6/17/08

What Activity Was The Most Difficult For You to Learn In Childhood


I have Seven Readers comments with links to their sites: Scroll down and click on "Read more"



Hello, and welcome to my weekly feature entitled Tuesday's Question. Again, I apologize for posting the question this late in the day. I'm wrestling with some computer problems (that calf) that I hope to tie up soon. That is, when I understand what in the world in going on. I write a post and it disappears-forever- I've also had a few e-mails disappear- Although, my adviser assures me that it's probably the calf shutting something off again- therefore, we have nothing to worry about. Because once we diagnose the problem it will be up hill from there, and we can put this problem out to pasture.

Now finally, with that out of the way and most of the day behind us, let's answer Tuesday's Question. I will have my comments unmoderated and I will post your comments with a link to your blog throughout this evening and tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you for having the patience of a Saint~


What Activity Was The Most Difficult for you to Learn In Childhood?

An example, and my answer: Learning how to Jump Rope

Before entering the second grade, I remembered begging God to help me learn three things before I finished the school year. I wanted to learn to ride a bicycle, swim, and jump rope. These three tasks seemed impossible to master and I never thought I would learn them, plus other children made it worse. Particularly the kids who were proficient at playing reindeer games- My inability to master these goals made me ashamed around other kids at school and at home...



One time, I told a bully at school, Gracie Buckethead (I change names to protect the innocent) that I did know how to jump rope, and she said,

"Well Ann, if you do know how to jump rope then you shouldn't have a problem jumping rope with us at recess tomorrow, right? "

To which I replied, "That's right."

Then Buckethead added, "And if you can't jump rope, then you will agree to eat dirt?"

"Of course," I said, " Now, would I agree to do that if I couldn't actually jump rope? I don't think so..." I said, trying to steady my shaking hand on my hip.



Consequently, I had a really bad stomach ache that evening and couldn't go to school the next day- although I did eat dirt the next day. And to my surprise, this saga had a happy ending- one of the little boys who saw me eating dirt, (well, everyone did) gave me his ID Bracelet. (That meant we were going together)

Hence, that action put a dent in Miss Buckethead's plan, because everyone forgot about the dirt and ran over to see my ID bracelet. The boy who gave me the bracelet was my first Boyfriend Dexter, the boy many of you have heard me write about before- he was so cool~

However, he wanted his bracelet back the next day, because his Dad gave it to him for his birthday. He was just trying to help a friend out of a jam.

Now, it's your turn~

What Activity Was The Most Difficult for you to Learn In Childhood?

My first comment was from my dear friend and dedicated Tuesday's Question Pro, Sandee from Comedy Plus.

"I was raised on a farm and being the oldest everything was difficult to learn as a kid. Bucking hay was a challenge. Building a loafing shed was a challenge. Learning my multiplication tables was a challenge. I learned everything the hard way. Why? I just don't know. My father just expected me to be born a boy and that just didn't happen. In fact it was the third and last child that was a boy and that was some nine years after me.

So, everything was difficult. I hated growing up on a farm until I was much older and then I realized that all the really hard things I'd already done. It made my adult life so much easier. In other words...I was very fortunate to be raised on a farm. Have a great day all. Big hug and lotsa lovies Ann. :)"

June 17, 2008 4:46 PM

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And the next comment is from another dear, dear friend, and supporter of Tuesday's Question, Dawn, from Twisted Sister

"Well I guess I would have to say swimming... my fear of water has been a big problem all my life. I was still in the kiddie pool while my friends were in the big kids pool!
Good question Ann!"

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My next comment is from Arv, at ...on the Wall

Hello Ann,

nice post. For me it was swimming but then we didnt have many swimming pools around back then :)

Have a nice day... Cheers...

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Next is my good friend Maunie at Mauniejames3 and Spring Wonderful spring

Hello Ann,
Hmm the hardest thing for me was to keep quiet while the teacher was speaking...it's still hard for me today.
My Dad and I lived with a aunt for a couple of years while my father was building a new house (my Mom and sister were living in another city)
So, my Aunt helped me read when I was quite young, and no one showed me how to be patient.
I was the center of attention with two aunts and an uncle and my father doting on me all the time..
(the poor child needs her mother)
Not so much..
I still have a problem and I am trying to correct it..I always feel whatever someone eles is speaking about, my take on it is much more important..there I said it..I should wear duct tape on my mouth.
How on earth can I learn to just be quiet while others are speaking.
It's so funny...I remembwer almost day to day occurances while I lived there...yet most of the rest of my childhood is a blur...

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My next comment is from Ferdc from Crazy Medical Cases, a Crazy well written and entertaining Medblog full of interesting medical cases. Ferd is also the author of The Best Parts
Both blogs are great reads~


I think the hardest thing for me was simply learning how to fit in. We moved from Mexico to the USA, then back to Mexico, then back to the USA when I was in grade school. There was a lot of culture shock, language barriers, cliques, girls, you name it. A lot to get used to and I remember it as stressful.
Much later in life I learned through my MBTI that I am an introvert, and that explained a lot.
I eventually got along alright. And I now know that a lot of people have that same feeling of not fitting in. So I don't really feel bad about it, I just remember it was hard at the time.

