
He was willing to get on board with the plan, because he knew I was being
considerate of what he needed. He knew his sister-in-law was in the hospital
and couldn't sell the van she needed to sell. He knew I was the best one to
handle it. He knew that the next 2 weeks were booked solid for us and Thursday
was the ONLY day we could do this. He knew WHY what we were doing had to be
done that day, with little notice, and he knew all that because I was
considerate of him. And in turn, he was considerate of me AND my mother. She
never even got to know it, because she'd prefer to think that he was coddled and
catered to, like a little prince. My mistake was not explaining to her that
I was *simply* taking his needs into consideration, and thus her sarcastic
comment. It's not the way of the world to take ALL the needs of children into
consideration. But, what goes around, comes around. Will has proven that to
me once again.
Karen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
McGeath3@... writes:
When she grows up and has "grown up"
responsibilities, will it be hard for her to do things that she isn't
passionate about - things that a lot of adults really don't want to do
like paying bills on time or cleaning the house or taking out the trash
etc....I'd love to say well, cooking doesn't interest me so I'm not
going to do it - my passion is scrapbooking so I'll do that instead -
but of course I can't, I have to feed my family - does this make any
sense???
~~~
I think you answered your own question. You do the things you have to do,
even though you don't want to, because you know doing them will be better than
not doing them.
At the last minute (night before), I asked my mother to drive me to Little
Rock, about 3 hours away from here. I knew Will, who's 11, would resist the
idea of getting up too early, at least at first, so I told her I would be by
at 9:00, using the shorthand explanation that that is when Will would be able
to be up and ready. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him about it, yet, and
I knew he likes having information well in advance of change of plans, and
this was rather last minute and he may have had plans for his day. She didn't
like 9:00, because she's an early riser and can't really drive at night so an
early start (7:00) would be better for her. After I told her 9:00, she made
a semi-sarcastic comment like, "Let me know when the Little Prince would
like to get up and I'll be ready."
That kind of ticked me off, but I steeled myself so we wouldn't argue all
the way to Little Rock. She cleverly worked the phrase "Little Prince" into the
conversation a couple of more times. I ignored it.
After that, I phoned my husband (who was watching Will at baseball practice)
and told him the situation, and asked him to explain to Will on the way home
why we needed to go THAT day and not any other. When they came in the house
later I asked Will if he knew about what was happening in the morning. He
was aware, and didn't complain. He knew we'd have to get up even earlier than
7:00 to get to my mother's by then. I told him I would get his clean
clothes out of the dryer and he could wear his clothes to bed if he wanted, and I
would just bundle him up in the morning in a blanket and walk him sleepily to
the car. He thought that was a good idea, and decided to get in the shower
right then so he would be clean for the next day.
Later, as I was going up to bed, I found Will in his room setting his alarm
clock for 6:05. He saw me and said, "I'm settimg my clock so you won't have
to wake me up in the morning."
Okay. <g> His alarm did go off at 6:05 and when I heard it I helped him get
dressed and bundled him in a blanket and walked him sleepily to the car.
I'd already started the car and turned on the heated seat so he would be warm
and comfy and get another 1/2 hour of sleep.
He was willing to get on board with the plan, because he knew I was being
considerate of what he needed. He knew his sister-in-law was in the hospital
and couldn't sell the van she needed to sell. He knew I was the best one to
handle it. He knew that the next 2 weeks were booked solid for us and Thursday
was the ONLY day we could do this. He knew WHY what we were doing had to be
done that day, with little notice, and he knew all that because I was
considerate of him. And in turn, he was considerate of me AND my mother. She
never even got to know it, because she'd prefer to think that he was coddled and
catered to, like a little prince. My mistake was not explaining to her that
I was *simply* taking his needs into consideration, and thus her sarcastic
comment. It's not the way of the world to take ALL the needs of children into
consideration. But, what goes around, comes around. Will has proven that to
me once again.
