Thursday, February 6, 2014

I don't know! (fashion blog post)

"Wow! Your daughter is very logical."


Said my friend Alex*, with a bewildering surprise on her face, of our first daughter Jo.

"How can you tell?" I asked, "she's just a toddler."

At the time, Jo was a little over two.

"Because she said, 'I don't know.'" Alex replied, "I asked her a question. She thought about it, realized that she didn't know the answer, and said, 'I don't know.' Most kids just make up an answer."

From then on, my husband and I started noticing more of Jo's logical inclinations -- how she loses interest in reading, writing, art and math within a few minutes, but can work on mazes and puzzles for thrice as long; how she always argues with an if-then type of approach when negotiating for candies and ice-cream; and how she looks me in the eye and says, "mommy you're wrong" when I tease that beads are blueberries.

I'm not boasting -- my tone is matter-of-fact -- because Jo has shortcomings too, and I'm a firm believer that every child is smart and talented in their own way. I'm also a firm, firm believer that it's up to the parents to get to know a child, find and explore her talents, and encourage her to apply her talents toward a successful career that will better the world.

Anyway, that's my hope for the future. For right now, I'm just thankful to have found Jo's talent earlier on, so I have more time and preparedness to support her in what she wants to accomplish.

I'm also thankful that she's just a kid, without the bitter taste of a battered ego, who still has the audacity to admit when she doesn't know.



More people should say, "I don't know."


I remember asking a senior person at work for a one-liner -- a handful of variables and operators and nothing more. Instead of saying, "I don't know," he rambled on and on about system re-writes and overbearing managers. Anything to avoid hurting his ego.

Now that's just a sad way to exist.


I'm no better than him.


Made the same mistake many, many times. But at least I can start a-fresh, and learn from my little girl by answering, "I don't know." 

Better yet, how about a more confident answer like "I don't know. But give me some time, and I will try to find out."






 

Today's outfit.


Do NOT know if it works.

 

Do NOT know if matching cognac and gray, or mixing leopard and watercolor are good ideas?

But hey, at least I admit that I've no clue what I'm doing.

 

And I'm trying to find out.

 

 * Person's name was changed to protect her privacy.
 

22 comments:

  1. i love this!! i totally agree i think ppl should just admit it more often!! i have trouble with that too.. but i realize the older that i get i just don't care enough and i find the "i don't knows" rolling off the tongue a little easier then when I was in my 20's lol!!

    i love those boots on you!! you look absolutely fabulous!!!

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  2. That is so darling. Sometimes kids say the most surprising things and seem as if they see the world more clearly than adults do. It has been freezing in Seattle these couple of days. Keep warm!
    The Artistically Challenged: Beauty, Fashion, Music, Lifestyle Blog

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  3. i think it's totally ok to say I DON'T KNOW. i love the look. the leopard scarf stands out nicely against the rest of the outfit.

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  4. Usually people will try everything to avoid the "I don't know answer" especially in academics. I've had dozens of professors who just won't accept "i don't know" for an answer, they were the worst! So yes, I completely agree with you.
    A friend of mine has an awesome child, just like yours. She's incredibly smart, and it's so weird to see a little kid behave in such a grown up matter. I don't know whether it is nature or nurture, or both, but kids like that are so rare nowadays.

    The outfit is superb. I love the boots to death O_O And the leopard scarf is incredible, love the color!

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  5. Great combo..... cool look!!!!
    Happy friday doll!!!!

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  6. Interesting post, I feel like life would be a lot easier if more of us were able to admit that we don't know sometimes. I love the scarf :) xx

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  7. You're absolutely right. When I was at the University, they always say that you should never admit you don't know something to your students but that is so wrong. Only a person who has faith in themselves won't hide they don't know something.

    Great outfit!

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  8. Agree. I dont mind saying idk... but sometimes i think i have said it too much lol.. anyway your outfit to me it is work! I love the combos of color, pattern and how u put them all together.

    PS : i hope i will stay slim like you when ill have my first baby born. You look amazing

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  9. I LOVE your outfit :)
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  10. Love this winter look. I know exactly how it is about everyone being special. We should not criticize or bewilder someone that does not know when they admit it, they are being genuinely honest.

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  11. that is so great! i think your daughter is going to be headstrong when she grows up but it's good that you know that already =) by the way, nice outfit!

    xo, Carla
    www.carlaviolet.com

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  12. This post was so awesome. You're a great mom! More people need to admit when they don't know something. I always tell people, I don't know...but I can find out! HaHaHa Your outfit looks great! Everything blends in nicely.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  13. Your daughter must be a cutie pie! You are right, I also prefer to answer I dont know and also I can find out though :) Sometimes, we older can learn a lot from children. You look gorgeous, the outfit works very well, I like the mix of colors on you!:) Kisses! xo

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  14. First of all, I really like the outfit. Personally I think it works, loveee the boots! Second, I love your style of writing!

    xo Mélane
    Selfhelp | Inspiration | Motivation

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  15. great thoughtful post!!my lil toddler says the craziest things which makes me think he's a genius, no joke...=) btw, you look amazing!!

    www.lesley-kim.com

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  16. You are stunning girl! And I'm definitely loving your style! I would wear this entire outfit ;)
    xo TJ

    http://www.hislittlelady.com

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  17. You look gorgeous! Love that scarf!!!
    - Andrea Marie xx
    frominsidemycloset.com

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