Tuesday, February 26, 2013

In the Company of My Peeps


 Courtesy Mad Penguin Creative

I had no idea how much my life was going to change last April. I stumbled into the Titus 2:1 Conference not knowing what to expect and wondering what I’d gotten myself into.

Little did I know I had become part of a vibrant community of friends whose influence would impact me every single day for the rest of my life. It’s hard to believe we will gather again in less than 6 weeks.

This week, the 2013 attendees are linking up in an effort to foster new and rekindle existing relationships. I hope you’ll take a few minutes and get to know my friends because they are sure to inspire you as well! (Click here to meet my posse.)

One of our fearless leaders suggested a few questions to get the conversations started. So, here’s a peek into my world. I wonder if I’ll surprise you?

I've been homeschooling since Methuselah was born. Well, there are days it seems that way. In reality, this is my 15th year of homeschooling. I have two more to go and am already wondering what I’ll do and who I’ll be without my community of homeschooling friends.
New Mexico - 2011

Given my above transparency, it may not surprise you that my homeschooling super power (if I suddenly sprouted a cape and phone booth) would have to be determination/perseverance. I never believed I’d homeschool my sons all twelve years, but here we are. I can’t believe the end is in sight!

If I could have a dream ‘mom-cation’ and money/time were no object, I would have to divide my time between:  Kiawah Island, SC and Santa Fe, NM. I told God I'd appreciate it if he could make my piece of Heaven exactly like those two places!

Here are a few more quick facts:

Courtesy B. Creasy - Kiawah Is 2010
In my previous life (aka before homeschooling), I taught K5-3rd grade, worked in a psych hospital (as a teacher/therapist), completed management training with a national chain of bookstores, and adjudicated disability claims for the Social Security Administration.

I really wanted to be a doctor or Occupational Therapist when I grew up. We’ve moved so many times that realtors say I need to be a realtor.

I have sewn 2 wedding dressings and made 3 cathedral length veils back in the day. Just typing that fact nearly gives me heart failure.

Future Doctor/Seamstress ??
I do my best thinking in the shower. Unfortunately, as soon as I pull back the shower curtain and reach for the towel, I can’t remember a single one of my braniac-storms.

I am looking forward to this year’s conference with less fraidy cat anxiety and more unbridled excitement because I know what to expect now. And, I expect lots of laughter - as in laugh until you snort laughter. I can’t wait to see my IRL friends again and make new ones. 

Amid all the laughter and hugs, I know I will learn a lot. And this year . . . I’ll actually understand what I’m learning because this group didn’t stop teaching me when the conference was over last year. They have patiently kept answering questions and breaking down technical information for me all year long. 

In the last year, I have often said:
  

     Titus 2:1 is a gift that keeps on giving!


2010
If you are a homeschooler who blogs about anything at all and have been thinking about going but just can’t quite make up your mind, let me knock you off the fence. You don’t just find friends at the conference, you find your people. They get you. You don’t have to explain a thing! See you there?

Wanna know what I was thinking just after the conference last year? Click here!

Links to this post http://2to1conference.com/

9 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! I can. not. wait to hug your neck!

    I am so loving the picture of young Carol Anne. And this island in South Carolina you speak of... I have never heard of it. You may have to take me there.

    I can't wait to snort with you and learn some new bloggy stuff! {And by the way, I have a surprise for you and my other southern sisters when we get there.}

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    1. Kiawah is like no other place on earth. Except maybe Santa Fe. :-) You got us girls some grits in that airport welcome wagon? Can't wait to see you too!

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  2. I'm so glad you plucked up the courage to go last year!

    Once you've been to a conference, so much of the fear and anxiety disappears the next time.

    I hope you have a fabulous time there this year!

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    1. Alas, Peter, I now wish for membership in the conference of the month club because my appetite is insatiable. You were an invaluable asset to our community this last year. I told so many folks about how helpful you were with urgent techie issues! Best of luck and many blessings in your future endeavors!

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  3. It will be fun meeting another old-time homeschooler at 2:1!

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    1. There will be more than a few of us, Vicki. Looking forward to meeting you too!

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    2. We won't be alone, Vicki, and I'm looking forward to meeting you as well. See you soon.

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  4. Carol Anne, I've seen the comments posted on f/b from these wonderful friends you've made. They truly care about you, and the bond you all share is precious! I'm glad you're excited about going again this year, and you can share all that wonderful info with me again! :) BTW, I get my best inspirations in the shower, too! maybe you can have your techy boys invent a waterproof voice recorder for us! :) Have fun at the conference!

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    1. This community is inspirational. I am so thankful to have found them when I least expected it. Who'd have thought I'd go all the way to NM to meet you? Life is full of wonderful surprises, and I am thankful God has brought each of you into my life.

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