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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Silver Liningness Sunday

I think today is the first day of fall.  Weather's been very nice this week.  I like fall, we should have a party.

I've been busier than I prefer with the back-to-school tuting season and my own back-to-school times.  After this past week, my schedule now includes more breathing room which is nice.    I've finished up with the latest crop of test prep students and am now down to just two:  Son of Cookie Lady and The Princess.

The Princess was originally supposed to be finished this week too, but reality ruled.  I had to be honest with her and her mom.  She wasn't ready, and there was just no point in her taking her college entrance test this weekend.

Then, I had this dilemma since I hadn't anticipated working with her beyond this week.  But it turns out she's "really connected with me" and didn't want to switch tutors.  We've managed to work a few sessions out.

It's all been good for her, though, and I've noticed her being more serious and less princess-like since the revelation.  Her questions to me are much more mature now and no longer of the, "What should I do if a really cute guy sits next to me at the test? *giggle*"  variety.  {my eyes rolling}.

In other news, Bella was in need of some new brake pads and general TLC after her week of fighting the rain and mud wars.  I remembered seeing this tip somewhere, and totally used it:



I don't need no stinkin' bike stand!  I've got an ironing board!  Worked like a charm.

Happy Autumnal Equinox - Season's Greetings!
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21 comments:

Guano said...

Cool bike stand trick -- wish I woulda known that BEFORE we splurged on the real deal for our in-house mechanic!
A princess has to kiss a lotta frogs before she can "connect" with one of'em. Good on ya for telling her straight up she's not ready, and here's to getting her there! When she does, I'll miss the drama reports....

lotta joy said...

It sure looks like it works! And, no ironing as long as you leave it like it is.

LOVE the little shadow standing nearby.

Marcy said...

What a cool bike stand! And heaven knows I never use my ironing board :)

Anonymous said...

Terrific idea! Our ironing board has gathered dust for years, so I'm sure it would like to feel useful again. Then again, I don't think I've ever or will ever change a brake pad on my bike.
Look at you, turning the little princess around. But really, what SHOULD she do if a cute boy sits next to her during the test?

Abby said...

The real deal was on our list of things to get. Procrastination pays off again!

Abby said...

It worked beautifully, and the clothes are as wrinkly as ever. Good eye!

Abby said...

This was more fun than that other use for it.

Abby said...

The ironing board used to work as a stand for our electronic keyboard until we sold the keyboard. Now it's got new life! God forbid I should iron clothes with it.
And I don't know what a princess should do if a cute boy sits next to her?! I'm not qualified!

Linda Hensley said...

I like the ironing board idea, but I'd actually have to move a lot of stuff off of it first, and then who'd have the energy to take a bike ride after all that? I'm so glad I don't have to answer cute boy questions. More power to you for sticking it out with the princess! Maybe there's some hope for society?

terri said...

That was really good of you to give more time to your princess-tutee. It's obvious she's been a challenge and you've got a lot on your plate already. It would have been so easy to cut her loose, let her take her test and wash your hands of the whole thing. Instead you gave her a chance and helped her recognize that she is more than just a pretty, fluffy, popular girl. This is why you'll make a great teacher.

meleah rebeccah said...

"Weather's been very nice this week.  I like fall, we should have a party."

Um, yes please! What time should I come over?

"It's all been good for her, though, and I've noticed her being more serious and less princess-like since the revelation." -- Oh good! Happy to hear reality is sinking into her brain. You might also be a magician and not just an awesome tutor!

Riot Kitty said...

That is very practical and engineer-like of you...Mr. RK would come up with a solution like that.

Rock Chef said...

Love the bike rack! Was it stable enough for doing the work?

CiCi said...

You are so inventive. I am getting more and more in awe of you.

Abby said...

I admit I was tempted to cut her loose and wash my hands. In the end, I couldn't do it, she was in for a sucky score!

Abby said...

Well, I've seen some of your parties. Let's have it at your place!

Abby said...

Does he ride a bike? Get him an ironing board!

Abby said...

It was surprisingly stable - even for the bulkier bicycle. Best thrift store ironing board I ever bought!

Abby said...

Saving the world... once princess at a time!

Abby said...

Aw, shucks...

agg79 said...

Neat bike stand trick. But doesn't that make ironing a bit of a challenge?