Speaking of Flash Cards & Hams

I had to help my 3rd grader with her homework last night and we had to figure out all of the factors of 300. I hate to admit it, but I really don't have a clue what a factor is. Sure, it sounds familiar. But what is it? Does it involve division? Numerators? Denominators? I was lost. So, to the internet we went. And after 30 seconds on the Google I had the answer (all 18 of them as it turns out there are 18 factors of 300). And as Sophie and I stared at the answers, I realized that I had just helped her cheat on her homework (and, it was my idea). I felt panic. What was I doing? As she hurriedly jotted down the answers I was paralyzed. What now? Eventually, I made her search around on the Google more until we found the definition of a factor and worked out where those 18 numbers came from. I felt a little better but couldn't shake the sinking feeling that I am not really 3rd grade math material. I was much more comfortable a few weeks ago when we were just running through addition and subtraction flash cards. Flash cards are my comfort zone.

When I was in law school my Mom (who is eternally looking for ways to help) would do flash cards with me. It sort of became this family joke, because a lot of what you learn in law school isn't really flash card material but she would consistently ask if we could do flash cards. And occassionally there would be subject matters that leant themselves nicely to flash cards and she would help me. And she LOVED it! W

To this day, when I'm overwhelmed at work she'll ask if there is anything she can do to help and then ask if I need to do flash cards. Of course, at this point flash cards don't really come up and we both laugh at the joke. But there is something nice about the offer. And if I'm speaking at a hearing I do sometimes put notes on index cards. Even just the flash card medium of the index card seems positive. Never underestimate the power of the flash card.

And now, onto my final subject of today: WE HAVE A FOLLOWER. And we owe him a ham...