Monday, August 27, 2007

A new e-home for STUN

STUN is moving to Yahoo! Groups. This will give us more privacy, plus our members can chat, post photos, and receive automatic e-mail reminders about upcoming STUN events.


Click here to join STUNningTeens
Click to join STUNningTeens


See you on Yahoo!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Weather update

Okay, the forecast is for nearly 70 degrees, decreasing cloud cover as the day wears on, and "only" a 30% chance of rain. Sounds like August in the Northwest! It won't be an ideal day for a lake visit, but it's what we've got, so let's go for it! We'll find plenty to entertain us even if it's too cool for swimming (and remember, the water isn't any warmer on an 80-degree day).

The only circumstances that will change this plan is if it's still pouring rain in Everett by about 1:00 p.m. Check back then for any last-minute venue changes.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Parking Friday

Forgot to mention: There is a $5 fee for parking in the lot at Wyatt Park, but there may be some free on-street parking available up Chapel Hill Road.

The weather forecast has improved slightly. Keep your fingers crossed for this trend to continue!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Meeting notice: 8/17/07

The weather forecast doesn't look promising, but we're going to schedule this in hopes that our optimism will please the weather gods. In case of inclement weather, we'll post an alternate location the morning of the event day.

Date: Friday, August 17, 2007
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Willard Wyatt Park on the west shore of Lake Stevens

Need transportation? Send us an e-mail! We might be able to help.

Warning! Due to NBTSC, this might be our last STUN meeting for August. We'd love to see you all there! Bring your whole family!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

No STUN next week

Various extended-family goings-on mean we won't be officially STUNning next week. But our members should feel free to make arrangements to be individually STUNning!

And don't forget Rocky Horror this Saturday! That's an opportunity to be fabulous and STUNning!

Monday, July 30, 2007

Rocky Horror 8/4

Saturday night, a bunch of older teens and young adults are going to Rocky Horror at the Admiral in West Seattle. The show starts at midnight, then they usually go out for breakfast afterward. If you're interested in joining the group, send us an e-mail.

This activity is rated PG-13 going on R.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Meeting notice: 8/1/07

The next meeting of STUN will take place:

Specific meeting place: We'll probably be in the river. There are evidently two river access points, both somewhat hidden, and we don't know yet which one we'll be using. The playground will be a good starting place; we'll send scouts there every so often to look for stragglers. If you will be late, you can send e-mail and we'll provide a cell phone number to call when you arrive at the park.

Important!
This is NOT the same park we went to before. It is on the same river, but it has better facilities (e.g., bathrooms).

It's supposed to be 80 on Wednesday, so wear your swimsuits and bring your water toys.

If anybody is unable to attend due to a lack of transportation, send e-mail to the secretary! We might be able to work something out!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Meeting notice: 7/27/07

When: Friday, July 27, 2007
What: Breakfast! (or brunch for you early birds)
Where: IHOP on Broadway in Everett
Time: 11:00 a.m.

The IHOP is in the new Gateway Center on the west side of Broadway.

A headcount would be helpful, so RSVP to the secretary if you plan to join us. (But if you don't RSVP and are able to come at the last minute, please do!)

Two notes about exiting I-5 if you're coming from the south
Exit 192 has two separate ramps. The first one is an exit-only lane that takes you onto Broadway. That *is* the exit you want; disregard the MapQuest instruction to take the exit "toward 41st."

Also, the driving directions you get from the IHOP site are out of date and refer to a left-side exit ramp that no longer exists. MapQuest is closer.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Yes, it's raining

But come on out anyway! We'll spend longer in the barn. We'll tromp the fields in the rain and feel very Irish. It will still be fun!

If you all can bring yourselves to leave the foals, we might set up a table and play games or something.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Updated meeting notice: 7/18/07

We are very excited to announce that Hope for Horses has agreed to host the STUN group at their facility in Maltby/Woodinville! We can meet some of the rescued horses, roam the fields, and picnic by the pond.

