Please could someone explain the 'honk' and goose references - thank you!

[Bluebirdonmyshoulder]

Just that - I'm new and have noticed the honks but don't know what they mean.

Feel all shy and 'new girl' about it as I don't get what the cool kids are talking about!

[Ineedalife]

Hi blue and welcome to the board

We talk about geese and honking because of the way geese fly together and look after each other on their long journeys.

They honk so they dont lose anyone out of the V shape that they fly in.

We honk for each other to show we are all still together fighting our way through the crap [and the good times] that we have to deal with in the SN world everyday.

Sorry you felt shy, this is a great place to be we are dead friendly

[StarlightMcKenzie]

They take it in turns to lead and each uses less energy because they are flying together and use the lift from the work of the one in front iyswim.

The term caring carrots came from someone who had a professional ask them if they had considered giving their child carrots/healthy food etc. We also get patronising potato from that too. Basically, if you were any good at parenting you wouldn't have a child with a disability iirc.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Oh, and the geese honk as a way of cheering on those who are struggling and to spur on the leader at the time.

[troutsprout]

Just giving bluebird her own ...
Welcome Honk ! :-)

[Ineedalife]

Thanks, star, you said that so much better than me

[Bluebirdonmyshoulder]

That's a wonderful explanation, I love it! (I also feel like I'm allowed to sit at the cool kids' table!)

A big HONK to everyone.

I think I've already had a patronising potato moment actually, from a paediatrician who told me I needed to relax about bluechick's chromosome disorder. Red wine, warm baths, massages all make me relax. Being told my beautiful DD has a very rare chromosome disorder and may never walk and talk - not so relaxing actually.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

I don't usually like the 'in club' stuff really but this goose thing just seems to fit

[Ineedalife]

There are some really daft proffs out there blue,

Sadly you kind of get used to them.

Honk

[hazeyjane]

Just to warn you, if this is the cool kid's table, then I am the geek imposter.

[EllenJaneisstillnotmyname]

It's just struck me that it must have seemed really cliquey when its intention isn't that at all! We'll have to keep resurrecting the original explanation from time to time (if we can find it!) just to make sure people understand.

Honk!

[mariammma]

hazey, any room next to you?

[EllenJaneisstillnotmyname]

Maria, was it you who introduced the geese?

[Bluebirdonmyshoulder]

Oh please don't think I was implying that you were being cliquey, not at all! I could see that the honks were always used supportively, just wanted to understand the reference!

Don't stop honking!

[Ineedalife]

LOL about the cool kids table,

I have never got to sit on there before

Dont worry blue we know what you meant

[elliejjtiny]

The goose thing is completely different to what I thought it was. Some people who have EDS call themselves zebras (can never remember why but I know non EDS people are meant to be the horses) and I thought it was like that for either ASD or ADHD.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Horses and zebras?

now I'm confused too!

[Ineedalife]

[mymatemax]

Haha, glad you asked about the Honks, ive been here ages & didnt know.

I had visions of some dodgy white van man driving past & Honking his horn...see im too rough to conjure up images of geese in flight

[EllenJaneisstillnotmyname]

Mariam has found the original story that started this off.

Lessons from Geese provides a perfect example of the importance of team work and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on any form of personal or business endeavour. When we use these five principles in our personal and business life it will help us to foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in ourselves, as well as those who are our friends, associates or team members.

It is essential to remember that teamwork happens inside and outside of business life when it is continually nurtured and encouraged.

Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals

As each goose flaps its wings it creates an UPLIFT for the birds that follow. By flying in a 'V' formation the whole flock adds 71 percent extra to the flying range.

Outcome

When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals.

Lesson 2 - The Importance of Team Work

When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.

Outcome

If we had as much sense as geese we would stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing

When a goose tires of flying up front it drops back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Outcome

It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other's unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.

Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to the ground to help and protect it.

Outcome

If we have as much sense as geese we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.

Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement

Geese flying in formation 'HONK' to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.

Outcome

We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups and teams where there is encouragement, production is much greater. 'Individual empowerment results from quality honking'

[theDudesmummy]

I did not really understand the goose thing either and now I do, I think it is really nice! Had a pretty good day today with private EP agreeing with everything we are doing so feeling nice HONK to all.
Ps typing is hard as am on iPad that DS has chewed and saliva bubbles behind screen protector mean a variable response to touching screen!
Welcome to new people on the board. It is the very best place!

[DownByTheRiverside]

The zebra thing is because there is a saying that if you hear hooves, most people automatically think of horses, not zebras because that is the more likely scenario in an English countryside.
But sometimes, it might be a zebra!
In the same way that most people assume normal is the norm, except occasionally...