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Another great comment from Confused at Black Tie and Sneakers who had to get a little help from Mom~ Thanks Mom

this was long ago so I had to ask my dear mother bless her soul..apparently it was behaving..:))

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My next comment is from Chelle at It Might Be Love who had the same fears I did:

For me it was learning to ride a bike and swim. Where I lived we had no good places for riding a bike (it was all hilly!) and I was afraid of falling & getting hurt (this was before bike helments were popular)

Swimming was hard for me too since we didn't have a pool or know anyone who did so I didn't go swimming enough to learn. Finally in high school they made us all swim and while I hated every second of it I finally got the hang of it.

Great question - hope you get your computer problems resolved soon!

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Don't forget to check out these bloggers sites, they're hilarious, and you'll find yourself going back again and again for more laughter.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget I will be posting comments, along with a link back to your blog, or simply posting your comment if you're not a blogger all day Wednesday as well- since we got such a late start yesterday~

18 comments:

Sandee said...

I was raised on a farm and being the oldest everything was difficult to learn as a kid. Bucking hay was a challenge. Building a loafing shed was a challenge. Learning my multiplication tables was a challenge. I learned everything the hard way. Why? I just don't know. My father just expected me to be born a boy and that just didn't happen. In fact it was the third and last child that was a boy and that was some nine years after me.

So, everything was difficult. I hated growing up on a farm until I was much older and then I realized that all the really hard things I'd already done. It made my adult life so much easier. In other words...I was very fortunate to be raised on a farm. Have a great day all. Big hug and lotsa lovies Ann. :)

Dawn Drover said...

Well I guess I would have to say swimming... my fear of water has been a big problem all my life. I was still in the kiddie pool while my friends were in the big kids pool!
Good question Ann!

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Sandee, What a coincidence- well, I guess it's a little different, but my family ran a boarding stables, or I should say my motehr mainly because my father was working a lot.

But she taught riding lessons and board others horses, so I sort of had the best of both worlds. Except, now I think it would have been better, or you're bond to learn more from growing up on a farm.

There's no doubt that you're challenges early on made it easier to face life's torpedos today. I'm sorry you hated it so much, I hated feeding horses and cleaning stalls, but I loved to ride, and was happy when there was any time too.

It sounds like you were as tough a child, as you are a grown -up, and yes, to me it sounds like you were fortunate.

I think hard work like that early on builds character and confidence as well; like you said you felt like things were a lot easier to do after that, or like you can make it through anything you had too.

Thanks, for another wonderful contribution to Tuesday's Question and for sharing more about yourself. :))))

Huge hug and lots of lovies, my friend.

Oh, and by the way it made me feel so good when you did your big laugh at my duck post.

I know you think it's funny when you write, Bwahahahahahaha. :))

It made me happy all day, and boy did I have one of those days.

So big hug and lots of lovies again~

Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Dawn, Next to the jump rope incident, swimming was mine too. The water was so deep and mysterious.

And bless you- I know your heart must've sank every time anyone mentioned swimming, mine did for a long time, but I finally learned.

Although it was later than most of my other friends, same with the bicycle, I was a late bloomer on that one as well.

Thank you again too Dawn, for another great Tuesday's Question comment. I'm sorry I was so late today, and I love both you and Sandee anyway, but you two showing up here, now, makes me love you that much more.

I've always told my mother I'm a good judge of character.

Now, I'm going to post your answers~

Have a great evening, or day tom, whichever it is when you read this, because I'm behind on comments too.

Big hug and lots of lovies~

Ann

Arv said...

Hello Ann,

nice post. For me it was swimming but then we didnt have many swimming pools around back then :)

Have a nice day... Cheers...

mauniejames3 said...

Hello Ann,
Hmm the hardest thing for me was to keep quiet while the teacher was speaking...it's still hard for me today.
My Dad and I lived with a aunt for a couple of years while my father was building a new house (my Mom and sister were living in another city)
So, my Aunt helped me read when I was quite young, and no one showed me how to be patient.
I was the center of attention with two aunts and an uncle and my father doting on me all the time..
(the poor child needs her mother)
Not so much..
I still have a problem and I am trying to correct it..I always feel whatever someone eles is speaking about, my take on it is much more important..there I said it..I should wear duct tape on my mouth.
How on earth can I learn to just be quiet while others are speaking.
It's so funny...I remembwer almost day to day occurances while I lived there...yet most of the rest of my childhood is a blur...

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Arv, Yes, they say it's a lot easier to teach a child to swim when they're around the water everyday.

You know I bet most people will say swimming, because it's definitely one of the scariest childhood learning experiences.

