"Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think"

I read an article tonight in the NYTimes, titled "Your Baby Is Smarter Than You Think." In summary for those that do not want to read the article itself, it is basically saying that children learn the most through 'play' and 'interaction', making programs like No Child Left Behind (which incorporates a structural method of teaching through movies/lecture/etc) less effective. In regards to infants, it says that things such as Baby Einstein videos, educational programming, and ABC flashcards are overrated and not worthy of importance in considering children's cognitive growth.

I get what the author is saying. Don't put baby in a corner. But as as someone who never professionally studied education or psychology, my first reaction is:

Um... DUH!

That's why we teach babies sign language to communicate. Their cognitive skills develop exponentially more quickly than their motor skills. Don't we already know this?

And, while I get that interaction sort of entangles a one-size-fits-all type of learning, I also think that Baby Einstein videos, educational programming, and picture/letter/number flashcards are AWESOME.

Google, I love/hate you...

I figured out how you could access my blog! If you google me, my Twitter profile shows up, and my Twitter profile has a link to my blog. While needless to say, the blog link has been taken off of my Twitter profile, I think it's about time that Twitter has a 'privacy' option. You would think that that's standard, but, I guess not...

Hair

I got my hair cut and highlighted last night, and it took almost THREE hours. I haven't had my hair this short, or light, since I was in Spain my sophomore year of high school and refused to get it cut. I feel like a little kid! :/

Pics later. Maybe.

BLOG

I informed Jen today that I got a new job... and she said they (sort of) already knew, because Jason had read my blog. Not that I have anything to hide (blog rule number one: only write things you would be okay with your mother reading!), but to avoid randoms/people I don't know reading this (there are vlogs on here with my face, and pictures of the babies in way earlier entries) , I thought I had made the blog private.

If anyone is reading this that I did not give the DIRECT link to, can you tell me how you found it? I'm curious as to what I am doing wrong...

I am so excited...

... because one of my closest friends in the world, Stacey, gets back from Japan tomorrow night and I get to finally see her -- after an entire year! -- on Thursday! Three weeks in the same city, let's do some damage...

Train Thoughts

I'm riding on the Amtrak back to Chicago, and it's one of the last couple rides I'll be taking in what has been a very long year of Amtrak trips. Some people think I'm crazy for leaving almost every other Friday. While most people are getting ready to meet their boyfriends for dinner, or meeting their friends for cocktails, I'm boarding a train. Amtrak has all the amenities of home, though - outlets for computer and phone chargers, a cafe car for dining, and a bathroom for, well, you know. So, I download a movie off of iTunes, tuck a book in my purse, and pack a pillow in my suitcase. Everything I need, all within a couple feet of me. I like to think of it as a quiet night in.

As most of my blog followers (the few of you that there are!) know, I was offered a job in Saint Louis. I began looking a month or two ago, mainly on Craigslist, and mainly to appease Jon. I was my not-so-secret hope that I wouldn't get hired, because I really sort of enjoy my job in Chicago. While nannying is also not very glamorous, it is probably one of the most rewarding jobs I can imagine. However, the job I was offered was not one that I applied for off of Craigslist (see - my plan would have worked brilliantly!). However, I do think that this job is a blessing in disguise. If I were to love anything corporate, I think it would be this company. And, for the sake of my relationship - which has gone through quite a bit in the last year - I think it's time.

But, here's the thing.

It's scary.

I'm giving up everything for a boy.

Is that not the stuff we are told as little girls never to do? We are raised as the Y-generation -- to be strong and independent. Save dependency issues for our grandparents generation. Make your own money, make your own life.

Yet here I am doing just the opposite.

I don't want these feelings of vulnerability to be confused with doubt. It's just that this experience is making me grow up quickly and really account for my actions, which is a heavy thing. An adult thing. For those who have followed this blog from the beginning, you know where I was at in my life almost exactly a year ago. I have to accept or decline this position by Thursday, and when I do, my start date will be exactly one year after the start date of my first post-college position. The things that can happen in a year -- I'm overwhelmed.