Back in March when the lockdown began, I tried cleaning closets and de-cluttering the attic in an effort to occupy my time. But like everyone else, I had to shelve that project when the donation centers (like Goodwill) shut down as well. But now that they're back open and the temperature has cooled off so I can actually go up into the attic without frying, I thought I'd get back to the de-cluttering.
One of the first boxes I dragged down was an old pneumatic robotics kit - one of those projects I never really got around to and just told myself I'd put it together when I had more time. Well since I'm struggling for things to occupy my time these days, I thought I'd put it together and see if I could get it working. First of all, the directions were in German, but by using a magnifying glass, I was able to put it together from the pictures. However, when I went to upload the software, I discovered it was written for my old Windows XP computer, which got thrown out when I cleaned my office closet a few weeks ago. With a little Googling, I discovered the company is still in business, but truthfully if I got this thing working, I don't know what I'd do with it. The pieces were incredibly difficult to work with (especially compared to Legos). So I think I'll just stick to my 7 other robots and dump this project in the trash.
The next few boxes were full of memorabilia - you know the kind that tend to really drag down the cleaning process as you stroll down memory lane. I found my old Campfire Girls' vest and my baby book. My mom must have been really busy with something else, because my baby book was practically empty. At least I have no guilt about throwing it out. I have no idea what the duck bag is, but it may have been a diaper bag since it's got a waterproof lining. The papers in the back are report cards.
Just like me, my mom saved every single report card I ever got. I happened to find Courtney's old report cards in another box, so I decided to compare her Kindergarten card (the white one) with mine (the beige one). Back in the olden days, we were graded on only 5 things: show friendliness to others, adjust well to school, accept suggestions and criticism, choose a variety of work materials, and participate in physical activities. If you'll notice, the teacher checked "needs improvement" on the first and fifth criteria. Hmmmm... Contrast that with Courtney's report card where she had to print letters, speak in complete sentences, recognize geometric shapes, read color words, count by rote, and 58 other tasks. Quite a different set of expectations. And kids know even more that I did when I entered high school. Violet could count in at least 2 different languages when she entered kindergarten, and now Lincoln will probably have to become an online virtual-learning computer whiz when he goes to kindergarten next year.
The last thing I found in this particular box was an old children's book I wrote for a class project when I was getting a teaching certificate in Kansas City. I spent hours and hours on this thing. How much easier it would have been if I'd been able to use my iPad like I did with the Botley book. How times have changed.
