neighborhood paper, so this is the family's 15 minutes of fame and we intend to milk it to the limit. Mom claims that she pulled no strings to make this happen -- the rest of us have our doubts. As a family we have proven out three successful approaches to the school spelling bee. The first time it was study, study, study, successfully executed by brilliant child #1. The next method was just show up on the correct day, sans parents, demonstrated by very savvy child #2. Then there is Christine, who went through every word once and that was it, kind of a middle of the road approach. (You may be wondering about our two middle children -- so are we.) Thing of it is, I have never been able to get my kids interested in pursuing this very competitive sport beyond the fun, "everybody is a winner" elementary school level. I once looked into buying Webster's Third Unabridged, found a good deal on a used one, but Mom put a stop to it. She was afraid we would get turned in to the government if somebody found out we were making an 8-year old memorize the dictionary. No dictionary was ever offered to Clint, of course, as he didn't need one. Christine is talking like she'll go ahead and start reading Webster's New World Collegiate -- a more modest goal. But first we'll have to find out if the middle schools around here offer spelling competitions. A junior high spelling contest could very well exceed the relatively modest nerd tolerance level out here in the Houston suburbs. Anyway, Dad's dream of having a kid memorize the dictionary may be on its way, finally, one of the benfits of living a long life. Wish me luck. If this doesn't work there is always Kate, who looks like a bright young prospect, and we have for a week coming up soon.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Another Spelling Champion
This time it was runner-up, but we aren't complaining. What was unusual was that Christine got on the front cover of the 
neighborhood paper, so this is the family's 15 minutes of fame and we intend to milk it to the limit. Mom claims that she pulled no strings to make this happen -- the rest of us have our doubts. As a family we have proven out three successful approaches to the school spelling bee. The first time it was study, study, study, successfully executed by brilliant child #1. The next method was just show up on the correct day, sans parents, demonstrated by very savvy child #2. Then there is Christine, who went through every word once and that was it, kind of a middle of the road approach. (You may be wondering about our two middle children -- so are we.) Thing of it is, I have never been able to get my kids interested in pursuing this very competitive sport beyond the fun, "everybody is a winner" elementary school level. I once looked into buying Webster's Third Unabridged, found a good deal on a used one, but Mom put a stop to it. She was afraid we would get turned in to the government if somebody found out we were making an 8-year old memorize the dictionary. No dictionary was ever offered to Clint, of course, as he didn't need one. Christine is talking like she'll go ahead and start reading Webster's New World Collegiate -- a more modest goal. But first we'll have to find out if the middle schools around here offer spelling competitions. A junior high spelling contest could very well exceed the relatively modest nerd tolerance level out here in the Houston suburbs. Anyway, Dad's dream of having a kid memorize the dictionary may be on its way, finally, one of the benfits of living a long life. Wish me luck. If this doesn't work there is always Kate, who looks like a bright young prospect, and we have for a week coming up soon.
neighborhood paper, so this is the family's 15 minutes of fame and we intend to milk it to the limit. Mom claims that she pulled no strings to make this happen -- the rest of us have our doubts. As a family we have proven out three successful approaches to the school spelling bee. The first time it was study, study, study, successfully executed by brilliant child #1. The next method was just show up on the correct day, sans parents, demonstrated by very savvy child #2. Then there is Christine, who went through every word once and that was it, kind of a middle of the road approach. (You may be wondering about our two middle children -- so are we.) Thing of it is, I have never been able to get my kids interested in pursuing this very competitive sport beyond the fun, "everybody is a winner" elementary school level. I once looked into buying Webster's Third Unabridged, found a good deal on a used one, but Mom put a stop to it. She was afraid we would get turned in to the government if somebody found out we were making an 8-year old memorize the dictionary. No dictionary was ever offered to Clint, of course, as he didn't need one. Christine is talking like she'll go ahead and start reading Webster's New World Collegiate -- a more modest goal. But first we'll have to find out if the middle schools around here offer spelling competitions. A junior high spelling contest could very well exceed the relatively modest nerd tolerance level out here in the Houston suburbs. Anyway, Dad's dream of having a kid memorize the dictionary may be on its way, finally, one of the benfits of living a long life. Wish me luck. If this doesn't work there is always Kate, who looks like a bright young prospect, and we have for a week coming up soon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
GOOD JOB, Christine!!! Not only are you an intelligent young lady, but you also take a pretty picture for the press. The Otto family is proud of you.
Awesome broadcast of the history of our nerdiness (history?) We were pretty bad, and that's evident WITHOUT the image of the sweet nerdy clothing we were undoubtedly decked out in at our respective times of glory. Wooo 90s!
Way to go Christine! I think that's great. Spelling bees always made me really nervous. =S
Hilarious post, as usual, Dad. Christine, congratulations again. You have brought honor to our family (deep bow).
Clint, your comment sparked Scott's interest in seeing actual photos of us in our spelling bee glory. Does anyone have access to these photos so we can scan and post them? (Although I guess Clint doesn't have any of himself since Mom and Dad weren't there for his win... maybe they'll make it up to you someday...) Anyway, I'm willing to endure the shame in the name of good comedy.
Good question. Mom this one is for you to answer. If we start having trouble I bet they are in Jennifer's "box." =]
This is your evil Aunt Elaine spying on your private family blog...I got to show Tim and Mitch and Collin their cousins! At least Jennifer and Clint.
Elaine
Post a Comment