Vagueness and the Aftermath - A sporadic diary

[RED-DOG]

but Tom, why would you want your child to be an average school leaver?

I don't, I want them to reach average school leaver stage by the time they are 11 and then learn a lot more by the time they are adult.


Gypsy children need to learn particular skills. For instance, it's difficult to teach an adult to knock on some strangers door and persuade them to part with money in return for these goods or that service, most would die of embarrassment, but if you've grown up doing that, it's the most natural thing in the world.

That is by no means a definitive answer, but it's so difficult to explain to an outsider.

[TightEnd]

I see Tom

its something I struggle with with mine. Bright polite kids, and I want them to do well which I suppose in my sphere (completely different from your culture clearly) means sixth form, University, good jobs etc etc. At the end of the day though (having learned the hard way myself ) I want them to be happy..if that means them leaving school at 16 to do what they are passionate about then so be it.

[RED-DOG]

And Yes Jim, they were taunted and bullied a bit, just as I was. But they were also armed with the same advice that my dad gave me.

Life can be tough sometimes, and I won't always be there to protect them. Better to let them learn that lesson along with all the others.

(Within reason of course, standing back is bloody heartbreaking at times.)

[77dave]

My thinking (for what its worth) is that events in life , particularly adversity, dont build character as much as REVEAL character.

That's a great line Slowmo, and very true. I intend to steal it and use it as my own.

[77dave]

In my opinion schooling can be good but being educated in the ways of the world is far more important.

I know plenty of people that have degrees from good unis but cant get the jobs that they want and plenty of people who left school at 15/16 with nothing behind them but have made a million

[Laxie]

My oldest lad is finding the Junior Cert tough going at the minute.  He can make his way around a computer with ease, tie flies for fly fishing like a semi pro and is pretty good with woodwork/metalwork, but ask him to describe someone's 'writing style' or to solve an algebra problem, you can forget it.  He's one of the nicest lads in the area, as teens go, but I worry that 'nice' won't get him far. 

That said, the pressure I see other teens facing, with parents who push them too far academically, is unreal.  Hard to find a nice balance between support/encouragement and expectations.  I would much rather see my son as a nice lad who's well rounded and is good at a few things, than see him just scraping by at average or slightly above...but needing therapy after it's all over.  *Sigh...parenthood...great fun, isn't it?

Really enjoying this Tom.  My favourites are your stories of the good ole days.  I could read them for hours and never get bored.  Thanks!   

[RED-DOG]

Really enjoying this Tom.  My favourites are your stories of the good ole days.  I could read them for hours and never get bored.  Thanks!   

The good ole days stories are my fave too Dawn, and I ache with nostalga when I write about them. but I would hate to bore everyone to death.

I can just imagine people rolling their eyes and saying "Yeah yeah.. here we go again.... During the war..."

[77dave]

we have to listen to Tikays stories about his life during the English Civil War, the Boar War and even the 100 year war   we actually look forward to hearing your stories Red.   I dont even think you tell stories  you retell adventures i a way no1 else could describe.

I know Tikay wants you to write a book   any chance??

[taximan007]

For some people, just to be happy in life is worth more than any amount of money or academic qualifications.

[byronkincaid]

the old stories are the best bit of what is obv an excellent thread imo

[RED-DOG]

Well, It's weigh in day again. I've been a really really good boy this week, I even went to dtd last night and had a salad. Someone we know had eggs Benedict. Twice!  'AVAST BEHIND!!'

Right. Off to get the scales, back in a moment.

[RED-DOG]

AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!     

I haven't lost a bloody ounce!! I'm still 14 stone lb. WTF???

I'm so upset I might have a fry-up.   

[RED-DOG]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!


Mrs Red and I went to the pictures tonight.

Mrs Red has a student discount card, and so when I bought the tickets I jokingly said "One student and one senior citizen please"

They didn't bat an eyelid, and we both got the reduced rate.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!


Mrs Red has saved my ticket which has "Senior Citizen" stamped on it in big letters. Sigh.



PS- Before the film, we went to a restaurant that was doing two meals for the price of one.

Mrs Red says I'm the last of the big spenders.

[taximan007]

 

[Wardonkey]

Should we call you 'GREY-DOG'?