When you're the rock, it can feel like you don't matter. Your feelings, your day, your circumstance don't matter. Because they're not the worst, they're insignificant. If you express frustration, don't smile, or expect others to do the things they're capable of doing, you're unkind. When ... » Learn More about Dump Out
DIY
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
I should be walking my dog right now. She's sitting at my feet, imploring me with those sweet brown eyes to get up! let's go! grab that leash! But I'm avoiding eye contact with her because I've got something on my mind and I can't grab that leash until I get it out of my brain, which means I've ... » Learn More about Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
I’m Sorry…You Did WHAT?!
When my now 10-year-old son was in preschool, #HusbandWTF and I had many a debate regarding when the child would start kindergarten. As a late July birthday boy, I was on team Red-shirt, but my husband wasn't so sure. So I did what any sane mama does and interviewed every parent and educator within ... » Learn More about I’m Sorry…You Did WHAT?!
How I Met Your…Father
Can I be honest with you? I'm feeling exceptionally stabby today. I've taken just about all I can from people, so I'm rage-petting my dog and retreating to my safe space: writing. Adults, in particular, have proven to be one epic fail after another, proudly showing off ugly underbellies and spewing ... » Learn More about How I Met Your…Father
Freebie from Schooled!
I like to know what I'm buying before shelling out cash, which is why I'm giving you this here free excerpt from my book, Schooled. The essay, "When You’re a 22-Year-Old Teacher and Your Students Are 18," is actually the first of the book, and I thought if you enjoy it, maybe you'll enjoy the ... » Learn More about Freebie from Schooled!
My First Week on NutriSystem (Also: Why I’ve Been Farting Like a Teenage Boy)
I've no complaints about dedicating the majority of recent writing to my book. But I gotta say: I've missed word vomiting over here! I've been itching to get back to sharing the meaningless and embarrassing details of my life. LET'S GET STARTED! Writing a book right after the year of Too Many ... » Learn More about My First Week on NutriSystem (Also: Why I’ve Been Farting Like a Teenage Boy)
If You’re Reconsidering the Classroom (or Just Wanna Make Extra Cash), This is for You!
Whenever someone contacts me about my writing, it's almost always because they think I'm selling sex (whencrazymeetSEXhaustion...ooopsie) or they're considering transitioning out of the traditional classroom like I did. Fortunately, spam filters work wonders. Over the years, I've written several ... » Learn More about If You’re Reconsidering the Classroom (or Just Wanna Make Extra Cash), This is for You!
People Who Said Nice Things About My Book
Since Schooled is my first book, I've had the opportunity to learn a lot in the process. Namely, when you think you're done writing, you are not. I think anyone who creates likely feels the same way: it could always be a little better. Or maybe that's just my childhood talking: it's good, ... » Learn More about People Who Said Nice Things About My Book
Tips for Tolerating Halloween, From a Former California Raisin
It all began with the clown light on the ceiling of my nursery. Even as a wee one in my crib, I vividly remember that clown's crazy eyes and light bulb nose. I eventually threw something at the light and broke it because I'm a problem-solver, that's why. But then, my mom dressed me as a clown for ... » Learn More about Tips for Tolerating Halloween, From a Former California Raisin
Peace of Mind is Priceless (and maybe free if you win!)
When we brought baby #2 home in May of 2011, there were a bunch of strange men waiting for us at the house. Guess it’s relevant to note that my husband had hired them to begin digging for a swimming pool. I never would’ve guessed my husband, who hates the water, would want to be responsible for ... » Learn More about Peace of Mind is Priceless (and maybe free if you win!)