The Rain Won’t Stop Today’s Hustle

Just as I was returning from escorting Lady Clara to school this morning, the sprinkles of rain began falling down. And, immediately I began to feel down. With me not having a car as of yet, I would have to walk to my destination which is a ways away from my residence. It’s one thing to walk when it’s bright and sunny outside; it’s another when you’re getting wet along the way. After a few minutes of pondering my next move, I decided that I was going to head out the house and do what I had to do. Besides, I have a big and sturdy clear umbrella and rain boots. If I get a little rain on my wardrobe, I’ll simply dry myself off in the ladies room when I get there. The message that came out of these moments of uncertainty was that I can’t allow the rain – or anything for that matter – to stop me from tending to my tasks and accomplishing my goals. If I did, I’d be only hurting myself and impeding my progress. So, if it’s raining where you are, gear up in your rain attire and get moving. You’ve got things to do, places to go and people to see. I feel encouraged now and excited about the day. I hope you do as well. Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you! Feona Sharhran Huff Visionary behind "Living the Solo Mommy Life" (TM) www.livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com P.S. If you're on Facebook, request to become a member of the group "Living the Solo Mommy Life." Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

We're in a Learning State of Mind

In less than two weeks, Lady Clara and Sir Isaac will begin taking their state tests. In preparation for this, their schools have been extremely diligent providing support and strategies so that the students will earn high scores. Today, while my son was in SOL Academy, I participated in three workshops -- one facilitated by his principle, Mrs. Reitz -- to empower me on how to further help him do well. Aimed with my pen and pad, I took lots of notes. Below are a few pointers I picked up that I'd like to pass on to you. They apply whether your child is in Virginia Public Schools, New York or wherever. Read them. Use them. And, your child is sure to do well. 1. Ask your child to show you at least five test taking strategies. If your child has options, he/she will be able to navigate around the sometimes tricky questions and go on to choose the best answer. 2. Implement a reading routine. Your child doesn't have to spend his/her entire afternoon til bedtime reading. However, if you allot a specific time reading and you adhere to that on a consistent basis, your child will know that, for example, at 5:15 pm, he/she needs to read for 20 minutes. Routines create habits and when a habit is positively formed, it reaps great results. The routine reading will position your child for success on the reading portion of the state test as he/she will be asked to read a passage, answers questions to see if what was read was remembered and explain how the answer was determined. If he/she is reading at home and practicing comprehension strategies, he/she will be go to go when test day happens. Right now, they are reading "Steve Jobs: Thinking Differently". We will be discussing the book as a family to ensure that they understand the life of the creator of the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, amongst other electronic devices. 3. Eat a healthy and hearty breakfast. When your child eats a nutritious meal in the morning, it gives them good energy and helps them to be focused for the day's learning. This is important everyday and will make a tremendous difference in test day. 4. Make a bedtime curfew. You want your child to get between eight to ten hours of sleep. That means, he/she would need to go to bed by 9 pm (at the latest). The more sleep your child has, the more he/she will be rested. When he/she is rested, your child is able to focus and learn. And, in the case of test taking time, he/she will be alert and able to answer the questions. With the support of their teachers Ms. Lock (Lady Clara) and Mrs. Whitten (Sir Isaac), along with myself, I am confident that my children with ace their state exams. I declare and decree that your child will do well on the tests and in life. Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you! Feona Sharhran Huff Visionary behind "Living the Solo Mommy Life" (TM) www.livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com P.S. If you're on Facebook, request to become a member of the group "Living the Solo Mommy Life." Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

Hip Hip Hurray.... Lady Clara Made the Squad!