IMPORTANT! I told them our usual group size and that's what they're expecting. If you haven't joined us before and plan to attend tomorrow, please send an e-mail to the secretary.

When: Wednesday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Directions:

  • From Highway 522, take the Fales Rd./Echo Lake Road exit
  • Head south on Echo Lake Road
  • Just past the Williams Compressor plant, turn right onto 131st Ave. SE
  • At the junction with S. Echo Lake Road, veer right to stay on 131st Ave. SE
  • Take a right onto 238th St. SE
  • HFH is at the end of the road on your left

MapQuest map

Try not to block the turnaround. It's okay to park on the grass if your vehicle has the clearance to get over the lump. If you need assistance, holler!

If you arrive late and don't see us, we're probably over by the pond. Walk across the lawn to the left of the barn (around the corral) to the big pasture, and then you'll see us. Or at least hear us.

What to bring: snacks, carrots or apples for the horses (but ask before feeding any animal), a blanket to lounge on (but be aware that it will get dirty)

Note: Just so there's no confusion or disappointment, we will not be doing any riding. But you can certainly do some bonding!

Friday, July 13, 2007

STUN MySpace group

Here's another place for STUN members and their "drivers" to chat and network:

http://groups.myspace.com/STUN

Meeting notice: 7/18/07

Due to circumstances beyond your faithful secretary's control, we have to postpone the Wild Waves idea. But we'll still have a get-together on Wednesday. Y'all come!

Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Time: late afternoon into evening (exact time TBA)
Place: TBA

We're thinking about finding a place near Hwy. 522 (Maltby-ish?), hoping to coax a few of the Eastside Unschoolers to join us. Does anybody know a likely spot near there? We welcome your ideas!

We'll post the final details Monday, but please reserve Wednesday afternoon and evening!

Our meeting is still on!

The thunderstorms are passing, so we have high hopes for sunshine at the park this afternoon. Come on over!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Meeting notice: 7/13/07

Friday, July 13, 2007
Morgantown Park, Snohomish
1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

MapQuest map

Bring a picnic lunch (or breakfast, in Chloe's case)! There *might* be river access, so bring swimsuits and towels if you might be tempted to swim! Bring sports gear! Bring friends!

------------------------------
Heads-up for Harry Potter Tuesday: Yes, some of us are going to the midnight movie. Want to join us?

Heads-up for next week: We're talking about a possible excursion to Wild Waves on Wednesday the 18th. Let us know if you're interested!

Friday, July 6, 2007

STUN stars in LIFE is Good video

Michelle is in this video, and your loyal secretary. Any of you other STUNning individuals make it?

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Informal meeting notice: Rocky Horror

It's not really a STUN event, but we can tag along! There is a group going to see Rocky Horror at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle. If you want to join us or meet us there, let us know!

"Rocky Horror Picture Show"
Admiral Theater
2343 California Ave. SW
Seattle, WA
July 7, 2007 -- Midnight

Costumes and props are strongly encouraged. The Admiral sometimes has packs available for sale that contain toast, rice, etc.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

No meeting week of July 2

Due to the holiday, there will be no STUN meeting the week of July 2.

Please send ideas for our meeting the week after that! Maybe something in Lynnwood...

Monday, June 25, 2007

Showtime for Thursday

Okay, we've settled on a showtime for Thursday. We'll take advantage of matinee prices and go to the 3:00 show at the Regal Cinemas Everett Mall Stadium 16. Here's the Fandango link for the show.

This is a new release and school is out, so I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

We'll carry a STUN sign so we'll be easily recognizable to those who haven't joined us before, and we'll save some extra seats for as long as we feel comfortable doing so. (That probably won't be long, so be early!)

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

More movie details coming soon

"Live Free or Die Hard" opens Wednesday instead of Friday, so now we don't know what time we're going. It'll still be Thursday, though. Check back for more info in a few days!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Meeting notice: STUN triple play

Our lake day was Really Fun! We spent six hours swimming, throwing foam javelins and other implements of destruction, chasing the elusive butterdragon, eating, and hanging out. We took some photos and will post them in a few days.