Karen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/8/2005 7:19:48 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
tuckervill2@... writes:
My mistake was not explaining to her that
I was *simply* taking his needs into consideration, and thus her sarcastic
comment. It's not the way of the world to take ALL the needs of children
into
consideration. But, what goes around, comes around. Will has proven that
to
me once again.
Karen
I'm glad it all worked out well. Given that your mother was doing you a
favor by driving you the three hours, I would have felt somewhat obligated to be
considerate of her schedule as well.
I think that's the problem we sometimes run into with other adults who do
not understand we give our children the same consideration as we do other
adults, sometimes more, by seemingly disregarding others schedules and
considerations in exchange for a "mere child" who can be willing to bend to others
considerations as well.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
tuckervill2@... writes:
My mistake was not explaining to her that
I was *simply* taking his needs into consideration, and thus her sarcastic
comment. It's not the way of the world to take ALL the needs of children
into
consideration. But, what goes around, comes around. Will has proven that
to
me once again.
Karen
I'm glad it all worked out well. Given that your mother was doing you a
favor by driving you the three hours, I would have felt somewhat obligated to be
considerate of her schedule as well.
I think that's the problem we sometimes run into with other adults who do
not understand we give our children the same consideration as we do other
adults, sometimes more, by seemingly disregarding others schedules and
considerations in exchange for a "mere child" who can be willing to bend to others
considerations as well.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
sharonjrt
> You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepareyour family's meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
>Oooh! Great entrpreneurial opportunity here! I'll have to check it
out! I AM a great cook & Dh teases me that I should start a similar
business.:)
All that aside, this question (& responses) has brought up 2 trains
of thought: 1- Will Unschooling prepare my DD for a livelihood? & 2-
Will she ever see the need to create order out of chaos?
Okay, so she turned 5 yesterday & we're not expecting her to be self-
sufficient for sometime yet, but these concerns are always coming to
mind!
Track 1- Observing my dd as she pretends (to be a chef, doctor,
garbage man, ballerina, Derek Jeter), I see that she follows
processes that are clearly obvious to her, asks her patients/clients
about their wants & needs, seeks solutions to obstacles. All skills
that she will use to set & achieve goals that will allow her to
follow her dreams.
This line is of major concern to my dh. Who also got to see her
completely focused last night. After our birthday dinner at DD's
favorite Japanese Hibachi, Mom got to go to bed early. Dad watched DD
prepare a birthday gift for Mom, complete with a newly drawn card &
dinner(bowl of cereal & a glass of water), which she carried all the
way upstairs to my bed!
Track 2- Finding Method in Mayhem. DD sees little need to pick up
anything that she plays with! I explain that things are often easier
to find if you put similar items together. Her solution is to dump
each container until she finds what she needs, or is distracted by
something she's come across! I focus on safety issues (not leaving
things on steps or in exits). I also remind her that our Jack Russell
Terrier can chew thru anything in a matter of seconds. "It's okay,
she can have that", is her response.
We're expecting a large group of family & friends to help us
celebrate DD's birthday in 2 days, so trying to tidy the house is
ever present in mind. It also means that DH will tackle major house
repairs, prior to guests arriving. This year, Spring only got here a
few days ago, so outside maintenance and things that require open
windows have had to be postposned. I have reconciled myself to the
fact that my home will never be "neat enough". I just have trust that
all who have been invited to the party accept me for who I am and
make that my mantra for the next few days! I could clean non-stop, or
make a birthday cake with my daughter, while stopping to play pirates
from time to time!
I enjoy all these special moments with her and all those posts help
me realize that free-learning allows her to develop naturally into a
whole human being that sees the order and beauty in this world.
Live, laugh learn!
Sharon
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: sheila <sheran@...>
You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepare your
family's
meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
I haven't ever done it or looked into the cost very much, but I have
heard that
it isn't very expensive. Different people have different ideas of what
*expensive* is when it comes to the cost of feeding the family, though.
