When the DSL goes down, the world stops

I know I said this blog was moving way down my priority list, but last week I actually had a few free moments and wanted to write. I didn’t get to though because our DSL line decided to go down. It was down on Tuesday, came up briefly so I could write on Wed. and [...]

Something’s gotta give

Right now I am overwhelmed. We are quickly approaching the end of the first nine weeks of school. For many schools all this means is sending home some progress reports. Since we are on block 4, it means our first “semester” is ending. That means I have to get all the essays I currently have [...]

Standardized testing makes for a long day with no naps

Ding dong ISTEP is dead. At least for this year. On my way to school I pass by four different elementary schools, each toting a sign that reads something to the effect of “ISTEP 17-28, time for good sleeping and eating habits.” I have to laugh at this because on the eve of sophomore testing, [...]

I am a walking puddle of disease

I’m sick and it sucks. I know sucks is not a good word for an English teacher to use. There are tons of great adjectives out there just waiting to dot the paragraphs of my writing, but like I said, I’m sick and to be honest, I don’t care about poetic language. I mostly care [...]

So much for my backyard wonderland

In an attempt to appease the rain gods my backyard has been decimated. The once beautiful trees that until this morning towered behind us now lay in broken piles lining the soon to be expanded drainage ditch. What was once a haven of cool breezes and shady spots under which to read a good book [...]

The most wonderful time of the year

Fall is here and I couldn’t be happier. Fall is the perfect season. It’s cool enough to dig out all of my cute sweaters which help hide the extra baby fat I’m still working on losing. Scarves are used as cute fashion accessories I can wear on a whim rather than necessities used to wrap [...]

It’s good to be a teacher

Today I had one of those days that reminded me why I’m willing to put up with making mere ducats at a thankless job. Today I got thanked.
Before I went back to school this fall, I decided I wanted to do things a little differently. I changed up my lesson plans (a little), but more [...]

Yet another visit from my relatives

This weekend I had yet another parade of family members at my house. Ok, so it wasn’t exactly a parade. More like just my parents, but since in the past week and a half I’ve seen my mom, aunt, step-mom and dad, all who live at least two hours away, it seems like my house [...]

The Journey and the American dream

Last night I partook in what can only be described as the epitome of American decadence. At least as far as cuisine is concerned. My aunt was in town so instead of preparing the rustic potato soup I took out of the deep freeze a few nights earlier, I was planning a quick meal of [...]

Signs do actually have meaning

As I was struggling to lug my nearly 19 lb. son and his 10 lb. car seat from my parking spot midway up the aisle into the grocery store this afternoon, I noticed a car dash into a space clearly marked for expecting mothers and parents with toddlers. Even though I don’t think anyone would [...]