This is my original blog. I haven’t updated for years. I keep it as a reminder of the journey.
Please see Broke Teacher for education and Poser Homestead for chickens, recipes, and dead zucchini.
Don’t NECAP me, I’m SLO
I'm having writer's block--It's ironic to make that statement as I'm writing, but I'm sitting here looking at a copy of the Common Core State Standards for inspiration. That, in and of itself is a problem. You see, I need to come up with some SLOs in order to keep my...
The Legacy of Lindsay Ann Burke
Lindsay Anne Burke is gone. Seven years ago today, she was murdered by someone who “loved” her. This happened two miles from my house--the story broke as I was eating dinner. I thought to myself, "Oh my god, that poor family." Then I realized it was Lindsay....
How to survive on flax seeds
As I sit here with my third cup of coffee in all its cream and sugar glory, I feel guilty. I’m usually healthy—in fact, my goal is to get rid of all processed foods and reduce myself to the lowest common denominator—the freezer foods which I've put up myself and a...
I’m About to Fail Kindergarten
I just got the folder back. It’s been a week, and you’d think I would know how to dress a kid and send him to school, considering I teach and I have 240 kids on my own high school roster. But I’m failing. Kindergarten at that. The first day, I sent the wrong...
Are There Piñatas at Political Parties?
I sent a note to my friend, the Republican, on Sunday night. “I was at a party. I’ll hit you up later.” That took me off guard. Republicans at a party? Maybe they had to sweep up after the convention, or get together to make fun of that old, white lady with the...
My Morning Run
I will miss this when I leave—the ocean, the sand bar, the boats knocking around in the current, the half-torn tufts of beach grass, roots exposed, barnacles hanging on for dear life. Standing at the place where the sun first kisses the East, my shadow...
What is that moment where I change someone’s life forever?
Later today, I will look at the faces of my students and I will try to predict the future. They are a mystery shrouded in wonder. What will they become? Will she be an achiever, the next big entrepreneur, a great parent, loyal citizen, or inspirational speaker? Will...
The Devil Sells Baby Gear
Having a baby? Welcome to the Mom Club. It is a club. I went to a baby shower yesterday. You might think you're ready to parent. And you might be right--until you start registering for stuff and get surprised with a baby shower. It's not for the weak of heart. Did you...
Avoid Reading Dumb Books: Free Summer Reading Summaries Here
School is starting for me next week. I don’t give summer assignments to my students, but my friends and colleagues do, which means that my students are too busy cheating on their summer reading to pay attention to what's really important--me. This is a great loss. Who...
Fashion Emergency 101: Someone Tweet Carson Kressley! Stat!
I hate shopping for clothes. It’s a problem. I get anxiety. If I had to name five things I’d rather do besides being beaten over the head by the fashion industry, they would be the following: clean the refrigerator, take out garbage in the infectious disease unit...
A Tax Primer for Kindergarteners
Today I had a deep and meaningful conversation on the subject about taxes with Declan, my five-year old. He loves money. He counts it, he jingles it, he puts it in and takes it out of his thirty-five year old bank, “Mr. Smiley” who used to gobble up my change when I...
Loser for Life: Tales of a Girl without Klout
I’m feeling pretty good about myself. I’ve had some downtime this summer, adventured with family, reconnected with friends, and had a chance to meet a visionary group of people who I predict will change the direction of education. In so doing, I’ve learned about the...