-=-=-=-==-
I worked for a family with a private chef.
I was their personal dog groomer: they had a top-of-the-line groom room
built for me to work in. They had four standard poodles. Their
daughter, who also lived on the grounds in her own home, had two
miniature poodles, two toy poodles, and one shih tzu. They also had
another standard poodle that lived in Arizona and visited often. I
groomed them all once a week. It was a FULL day of grooming---sometimes
8:00 to 8:00.
The best part was LUNCH! Alicia was, well IS, a wonderful chef. She
worked Monday through Friday and cooked lunch for the staff and supper
for the family. Lunch was always delicious. I often worked late enough
to watch her preparing supper---WOW! To eat like that every night! <g>
I took home many recipes and ideas.
Crazy place though! Along with me and Alicia, the chef, there were two
personal secretaries, a housekeeper, a laundress (really! someone who
*just* did laundry!!!), a gardener and his wife, who was a florist
(fresh flowers inside all the time!). There was a foreman, who did all
the outside stuff---like maintain the cars (gas, oil, wash, etc.) and
just fix things, and numerous part-time folks---like the hairdresser,
the massage therapist, the dog trainer, etc. At one Christmas party,
the boss announced that they had eighteen employees!
The house was HUGE! 12,000 square feet, until they built the 7,000 sqft
addition---now 19,000 sqft! The addition had imported Italian tile in
the entrance. They imported Italians to lay the tile! <G> Didn't speak
a word of English, but they were adorable. The new master bedroom had
fiber optics lights in the ceiling so that it looked like the night
sky. There was also a new spa with a table for her massages and a
barber chair and sink for her hairdresser---not to mention the lap
pool---the kind with a current so that you stay in one place? <g> What
a hoot! The new addition had a separate full kitchen. There was also a
summer kitchen off the garage. They had a boat house with a full
apartment above (with its own kitchen!) and my groom room below. Tennis
courts, and an eight hole golf course. It's surrounded by the lake on a
point with an outdoor pool (in addition to the indoor lap pool). I
looked for a photo. I guess the website is no longer up.
They weren't a very nice family. But the money was good----until it ran
out. Now they're living in the boat house to avoid paying the
electricity bills on the big house. No more staff, although I'm sure
there's at least a weekly maid. I guess they eat out every meal? House
in on the market. They were trying to sell it for $7 million at one
time. They backed out of an auction just a little while ago when the
price went no higher than $3 million. Will possibly be foreclosed.
It was good while it lasted <g>
~Kelly
From: sheila <sheran@...>
You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepare your
family's
meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
I haven't ever done it or looked into the cost very much, but I have
heard that
it isn't very expensive. Different people have different ideas of what
*expensive* is when it comes to the cost of feeding the family, though.
-=-=-=-==-
I worked for a family with a private chef.
I was their personal dog groomer: they had a top-of-the-line groom room
built for me to work in. They had four standard poodles. Their
daughter, who also lived on the grounds in her own home, had two
miniature poodles, two toy poodles, and one shih tzu. They also had
another standard poodle that lived in Arizona and visited often. I
groomed them all once a week. It was a FULL day of grooming---sometimes
8:00 to 8:00.
The best part was LUNCH! Alicia was, well IS, a wonderful chef. She
worked Monday through Friday and cooked lunch for the staff and supper
for the family. Lunch was always delicious. I often worked late enough
to watch her preparing supper---WOW! To eat like that every night! <g>
I took home many recipes and ideas.
Crazy place though! Along with me and Alicia, the chef, there were two
personal secretaries, a housekeeper, a laundress (really! someone who
*just* did laundry!!!), a gardener and his wife, who was a florist
(fresh flowers inside all the time!). There was a foreman, who did all
the outside stuff---like maintain the cars (gas, oil, wash, etc.) and
just fix things, and numerous part-time folks---like the hairdresser,
the massage therapist, the dog trainer, etc. At one Christmas party,
the boss announced that they had eighteen employees!
