Friday, May 6, 2016 8pm Carnegie Lecture Hall in the Carnegie Public Library / Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Me + you + our incredible 2016 cast + about 700 other people = a perfect Friday night With the first year under our collective ... » Learn More about Listen to Your Mother Pittsburgh tickets on sale now!
DIY
The Proof is in the Pages
When I began my career, I embodied the perfect trifecta of a promising teacher: tenacious enthusiasm, blind ambition, and bunches and bunches of naivety. That's what youth affords us: complete oblivion of glass ceilings. Before first-hand experience could taint my fresh face, a fellow English ... » Learn More about The Proof is in the Pages
Take Your Students to Peru!
Our neighbor is an elementary school teacher and a few years ago, she told me how she had shared a live-streaming of bald eagle eggs hatching in their nest. Without ever leaving their seats, her students saw nature at its best. Those kids probably didn't realize how lucky they were to witness ... » Learn More about Take Your Students to Peru!
Discipline. I Have None.
In 250 words or less, write about a time when sheer discipline made you continue to do something. I hate this prompt; it exposes my biggest weakness: I have zero discipline. (And 250 words or less?! *madly edits*). Aside from personal relationships, I can’t commit. I disguise ... » Learn More about Discipline. I Have None.
Hello, My Name is Stephanie & I’m an Addict
It started when I was pretty young. I didn't understand the shame or have words for the feelings of inadequacy. No one said anything, or even indicated they knew I had a problem, but slowly, certain things gave me pause. One memory stands out: On a hot summer day, my Mom calls me and my brother ... » Learn More about Hello, My Name is Stephanie & I’m an Addict
Terrified, Jumps Anyway
BEGINNINGS: Beginning a career at the age of 22 is a daunting task for anyone, but when your subordinates are only a couple years your junior, and when those subordinates are actually students in your English classroom, situation and circumstance are made all the more difficult simply because ... » Learn More about Terrified, Jumps Anyway
I Love Me a Good Underdog
When I traded in my high heels and laptop case for three kids and an extensive Crockpot repertoire, I was scared. As a social, artsy lady, I knew I would need a creative outlet, and I feared teaching a baby to wave bye-bye wouldn’t live up to be the cathartic experience I craved. What if I lost my ... » Learn More about I Love Me a Good Underdog
Why You Should Always Do Your Laundry Before Going to the Doctor’s
I hadn't seen my family practitioner since before I got pregnant with my son in 2009. My gynecologist was on speed dial, but my family doc and I had grown apart because I'm a user and didn't need her. All of a sudden, I found myself three babies deep and halfway through 2014. Fearing my PCP felt ... » Learn More about Why You Should Always Do Your Laundry Before Going to the Doctor’s
Facing My Greatest Fear in Writing
So many people reach a certain age and decide they are done. I see these people in my family tree, draped in cloaks of nonchalance, content in their oblivion. Done learning, done trying, done caring. I joke with my husband that he should smother me in my sleep if I ever turn the corner to Meh ... » Learn More about Facing My Greatest Fear in Writing
The Ultimate Online Baby Shower! #UOBS
If you know anything about me, it's that I. LOVE. BABIES. Rarely a day goes by that I don't ache for the swell of my pregnant belly; I'm the lady in the grocery store staring longingly at your baby bump with grateful tears in her eyes. I understand if you want to move over a lane. My wandering eyes ... » Learn More about The Ultimate Online Baby Shower! #UOBS