Andromeda strain

Here we are just barely having escaped from last weekend's Emergency Parenting Quest, (the so-called "hoodie shortage") and another round of deadlines and adventure is upon us.

This one, as in so many EPQs, arises out of one of those inspired lesson plans in which teachers pretend not to realize that Dress Like a Character from History/Literature/Greek Mythology Day is really just Homework for Parents. (And who do we think we are kidding here with our use of the gender-neutral "parents"?)  

Thankfully, this assignment falls during a week in which, except for the Clarinet Supply Checklist, Competitive Baton and Pom Pom Twirling class registration, Class Schedule Change permission slip, 450-page Math and Science Academy application, freshman English composition editing, Emergency Lunchroom Account Replenishment and an orthodontist appointment, I am relatively free.

Even so, there is no time to waste. We have less than a week in which to assemble an Andromeda costume for the sixth-grader's Greek Mythology Character day.

The Princess Andromeda, I learn from my lazy googling, is best known for having almost been eaten by a sea monster sent to punish her mother for bragging that she was hotter than the sea nymphs. 

Andromeda is chained to a rock and offered up as a snack in hopes of appeasing Poseidon, who was really irritated by a mortal suggesting that she was even in the same league as a sea goddess. Oh no, you di'nt.  At the last minute, she is rescued by a big strong man, they go on to have many children and she spends the rest of her life filling out permission slips and driving to soccer practice.

Not necessarily the most inspiring character in Greek mythology. But this is going to be the easiest costume ever.

 

Andromeda by Sir Edward Poynter (left) and Gustave Doré (right).

Comments

[eurolush]

Kids need to become comfortable in their own skin. Pre-teen girls, especially. What better place to make that happen than middle school? As I recall, middle school was all about feeling good about yourself, with little worry of being judged, mocked, or humiliated. Hurrah for easy costumes and thorough anatomy lessons!

[Jess]

I say delegate! Just have your kids watch Clash of the Titans this weekend and see what they come up with on their own.

Oh, and lock down the computers. I woudldn't want your daughter to rely on Google alone for this.

[MommyTime]

And I'm pretty sure the pimply kid who works at Spencer's gifts in the mall is totally going to believe you when you tell him that you need the manacles for your daughter's history/literature costume project. So, have fun with that.

[Audubon Ron]

Even lots of wine doesn't help me on this one. Way over my head.

[klcrab]

i love this story, it gets better when they get older, the notice is way shorter, the homework more expensive than time consuming.