I was homeschooled.

There. I said it.

Now I know this immediately conjures up visions of denim skirts, Keds, extreme nerdery and children whose parents have a vendetta against interaction with other human beings, but I wasn’t that kind of homeschooler. I went to public school for a few years, was homeschooled for a few years, and went to a private high school for a few years.

I was well-rounded (and I’m not just talking about my chubby phase). I had friends. My parents didn’t hole me up in the basement. I got out of the house.

Heck, I can even carry on a coherent conversation with an adult!

But here is the best part: even as a little bitty six-year-old, I was destined for writing, for editing, for working with words. Thanks to my first language book, I have proof that I always have been (and likely always will be) a grammar fiend.

Exhibit A: “I like January of its snow.”

Note that, while I had initially placed an apostrophe within the word its, I erased it.

Its = possessive

It’s = It is.

“I like January because of it’s snow.” = wrong

“I like January because of its’ now.” = that’s not even a word

“I like January because of its snow.” = right

Exhibit B: “I saw two boxelder bugs at Grammy’s.”

Grammys = nonsensical gibberish

Grammy’s = possessive

“I saw two boxelder bugs at Grammys.” = wrong

“I saw two boxelder bugs at Grammy’s.” = ding ding ding!

Do you see? Do you understand? Even at the tender age of 6, I was focused on the intricacies of the English language,  devoted to the furtherance of proper grammar, and mesmerized by the mechanics and style of the written word.

Is now also a bad time to mention that, despite my love of all things literary, I couldn’t spell my own name?

Go easy on me, people.

I was homeschooled.