True story: a colleague once came to work drunk. Please recall that I am a teacher. Which means: a teacher came to school drunk. And students saw. And then they asked a trillion and six questions. Then administration was put on alert. The teacher wasn't suspended or even fired and the rest of ... » Learn More about When You Want To Punch Your Colleague…
DIY
I Don’t Yike You, I Yuve You!! (+ a giveaway!)
My newly minted three-year-old takes after her big sister in a lot of ways. She rocks a mean pair of sunglasses, has a fantastic imagination, and has begun telling me something "sissy" always says: "Mama, I don't yike you, I YUVE you!" As the recipient of this sweetness, I am expected to feign ... » Learn More about I Don’t Yike You, I Yuve You!! (+ a giveaway!)
Right Decisions Right Now
I grew up in a smoking household. When I was in school, my book bag and school supplies reeked of cigarette smoke; I remember the heat of embarrassment any time I flipped the pages of my notebook and the stench filled the air around me. At the time, I only associated the smell with the belief that ... » Learn More about Right Decisions Right Now
This is Six
Dear Ella, Even though you won't be reading or embarrassed by my blog for a few more years, I wanted to document your special day here anyway. Plus, the princess on your card took up all the room where I wanted to write, and I knew scribbling over Belle's face would be frowned upon. I cannot ... » Learn More about This is Six
7 Ways My Students Prepared Me for Motherhood
Before popping out three kiddos that shared my DNA, I referred to my English students as "my kids." Pretty fitting since my students really did prepare me for motherhood. I learned a lot of important lessons in the classroom that eventually translated into my home. Like the time I was as all ... » Learn More about 7 Ways My Students Prepared Me for Motherhood
412 Food Rescue
I went on a date with Andrew McCutchen last week. By "date," I mean I rode in a truck that he graciously and generously donated to 412 Food Rescue. When Cutch heard 412 Food Rescue was raising money to buy a refrigerated truck to safely haul and deliver fresh food to those in need all over ... » Learn More about 412 Food Rescue
Idlewild Special for Local Readers!
Idlewild Park and I go way back. I remember the ball pit as a youngin', swimming through the multi-colored plastic, just as well as I remember the first time my own kids jumped in. The picnic baskets and double stroller days have given way to We want corn dogs! chants and a single red wagon. But as ... » Learn More about Idlewild Special for Local Readers!
How I Offended Librarians Everywhere and One “Guidance Counselor”
This time of the year is hella busy for anyone in education. End of the year assessments, wrapping up graduation requirements, administrative stuff I don't pretend to understand. Students who've been statues since September suddenly come to life with concerns about their grades. Those statues' ... » Learn More about How I Offended Librarians Everywhere and One “Guidance Counselor”
Giveaway! Children’s Theater Festival in Pittsburgh
If you're lucky enough to live in or around Pittsburgh, you know the Cultural Trust is what keeps the arts alive and thriving in our great city. Pittsburgh's Cultural District is impressive in its own right, but when you learn the story of how it was transformed from a forgotten piece of downtown ... » Learn More about Giveaway! Children’s Theater Festival in Pittsburgh
Teacher-Parents: Teachers’ Worst Nightmares?
When Hannah, my editor at We Are Teachers, asked if I'd be interested in writing a funny piece about how we teacher-parents have the potential to be our kids' teachers' worst nightmare, I laughed aloud at my computer. How could I possibly relate to obsessing over my kids' grades or being in constant ... » Learn More about Teacher-Parents: Teachers’ Worst Nightmares?