It all started with correcting my teacher.

My mom tells the story that I was in kindergarten or first grade when a significant event in my life happened.  My mom, my teacher (who will remain anonymous for obvious reasons), and I were standing outside of the classroom door one afternoon.  We were talking about the school day, the art projects I was working on, the strep throat that was going around, and other generalities.  My mom says that when Mrs. So-and-so used the incorrect use of "me and I" far too many times, I finally stepped in.  "It's 'Erin and I are going to have a fun day tomorrow!'  Not 'Me and Erin!!!'"  There.  I said it.  It bothered me so much!  How could my teacher get this so wrong?  Here's the funny thing.  Back when I was in school (but really, I'm not that old) kids didn't learn to read until the end of kindergarten to the beginning of first grade.  So here I was correcting my very own teacher's grammar before I could even read!  I know I'm not alone in this.  Bad grammar bothers people! 

I'm very fortunate in that my mom corrected my grammar from the time I began speaking.  That is how I could correct my teacher's grammar before I could even read.  My mom gave me such an invaluable gift.  The reading/writing portions of tests were a piece of cake for me.  I never had to study the sentence and think about parts of speech.  I could read the sentence once and know what was wrong. 

Here's another funny gift that I have.  You  might even call it an innate ability.  I warned you that it's funny.  Here it is.  I have a gift of being able to find lost jewelry.  I'm talking about a tiny earring back that fell off when you were taking off your sweater out at the barn.  Or the little gold hoop that fell in the grass during a summer picnic.  Gone, right?  Nope!  I can find it.  Those little, tiny things have a way of catching my eye.

What does finding lost jewelry have to do with correcting grammar?  I can spot typos and grammatical errors with one, quick glance!  I'm serious.  Not everyone can do that.  We live in such a competitive, fast-paced world that having someone that can spot those accidental mistakes can give you the cutting edge. 

Here's a little food for thought.  Do you remember your teacher saying you can't start sentences with "But"?  We probably all do.  But here's the thing-there is no real rule for beginning a sentence with "But."  In fact, experienced writers develop a talent for knowing how to convey their tone and talent.  And sometimes that means starting a sentence with "But".  The next time you hear someone say that you can't start a sentence with "But", go ahead...correct them.