About Writing

So after all the positive encouragement I got last week, I will continue to write a blog, but now it will be about things other than reaching for an RV dream.

But first, on that subject, Craig and I did some talking this weekend.
 My meltdown was not his fault, and took him by complete surprise.

The trigger had to do with a house remodeling project we don't see eye to eye on.

 I'm going to try harder to be more patient,  less critical, and stop trying to save money by only doing what is necessary.  I'm still on hold with any timelines, dreams, or expectations.

I occasionally generate clouds of doom and depression all on my own.
It will work out.

Now back to "About Writing"


The English language and I have never been on good terms!  When I was growing up "learning disabilities" were not talked about or treated.  The only kids in "Special Education" were severely mentally retarded, and only the very worse case kids were held back a year.


To start with, I was a "young" kindergartener.  I started school at four years old with a late November birthday.  Add to that a series of illnesses that kept me home much of first grade, a large class size, (I was the beginning of the baby boom bulge)  left handed, and  undiagnosed dyslexia. 
I remember a discussion about keeping me back a year, but my parents were totally against it, so I was pushed on. 
 Second and third grade were a nightmare.  I was the lowest in the low reading group. I couldn't read and I definitely could not spell!  I remember quite  few tearful Fridays when I would sit after school writing out all the words I had gotten wrong on the weekly spelling test over and over. I always had to stay after far longer than anyone else in the class.


Then a miracle happened.  My fourth grade teacher was an angel.  Once again I was sick a lot, and it was recommended that I not go out for recess with the rest of the class.  Instead I spent that time indoors, in the classroom, by myself.  My wonderful teacher took that time (probably time she would have otherwise been able to take a short break) to give me special help, one on one.  We went back over lower grade readers, and somehow she taught me to read!


I went from the lowest group to the highest, and even placed very well in an all school vocabulary test at the end of the year.


I still could not spell, but reading was no longer a problem and for some unknown reason I was placed in advanced English classes in High School.  I remember getting grades of A/C.  A for content and a C  for spelling and grammar. 


Then came college.  At the University of Wisconsin, Freshman English was required for graduation.  I knew several people who never graduated because they could not pass it.  I was terrified.  I really tried hard, having Craig proofread what I turned in, but there was no way I could pass the impromptu essays that our professor was so fond of.  At the six week point, I was called into her office.  I have never had a more devastating meeting.  She told me I was illiterate, and recommended that I not only drop her class, but that I had no hope of getting a degree and should consider dropping out of college completely. 


I dropped her class.  Knowing I had to pass English I did what any smart student does.  I shopped for an easier teacher.  I found an early morning section in the summer session taught by a teacher that had a reputation for passing everyone.  I did pass, and took the second semester with him as well.


But I will never forget being told I was illiterate.  


I still cannot spell!  Craig corrects my grocery lists, and if it wasn't for Spell Check I would never be able to have a blog or answer emails.


So, thank you for telling me you like my blog.  I know not all of my grammar is up to snuff, but I just write what I think and feel.  Pretty much the way I talk.

Exercise Goal :  To walk 1000 miles on my treadmill or on trails.

2 miles Monday

Total walked = 364.5 miles