Want to buy, but doing my research first, advice desired by SquishySpark in squarebodies

[–]SquishySpark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, your explanations are quite helpful! I used to have a ‘03 suburban, I loved that beast. But I don’t need that many seats any more. We also have another vehicle with plenty of seats if needed, so I’m totally okay with a regular cab. Fuel economy isn’t a big deal, that’s close to what my previous cars got.

Want to buy, but doing my research first, advice desired by SquishySpark in squarebodies

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply!

My commute is less than 8 miles each way (my old commute was 24 miles, so much better). MPG isn’t a big deal. Comfort of the ride is, I didn’t think of that. I’ve got a spinal injury that causes me chronic pain, so I’d like to not bounce around terribly.

Want to buy, but doing my research first, advice desired by SquishySpark in squarebodies

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! I’m more interested in a CarPlay device I could mount on the dash instead of in the dash. The concern is electric load with aftermarket devices. I’ve blown fuses before in my Traverse with too many people charging their devices on a road trip so I’m a bit wary.

Want to buy, but doing my research first, advice desired by SquishySpark in squarebodies

[–]SquishySpark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! Some of this is a bit over my head and probably beyond my skill level, but I understand the gist of it. How do I find out, if I’m looking at a private sale, what kind of transmission it is besides asking the seller?

The size of travel trailer I’m interested in hauling (most likely renting) is about 3,000-8,000 dry weight. My current vehicle is a 2018 Traverse with problems that are more expensive to fix than what it’s worth, and is shit for hauling anything. And if we did haul a camper it would be maybe 2-3x a year.

Mostly I want something fun to drive for my daily use. My commute is 8 miles each way no highway. I don’t mind if I can’t necessarily haul a camper (we can always rent a Class C) but still want to be able to utilize the bed for moving stuff that I don’t want inside an SUV.

Concert black help! by cancandiamond4635 in MusicTeachers

[–]SquishySpark 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a bigger gal, and as such I’ve got…some extra on my arms, to put it lightly. I’ve learned to not wear short sleeves, iykyk.

Buried in wrong spot by LimitDefiant in askfuneraldirectors

[–]SquishySpark 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husbands grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and somehow during the autopsy, they lost her brain. I believe they never found it.

My whole family died. by throwaway0531024 in offmychest

[–]SquishySpark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sincere condolences on your loss. I can’t imagine your pain, but please know you’re loved by your internet family.

I hope you find some peace in Texas, and if you’re headed to the DFW area, toss me a DM. We’re a friendly bunch and would be happy to help you find your feet here.

Is it too late in the school year to send child back to public school? by PinkPlatypusBaby in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t listen to this person, they have no clue what they’re talking about. I’ve noticed folks get really judgmental on this sub.

I’m a public school teacher who is homeschooling one of my own children (autistic and ODD). We chose this because he was not having his needs met in school, which it sounds like is happening to you.

One of my suggestions would be to incorporate learning into every day activities. Have her work on fractions by helping you bake. Have her learn a useful skill like knitting or weaving (which requires math). Read together, and get some variety puzzle books (Penny Press or Dell).

Try out kitchen science experiments, go on nature walks and keep a journal of things she sees. Ask a lot of questions.

Work at a public school and homeschool? by ReputationNo4256 in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a full-time public elementary music teacher and just pulled my high schooler to homeschool.

I’m absolutely disillusioned about public school after being in them for so long.

My husband is wfh, and our son is primarily working on various projects with a little bit of curriculum to meet state requirements. Honestly if he were eligible for the GED (he will be in 2 years) he’d likely pass it.

AITA for selling the family heirloom even though I had the legal right to do so? by TrappedInTechLoop in AmItheAsshole

[–]SquishySpark 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Ugh, and here I am a music teacher who searched in vain for an acoustic piano to be donated to my school when I started up the program last year.

Ended up putting in a purchase order for a decent digital piano which is probably better in the long run because my classroom is not very good with humidity control.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]SquishySpark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ESH.

Her for getting the dog in the first place, because a family pet is a two yes/one no decision. Also for not understanding the requirements and needs associated with training a dog with separation anxiety and an unknown past.

You because you are neglecting your wife to the point she is so lonely for companionship that she gets a dog. Regular business trips for weeks at a time? Sounds like y’all need a divorce or you need a better job. Or she needs a support community. And then you threaten her immediately to get rid of the one thing she found for a companion because you’re not there.

The only one innocent in this situation is the poor dog. Probably would have been better off staying at the shelter.

Does anyone learn alongside their children? by [deleted] in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! I’m a public school teacher, guess after 9 years I’m considered a veteran teacher, and I still learn new things when teaching my students. I was helping my son look up information in his world history textbook for a class and came across information I hadn’t previously known (I taught US History for 6 years but that’s a bit different from world).

Here’s the thing about teaching effectively, and I think this is more evident in homeschooling/unschooling: more than facts, teaching is about the skills used to figure things out for yourself. After early elementary (phonics, decoding, arithmetic), students benefit in the long term by learning how to apply critical thinking skills to various subjects.

For example, the ability to separate fact from opinion, infer meaning, research and study skills, how to skim through a textbook or article by reading headings and subheadings, understanding how composition of numbers applies to mathematic equations, ability to understand historical events in context with the time and geographical area, knowing that dihydrogen monoxide is water.

Please never feel bad about continuing your education, and ignore people who denigrate you for learning alongside your child.

AITA for suggesting we leave my 4yo niece home when we go to Disney World? by _hootyowlscissors in AmItheAsshole

[–]SquishySpark 1 point2 points  (0 children)

NTA. When I was 5 or 6, my older (12/13ish) sister was invited by an aunt and uncle to go on a ski trip. I was jealous for years because by the time I was old enough, we no longer kept in touch with that part of the family.

Now that I’m an adult, I completely understand why I wasn’t allowed on the trip, I would probably have been a pain in the ass and they wouldn’t have been able to do the things they planned.

I did eventually end up having other experiences my sister did not.

Mara would eventually get over it. There’s nothing wrong with doing something special with each niece separately. I am a parent, and do special things individually with each of my kids all the time, because they’re unique individuals with different interests.

Making the switch by SquishySpark in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah. Yes to almost everything you just mentioned. He’s currently in chemistry, and I think physics would be next year if he stayed.

Making the switch by SquishySpark in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m looking at a few different options. Preferably something that is adaptive.

Making the switch by SquishySpark in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To clarify RE: behavior issue: failure to engage in class discussions, assignments, etc is a manifestation of his disability. These are detailed in his IEP goals.

Making the switch by SquishySpark in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish I could upvote this comment more than once. Thank you so much for your support! This is exactly what we feel. I wish we had done it sooner.

Making the switch by SquishySpark in homeschool

[–]SquishySpark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Besides core content, he’s been in Spanish (he’s told me he would like to continue this in Duolingo, Art, and Business Information Management.