For next week, we have three STUN events for y'all to enjoy!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007 -- CONCERT
Fall Out Boy at the Tacoma Dome
We've got 5 kids going to this. Send us email if you want to meet up at the show.

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007 -- MOVIE (tentative)
If they do a midnight show, We're going to see "Live Free or Die Hard" at the Everett Mall theater. We'll probably want to buy these tickets in advance, so a little coordination might be necessary. Send us email if you're interested.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007 -- REGULAR MEETING
2:00 p.m.
The Shire Cafe
117 E. Division St.
Arlington, WA
(360) 403-9020

Directions:
* From I-5, take Exit 208 to Hwy. 530 and head east.
* Hwy. 530 becomes Division St.
* Go straight through the roundabout. (Yield to the cars already in the roundabout! Once you get in there, relax! You can go around as many times as you need to.)

The Shire Cafe is located inside the old Alamo building, by the Mirkwood shop. It offers vegetarian fare, great Chai tea, and a fun atmosphere.

When we're done munching and ready to run around, we can adjourn to nearby Haller Park.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Meeting notice: 6/19/07

Here's the information on the next STUN gathering.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007
1:00 p.m. to ??
Lake Roesiger Park (park info)

directions via I-5 and Hwy. 2
(for folks from Everett, Lake Stevens, and points north)

directions via I-405 and Hwy. 522
(for folks from Seattle, the Eastside, etc.)

Bring your own snacks and beverages! Bring sports equipment! Bring swimsuits and towels! Bring the whole family!

For the moment, the weather forecast is good for Tuesday. In case of actual rain (as opposed to mere cloudy skies), we'll do another pizza party at the Alfy's in Monroe.

Meet and greet!

Our first STUN meeting was a rousing success, with a small but lively group of teens, plus a small but lively group of parents. Our two-hour meeting ended up lasting four hours! Very cool.

A big shout out to Sarah, Joe, Hunter, Logan, MJ, and Chloe for getting things started!

We're gathering some details about next week's meeting and will post them later today. The quick scoop is that it will be Tuesday afternoon out at Lake Roesiger. Cross your fingers for sunshine!

And here's a heads-up for you north-county folks: Our third meeting will probably be in Arlington. Let us know if there's some perfect spot up there!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Meeting notice: 6/13/07

Our first meeting will be:

Wednesday, June 13, 2007
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (with potential for more fun after)
Alfy's Pizza on Broadway in Everett (directions)

Cheese pizza can be purchased by the slice from STUN, or you can order your own pie. Please buy your own drinks.

This is a teen event, of course, but parents and younger siblings are welcome, too.

STUNning principles

The main purpose of STUN is to provide unschooled and homeschooled teens with a place to meet and hang out with each other. Our main goal is having fun. We also provide each other with contacts, ideas, resources, and support for pursuing our own individual goals.

STUN is a secular, all-inclusive group. Our members are eclectic and spring from a variety of backgrounds (educational and otherwise), but we're all free beings. Most of us are radical unschoolers, which means we don't go to school or do lessons or take classes (unless we want to) and our families don't impose a bunch of arbitrary rules on us.

We tend to hold strong opinions and be outspoken about them. STUN encourages open discussion about issues both silly and serious, with no restrictions on content or language. If somebody says something somebody else finds offensive, that can be discussed, too!

There are no membership fees, but we might have the occasional fund drive.

To give lots of people a chance to join us, our meeting times and locations vary. Check this blog for details, and feel free to suggest locations!

Announcing STUN!

We are pleased to announce the formation of STUN: SnoCo Teen Unschoolers Network. STUN is a group of teen unschoolers (and sometimes their parents and younger siblings) in Snohomish County and beyond. We meet as often as we can to hang out, network, and have a blast.

This blog is where you'll find STUN news, including meeting and event notices, member announcements, and just maybe the occasional article about what it's like being a teen unschooler.