The house was HUGE! 12,000 square feet, until they built the 7,000 sqft
addition---now 19,000 sqft! The addition had imported Italian tile in
the entrance. They imported Italians to lay the tile! <G> Didn't speak
a word of English, but they were adorable. The new master bedroom had
fiber optics lights in the ceiling so that it looked like the night
sky. There was also a new spa with a table for her massages and a
barber chair and sink for her hairdresser---not to mention the lap
pool---the kind with a current so that you stay in one place? <g> What
a hoot! The new addition had a separate full kitchen. There was also a
summer kitchen off the garage. They had a boat house with a full
apartment above (with its own kitchen!) and my groom room below. Tennis
courts, and an eight hole golf course. It's surrounded by the lake on a
point with an outdoor pool (in addition to the indoor lap pool). I
looked for a photo. I guess the website is no longer up.
They weren't a very nice family. But the money was good----until it ran
out. Now they're living in the boat house to avoid paying the
electricity bills on the big house. No more staff, although I'm sure
there's at least a weekly maid. I guess they eat out every meal? House
in on the market. They were trying to sell it for $7 million at one
time. They backed out of an auction just a little while ago when the
price went no higher than $3 million. Will possibly be foreclosed.
It was good while it lasted <g>
~Kelly
Pam Sorooshian
I do know a homeschooling mom who cooked for other people for a long
time. She makes only organic vegetarian foods - is a great cook. She
goes to their house (took her kids along when they were little), cooks
enough for that day and packs up enough in the refrigerator for another
2 days' worth of meals. She was underpaid by a long shot, in my opinion
- something like $55 (plus groceries reimbursement) - but it really
only took her about 3 hours. I think she could have gotten a lot more
money for it - but she enjoyed it - she also took food home from it for
her own family, by the way. That was part of the deal - I can't
remember how much food for her own family she got.
-pam
time. She makes only organic vegetarian foods - is a great cook. She
goes to their house (took her kids along when they were little), cooks
enough for that day and packs up enough in the refrigerator for another
2 days' worth of meals. She was underpaid by a long shot, in my opinion
- something like $55 (plus groceries reimbursement) - but it really
only took her about 3 hours. I think she could have gotten a lot more
money for it - but she enjoyed it - she also took food home from it for
her own family, by the way. That was part of the deal - I can't
remember how much food for her own family she got.
-pam
On Apr 8, 2005, at 8:58 AM, kbcdlovejo@... wrote:
> You could hire a personal chef to come to your house to prepare your
> family's
> meals for the week. http://www.personalchefsearch.com/
>
> I haven't ever done it or looked into the cost very much, but I have
> heard that
> it isn't very expensive. Different people have different ideas of what
> *expensive* is when it comes to the cost of feeding the family, though.
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/8/2005 12:18:36 PM Central Standard Time,
rubyprincesstsg@... writes:
I'm glad it all worked out well. Given that your mother was doing you a
favor by driving you the three hours, I would have felt somewhat obligated
to be
considerate of her schedule as well.
~~~
My mother is retired and complains that I don't need her enough.
I didn't feel like she was doing ME a favor, so much as her grandson who is
in Iraq and whose wife is in the hospital trying to get their baby to
viability. She felt that way, too, and wouldn't let me buy gas OR lunch.
I was being considerate of her schedule. I totally changed the time in
deference to her, and Will is the one who adjusted. He did it with aplomb and
initiative and grace and dignity and didn't complain about his grandmother's
cataracts for which he had to get up early.
Karen
www.badchair.net
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
rubyprincesstsg@... writes:
I'm glad it all worked out well. Given that your mother was doing you a
favor by driving you the three hours, I would have felt somewhat obligated
to be
considerate of her schedule as well.
~~~
My mother is retired and complains that I don't need her enough.
