College dreams...are they realistic?

I first need to preface this with the following: "Mark hates to read"  It may be a visual thing. Maybe with his poor vision it is just too tiring. But, truth be told, I think it is just that he would rather be doing something else.

This marking period he had to read one book and do a project on it.  I encouraged him to read The Hunger Games.  I read this book and loved it.  It has all of the things that an 11 year old boy should love: action, suspense and a fair amount of violence.

It took him no less than two full months to finish it. Painful!

Anyway, this morning he asked me about University of North Carolina. Both my father and my youngest brother went to this fine institution of higher learning.  He asked if he has good enough grades to get into UNC.  To which I replied, "Yes, I think you do. But you should start reading more."

His answer: "Why? Is North Carolina a reading school or something?"

After I finally regained my composure I said, "All colleges are really reading schools." He replied, "Oh man! I think I'll be a plumber."

Flash mob

WSB Flash Mob

Above is the link to the YouTube video of flash mob that I participated in with the accounting firm where I work. 

When they first sent out the e-mail regarding this I thought it sounded fun. Then, upon further reflection, I thought that there was serious potential for me to make an ass of myself. I was torn. Should I or shouldn't I? So, I asked the kids. They thought it was cool and convinced me to go ahead and do it. I'm not sure if they really thought it would be cool or if they just wanted to have an opportunity to laugh at me, but whatever.

So, on December 3rd I took a train with a number of my co-workers into NYC and did the flash mob. I had been practicing all week at home in my family room (to the laughs of Eric & the kids) and I was excited. And it was soooo much fun! What a great opportunity to be a part of something like that.

I am convinced, however, that at least Brooke, while convincing me to participate, was somewhat motivated by the prospect of being able to laugh at me. She spent much time last night texting her friends and telling them to watch it. I guess I should be pleased that she actually was amused and not embarrassed. She wanted her friends to see it. Hmmm. Maybe I am a little cool.

This could be dangerous

Mark:  "Mom, Could I have one of those pipe cleaner thingys to clean my ears?"

Ouch!