It was a busy day yesterday, with lots of driving around for homecoming, and both boys getting to bed late. And, up again early, as Sam has the PSATs & Nick has a reffing job this morning. I'm about to drop Nick off, and then hope to maybe sneak in a quick nap before I officially kick start my day. I'm a terrible napper, but we'll see what I can finagle.
Spotted on my walk yesterday:
Other things happening today:
- Pick Sam up
- Work out (20k steps)? This has been my daily average in October (21k, actually), but I'm not feeling great today, so we'll see what happens
- Make applesauce
- Take Sam to his soccer game this afternoon
- Do some baking (muffins, cookies?) ahead of my parents visit
- Go to the produce stand
- Menu plan/shopping list
- Costco
- Laundry
- List a few things on eBay & Buy Nothing
What about you? What's happening today? And, are you a napper?
I have chili in the crockpot, pumpkin bread in the oven, and cookies to be made later all because I'm in the mood to bake. Lol. Not doing much of anything today except cleaning house and staying home. It was a busy week and we have a busy day tomorrow. I'm not a napper as I wake up with a headache usually and grumpy. Lol. Hope you have a good day!
ReplyDeleteI'm also in the mood to bake today! Definitely fall like
DeleteYou didn't ask, but I'm going to tell you. My kids don't take the PSAT's or SAT's, because I, after listening to the many PhD college professors in my family, agree with them when they say the College Board is a scam which knowingly discriminates against poor, ENL, and LD students. (And yes, kids can get to college, and even get sizable scholarships without these tests...ask me how I know.) I believe they are a huge waste of money which, other than the *slight* possibility of earning a scholarship for the top 1% performers, tells very little about a student's potential. And, the irony, many colleges deduct the amount of these scholarships from your total grant package if you received Financial Aid.
ReplyDeleteSam's school actually offers the test for free, and the state of California doesn't require any of the standardized tests for the reasons you mentioned. He's taking it for a different reason. He underestimates how smart he is, and I think taking the test & having a more objective perspective on how he's doing may push him a bit more & show him that he's smarter than he gives himself credit for. Who knows if that will work, but it's a Saturday afternoon & no cost, so pretty low risk.
DeleteThe National Merit scholarship is actually how I went to college! I got a full ride to college, although very much helped by the fact that my sister was also in college at the time, and my parents didn't make much money. Interestingly, state schools (University of Washington) were signficantly more expensive than private colleges, as the private colleges were willing to give out much more in merit based scholarships
That cost difference between private vs. public schools once grants have been figured in, is something that you just can't seem to get through to a lot of people in this state.
DeleteOur h.s. also offers the PSAT for free, but the College Board is still getting the money, so we don't participate. But, yes, your reason for taking it is a good one. I only wish there was a way to do that without lining the pockets of the College Board.
I’m preparing food for B’s birthday tomorrow. Getting groceries for my Mom and putting them away and making her dinner before B and I have dinner. Busy, busy like you running the boys to their activities. Whew. I remember those days.
ReplyDeleteHope it's a great day for Bailey!
DeleteOther than to walk the dog and maybe take lots of mini breaks outside, I am not leaving my home today. I've got a strategy on a room, plus other things that just need Saturday attention. Well done on averaging more than 20K steps.
ReplyDeleteThe step challenge has actually been super enjoyable. I feel like I'm in way better shape, after just a few weeks!
DeleteOh, your trip sounds so lovely. I'm so glad you had the opportunity with your mom & sister! Hope the jetlag gets better. I'm all too familiar with that. Good luck to your son on soccer tryouts! I'm getting nervous already for both of my boys trying out for the high school team.
ReplyDeleteIt's also expected to rain here tomorrow (finally!) & through all of next week.
Wait the standardized tests aren't required in CA? When did that happen? I'm so curious as to what's changed since we were in school.
ReplyDeleteAs one of the poor kids, I took the whole lot plus a handful of AP tests but I mostly applied for financial exemptions and had the costs whittled down substantially. The AP tests saved me a lot of money when I went to college as I was able to apply those credits directly to basic required classes and that was huge because I was paying out of pocket.
But for our kids, their circumstances are SO different to what mine were, I'm trying to adjust my mindset to the current day ;)
And agreed the College Board is as unasked for an industry as the credit bureaus!
I believe they announced it during COVID. I'm still learning everything about college stuff, as Sam is in 10th grade. But, the UC/Cal State & community college programs are so different (and, better) than where/when I was growing up. Totally agree - my kids circumstance is totally different than mine, & it takes some adjustment!
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