I didn't feel like she was doing ME a favor, so much as her grandson who is
in Iraq and whose wife is in the hospital trying to get their baby to
viability. She felt that way, too, and wouldn't let me buy gas OR lunch.
I was being considerate of her schedule. I totally changed the time in
deference to her, and Will is the one who adjusted. He did it with aplomb and
initiative and grace and dignity and didn't complain about his grandmother's
cataracts for which he had to get up early.
Karen
www.badchair.net
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Julie W
> I didn't feel like she was doing ME a favor, so much as her grandsonKaren
> who is
> in Iraq and whose wife is in the hospital trying to get their baby to
> viability.
How is she doing and when is she due?
Julie
[email protected]
The baby is at 24 weeks today! That is very good news. We're all
optimistic that he will get to the 27-28 week range. Of course, the longer the
better, but it is virtually guaranteed that he will be born early, because his
amniotic fluid is not regenerating like it should...He's just going to run out of
room and either her water will break again, or he will be in danger of limb
deformities, etc., from being cramped. If it gets to that point (danger of
limb deformities) they will most likely induce or have a c-section.
Mandy is not bored, yet, and has been taking her phone off the hook because
everyone's calling every day. She's still in the hospital, and will be until
the birth. Any advice for mothers on bedrest (who already has internet on
her laptop, DVD's, cable and lots of books) would be much appreciated. Thanks
for all good thoughts pointed in our direction.
Karen
www.badchair.net
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
optimistic that he will get to the 27-28 week range. Of course, the longer the
better, but it is virtually guaranteed that he will be born early, because his
amniotic fluid is not regenerating like it should...He's just going to run out of
room and either her water will break again, or he will be in danger of limb
deformities, etc., from being cramped. If it gets to that point (danger of
limb deformities) they will most likely induce or have a c-section.
Mandy is not bored, yet, and has been taking her phone off the hook because
everyone's calling every day. She's still in the hospital, and will be until
the birth. Any advice for mothers on bedrest (who already has internet on
her laptop, DVD's, cable and lots of books) would be much appreciated. Thanks
for all good thoughts pointed in our direction.
Karen
www.badchair.net
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Angela S.
Thinkfun games like River Crossing, Rush Hour, Shape By Shape, Brick by
Brick, are fun and can be played alone in bed.
Angela
* game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Brick, are fun and can be played alone in bed.
Angela
* game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
greencow32766
Thanks everyone for responding to my question!
Pam Sorooshian had a great point of view that my daughter (as well as
any of us) are "motivated" to do things we may not always want to or
enjoy so we can get on with doing things we are passionate about.
Dawn (in NS) - I loved this quote "You're raising a life learner - a
flexible person who can learn and adapt to different situations and
demands with little trouble" - she's right!
Kelly - You really hit the "nail on the head" for me when you
said "Do you really think that all those years of forced schooling
and chores as a child made you cook and pay bills on time as an
adult???" NO WAY!
I loved Sheila's idea of hiring a personal chef - will definitely
have to look into that!!!!!!
Karen - Your story was wonderful - I've noticed the same type of
consideration out of my daugther too - now that she has the "time"
from not being in school all day with hours of homework......
Tracie
Pam Sorooshian had a great point of view that my daughter (as well as
any of us) are "motivated" to do things we may not always want to or
enjoy so we can get on with doing things we are passionate about.
Dawn (in NS) - I loved this quote "You're raising a life learner - a
flexible person who can learn and adapt to different situations and
demands with little trouble" - she's right!
Kelly - You really hit the "nail on the head" for me when you
said "Do you really think that all those years of forced schooling
and chores as a child made you cook and pay bills on time as an
adult???" NO WAY!
I loved Sheila's idea of hiring a personal chef - will definitely
have to look into that!!!!!!
Karen - Your story was wonderful - I've noticed the same type of
consideration out of my daugther too - now that she has the "time"
from not being in school all day with hours of homework......
Tracie