Erin Lyman
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It all started with correcting my teacher.

5/29/2017

7 Comments

 
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. 
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7 Comments
Tiffany link
5/30/2017 04:00:22 am

I loved reading this! I hope you do more blog posts! I grew up with a dad that poured over every school paper I would turn in. He was the son of an English professor and I was the lucky recipient of loads of free tutoring and coaching. As frustrating as it was sometimes to have Dad tear my papers apart, I am forever grateful now. I cherish those late night with Dad and am grateful that he taught me to express myself with words. I am excited for you Erin and I hope this adventure brings you a lot of joy! Congrats on the beautiful website!

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Tiffany link
5/30/2017 04:03:53 am

Also! Your little bit about starting a sentence with "But" reminded me of something I heard once. It was something along the lines of you can only break grammar rules if you actually know them. Ha! And that is why I start sentences with and and but and whatever I want! I am not a perfect grammarian but I feel like if you are decent and create a tone for your writing, you can fudge things a bit and make it fun. Anyway, love you and am happy that you launched!

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Erin link
5/30/2017 06:15:50 am

Thank you, Tiffany! I know that you and I are giving that same gift to our own children!

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Rita
5/30/2017 07:15:14 am

"Me and your Mom" are sticklers for correct grammar!!! LOL It is like fingernails on a chalkboard!!!! I'm going to send you some red pens, because I think you will have a lot of "circling" to do! :-) I also think you can hire yourself out to find lost jewelry.....I'm missing an earring! :-(
Good for you, Erin using your talents! And if you could get "auto-correct" to actually be correct, I think you'd be rich!! Love ya!!

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Erin link
5/30/2017 12:27:15 pm

Ha! I wish I could come look for your earring!

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Maria Hutchinson link
5/30/2017 10:30:46 am

I love this story? ....and thank you for confirming what I have hoped about starting a sentence with "But." I do it all the time and every time I do, I wonder if I'm making a grammar boo boo. :)

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Erin link
5/30/2017 12:29:41 pm

Keep using that But!

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    I'm Erin, and typos drive me crazy!  I'm an MBA graduate with over 15 years of experience in HR, small business management, academia, and social media.  I am a wife, mother, half marathon runner, and lover of the outdoors. 

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