Learning Tidbits for Good

I've always been a fan of educational programming with standout classics like Bill Nye the Science Guy, School House Rock, and Sesame Street. Wishbone and Science Court were my personal favorites - who doesn't want to learn about literary classics from a Jack Russel Terrier or see the outcome of a cartoon court case using science experiments to explain evidence?

Growing up, I loved school and was top of the class, but looking back, I was one of those memorizing ace-the-test kinds of students. There's many facts that I've forgotten or perhaps never truly learned over the years. It has me thinking through how I can continue fostering my own thirst for learning and instill critical thinking in my children. Not sure if I have many answers yet, but I think less social media and more reading and unique experiences is part of the solution :)

In the meantime, here are some fun little tidbits I've come across on the world wide web that I may or may not use in my mothering days ahead.

Crash Course - I was recently searching for a simple way to freshen up my world history knowledge and discovered this built out online resource. To get a taste, watch the episode covering the American Revolution.

Casper Babypants - This is a just for fun one! We were babysitting for friends and listened to the playlist they had going. Even after the child went to sleep, we were enjoying the quirky clever musical lyrics. These no doubt beat the prosaic old tune of "Wheels on the Bus".

Modern Children's Books - I've checked out and read almost all the books on this list. There's some real gems. I always enjoy new stories, but possibly more essential for me - the illustrations!

Coursera - I mentioned these free online courses at the beginning of this year. Unfortunately, I've only taken one class so far. I'm hoping to participate in the International Women's Health and Human Rights session this summer.

Won't You Be My Neighbor - a new documentary highlighting the kind brilliance of Fred Rogers and his show, Mister Roger's Neighborhood. This is on my summer "must" list!

"What we learn with pleasure we never forget." - Alfred Mercier

SJW

Life Wright Now | April 2018

Here's the highlights from April and the things I'm looking forward to for May!

Watching
One great perk about working for a theatre is getting free tickets to shows! Mr. Fleece and I have seen more plays in the last year than perhaps our entire time in Seattle. This past Friday we saw Familiar, the second to last show in Seattle Rep's current season. It was my favorite so far! It's funny and endearing and covers great themes including family, marriage, religion, honesty, cultural heritage, and ethnic backgrounds. Tickets are on sale now through May 27 - let me know if you're interested.

Eating
Mr. Fleece and I typically opt for coffee dates over dinner dates - they are less expensive, and we are usually more awake and ready to chat in the mornings. But there are still times where we'll drop $80 on a nice sit-down dinner at some trendy place. We recently tried Thackeray in Wallingford, right around the corner from Gas Works. Really great ambiance and delicious appetizers! I'd recommend the Brussels sprouts and onion dip with house-made chips. It'd also make a great spot for a rehearsal dinner - lots of mingling space and a variety of seating!

Cooking on the home front hasn't been phenomenal lately but I just checked out the Pioneer Women's latest cookbook and am hopeful I'll get some inspiration from that. 

Reading
I've done a better job of tackling my classics list, finishing both Persuasion (not as good as Pride & Prejudice) and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde (better than Frankenstein), and now trying to get into A Little Princess. I also finished Murder on the Orient Express and a modern fiction read, "The Hate U Give" which centers around a young black girl's experience and perspective.

Listening
"Bruce Wayne" by the Memorecks
"Found Tonight" by Ben Platt & Lin Manuel Miranda
"It's Quiet Uptown" sung by Kelly Clarkson

The Lovely Month of May
- First hiking trip of the season
- Visiting friends and exploring National Parks on our Colorado vacation!
- Celebrating Mr. Fleece's birthday
- Finding out baby Wright's gender :)

Four months pregnant(!),

- SJW