Excuse me, exactly how many germs are on that?

Apparently, I'm always one day behind. During my last week of blog posting, I found out about America Recycles Day the day after this national go green day. This time, I found tips for staying germ free during Thanksgiving...on Black Friday. Oh, well. Today is Thanksgiving in my mind. My mom was sick yesterday, so we decided to postpone the big feast one day.

The fact that my mom got sick at such an "inconvenient" time (Isn't that what always happens?) made me think about what caused her 24 hour virus. Germs obviously. But could she have avoided getting sick by being a little more OCD about germs? Perhaps so.

Now just a little clarification, in this week's topic I'm not exactly arguing for full-fledged germaphobia, which is actually considered a mental condition. (You should read some of the online germaphobe chat rooms where people advise other people how to calm themselves from a traumatic germ experience by sitting down and taking deep calming breaths for 15 minutes. And here's a funny article about "Confessions of a Germaphobe.") Actually, I'm arguing for being more germ-aware.

Maybe you're wondering, "Am I a germaphobe?" Chances are, you're not. But to find out how germaphobic (or germ-aware) you actually are, take this short quiz.

After researching germs for a while, I've been enlightened about the billions of germs waiting out there. If you wish to remain ignorant about how much grossness lurks on everyday items, don't watch this video.  

Scary isn't it? You'll probably be repulsed forever now by your toothbrush and ice and lemons from restaurants.

So what are some ways to keep those germs away?

"Homeschooled" or "Homeschooler?"

Homeschooling has gotten a bad rap in the past, but a lot has been changing in recent years. The number of homeschooled children from K to 12 has risen nearly 75% since 1999.  Research estimates that over 2 million children in the United States are now being educated at home.

I have several friends who are quick to clarify, “I was homeschooled. I am not a homeschooler!” What’s the difference, you ask? Well I would say “homeschooled” simply means the parents chose to educate their children at home, but still made sure their children received all the proper socialization. Probably the worst stigma about homeschooling is social ineptitude which often describes a “homeschooler.”

This homeschooled girl explains the difference pretty well. (The first 3 or 4 minutes are the best part.) And if you want further description of a “homeschooler”—or just a good laugh—watch Tim Hawkins.

That pretty much sums up all the stigmas people have about “homeschoolers.” I’m sure there are still a number of “homeschoolers,” but I’m going to focus on “homeschooling” and some of its benefits (in no particular order.)