At 7:29 pm this evening, Lady Clara got the call she was waiting for. When I answered my cellphone, the caller asked for my daughter. I identified myself as her mother then inquired as to who was she. "I'm one of the cheerleading coaches," she enthusiastically replied. I immediately handed the phone over to Lady Clara and waited for her to tell me the results of the conversation. Lady Clara, who wore No. 27, was on the call less than 60 seconds but long enough to receive the wonderful news. She was selected as an alternate cheerleader for the 2012-2013 school year. Out of 40 girls, she was voted in by the panel of four judges. The cheerleading coach said that they all loved her enthusiasm and hard work, and wanted her to continue working hard. Lady Clara has a mandatory cheerleader meeting next Thursday to find out the 4-1-1 on what's expected of the team, summer cheer camp, etc. I am so happy that Lady Clara is fulfilling her dream of being a cheerleader. And, I celebrate her tenacity, courage and excitement. I told my daughter that her position was a great opportunity. I encouraged her to learn all that she could, practice and be ready when she's called upon. I know first-hand having been a varsity cheerleader for Norview High School in Norfolk, VA, that when you work hard, the coach notices and will position you for greater things. Please join me in saluting my cheerleader on a job well done! Until the next time I write, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff Visionary behind "Living the Solo Mommy Life" (TM) www.livingthesolomommylife.com P.S. If you're on Facebook, request to become a member of the group "Living the Solo Mommy Life". Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

Today is Cheerleader Tryouts for Lady Clara

As I type this right now, Lady Clara is at cheerleader tryouts. She (along with the 20+ girls ranging from fifth to eighth graders) will have to show and prove that she has what it takes to be on the cheerleader team for the 2012-2013 school year. My daughter will have to perform two jumps, a cheer, a dance and a chant. I am so excited for her. I told her to give eye contact, flash those beautiful pearly white teeth, make her moves with confidence and precision and most importantly, to have fun. I am rooting for Lady Clara. I'll update you on the results when I find out! Well, until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life! Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff Visionary behind "Living the Solo Mommy Life"(c) P.S. If you're on Facebook, request to become a member of the group "Living the Solo Mommy Life". Follow me on Twitter @solomommy.

Just Call Me Ms. First VP!

Guess who was elected First Vice President of the PTA at her son's school for the 2012-2013 school year? You guessed right. It's ME! I am so honored to sit in this position in which I will head all fundraising efforts. I love being involved in my the educational journey of Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. Being a part of the PTA is one way I can be there for my children. Even if you don't sit on the executive board of your children's PTA, your presence is needed -- in the classroom, volunteering in the cafeteria and during recess, etc. I am on Cloud 9 and I'm not coming back down. This is my Oscar moment. I earned the trust and respect of the school leaders in order to carry out this new role.

Let's Go Lady Clara, Let's Go!

Dressed in a white T-shirt, sky blue shorts, athletic shoes and her hair penned back in a ponytail, Lady Clara attended the first session of cheerleader clinic this afternoon. She is trying out to for her forthcoming school’s cheerleading team. As we journeyed to the school by foot, I could feel the excitement exuding from her being as she walked ahead of me. This is a very special moment in time for my beloved daughter. She is vying for the opportunity to show the ultimate school spirit. She learned a cheer, chant and several jumps. The cheerleading coach was nice enough to give her and the other girls study sheets as tomorrow is the second clinic session and Thursday is the big day – try outs! To help Lady Clara prepare, I researched video footage to give her additional support. And, in the morning, we’re going to practice all that she has learned thus far. What Lady Clara is embarking upon brings back wonderful memories. Twenty one years ago, I tried out for the varsity cheerleading team at Norview High School. Although I was a bit nervous on my big day because I really wanted to wow Mrs. Fisher, the cheerleading coach, I had my future teammates cheering me on. When she called my name for Norview’s 1992-1993 squad, I nearly cried. I am cheering for my high-spirited daughter. Chant with me… Let’s go Lady Clara, let’s go (clasping your hands as you say this!). I’ll keep you abreast of Lady Clara’s progress. Please keep her lifted up in prayer that she receives favor from the judges. Well, until the next time I write…. I’m just living the solo mommy life. Love ya! Feona Sharhran Huff Blog Visionary for Living the Solo Mommy Life ™ P.S. If you’re on Facebook, request to become a member of my group, Living the Solo Mommy Life. Additionally, follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.