Thanks for the comment, Arv, and I'm going to post your comment and link right away.

Have a wonderful day~ `

Cheers~

Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Maunie, You are hilarious~ What an original answer. I bet you were a handful, and I'm sure too adorable to put duct tape on your mouth. (laughing)

I love to read your comments. Because, like I said, you're so funny, and you always bring a smile to my face, or have something original to say.

Please don't ever put duct tape on your mouth. That would make the world a much cooler darker place.

You probably remember living with your Dad and your Aunt better, because you were happy there... Although, I have periods in my life that I remember more vividly than others and I've the slightest idea why either.

Have a great day, and thanks for commenting. I'm going to post you and Arv's comments right now.

Huge hug~

Ann

Anonymous said...

this was long ago so I had to ask my dear mother bless her soul..apparently it was behaving..:))

Ferd said...

I think the hardest thing for me was simply learning how to fit in. We moved from Mexico to the USA, then back to Mexico, then back to the USA when I was in grade school. There was a lot of culture shock, language barriers, cliques, girls, you name it. A lot to get used to and I remember it as stressful.
Much later in life I learned through my MBTI that I am an introvert, and that explained a lot.
I eventually got along alright. And I now know that a lot of people have that same feeling of not fitting in. So I don't really feel bad about it, I just remember it was hard at the time.

Anonymous said...

For me it was learning to ride a bike and swim. Where I lived we had no good places for riding a bike (it was all hilly!) and I was afraid of falling & getting hurt (this was before bike helments were popular)

Swimming was hard for me too since we didn't have a pool or know anyone who did so I didn't go swimming enough to learn. Finally in high school they made us all swim and while I hated every second of it I finally got the hang of it.

Great question - hope you get your computer problems resolved soon!

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Ferdc, I can see where the circumstances you described would be difficult for a child period, especially for an introvert.

My son is an introvert, and it took me awhile to understand the "real" difference between introverted and extroverted. He has always been more stressed around a lot of people and new situations.

However, realizing he wasn't the only person who felt he was different and didn't fit in, relieved him of a lot of his anxiety as well.

He is now a working musician, songwriter, and performer, who often has to interact with the public. He says "that's all in it" if he wants to pursue his passion, however, he's uncomfortable at times.

Your comment, for some reason reminded me of him, although we haven't moved around much and have never been to Mexico. (Smile)


I think it makes a huge difference when we realize we're not alone in what we feel or when we feel validated about anything we're experiencing.

I love that word- validated- it's so sure of itself and has a sense of completeness- if you'll forgive my personification of a word. (Smile)

But, I think you know what I mean, if not, you know I'm a little off anyway- I'm one of those extroverts who says hello to people when they pass me by in the grocery store.

My son shutters to think of a trip with me anywhere... And I'm glad I'm not the only extrovert on earth. :))

Thanks for another great comment~

Have a great evening, Ferd~

Cheers, Annie

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Confused, (LOL) Thanks Mom~

Although, I have a feeling that may still be difficult for you~

Thanks for the comment~

Be sure to look for it's posting along with a link to your blog~

Have a good evening, Confused~

Cheers~

Ann

aniceplaceinthesun.blogspot.com said...

Chelle, I see that you and I shared the same childhood fears.

I also had trouble learning to swim and ride a bike, and for some of the same reasons. Except, as far as a bike was concerned, it wasn't hilly where I lived- I was just chicken.

But, I didn't learn how to swim until my parents joined a swimming pool club one summer, and I was around water a lot- (Plus, I was thrown in the pool by a swimming instructor several times.)

I've always loved water too, especially the ocean or gulf- it's just so mysterious- I suppose like a pool is to a child.

Thank you for your comment about my computer and for stopping by to visit.


Cheers~

Ann

P.S. Just a reminder: Your comment and link will be posted in this post. :))

mauniejames3 said...

Ann,
Our oldest son is also quiet and introverted...but...he and his wife started a band and that has brought him out quite a bit...
He also went back to school after his BA and became a CPA which forces him to speak face to face with everybody..
We don't know where he comes from...if I can't find anyone to speak with I have been know to talk to trees and flowers..hubby too..anyway...ya see...I just can't stop talking...

Anonymous said...

Hello Ann,

Nice post. For me it was riding a bicycle, though it took me only 7days to gain the balance.

Have a nice day!!

Anonymous said...

It was swimming for me too, but not because of me. Neither of parents knew how so they never took me and were unwilling to let me go with others.
It was so embarrassing when the other kids talked about swimming and they did not understand someone not knowing how.

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

I know won't sound at all like me, but I'll go with sex. I started too young and had no idea what I was doing. My "sex talk" with my 'rents was, "Your at the age will girls might let you touch them in naughty pllaces. Don't." My reaction, "Wow. I didn't know that." So I tried and they were right. I was pretty ignorant until they taught us stuff at school. "Oh that's what they call that"...

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