I finally got my kids back. You know how the minute you pick up the phone the kids are there? “Mom, I need to know the meaning of life and I need to know NOW!!” If they aren’t begging for your undivided attention, then they are marching around like a Sousa band in the … [Read more...]

Ah, Thanksgiving. Time to sit down at a table heaped with goodies, contemplate all the things you are thankful for, and see how long you can sit in the company of loved ones without losing your sanity. It is rare that I get to spend Thanksgiving with family; the holiday is too … [Read more...]

Whenever I happen to be in a new city on vacation, I inevitably wind up watching at least one local news program. You'd think this would create a sense of continuity -- they have news in Iowa, we have news in Alabama. But I actually feel even more disoriented, as if I were … [Read more...]

As a competition junkie, it was refreshing to meet another in the form of a first-year history teacher from Nebraska by the name of Nolan Shigley. My high school English class was next to his and since we taught many of the same students, our friendship quickly developed and … [Read more...]

When I moved from Chicago to Tampa, Florida in December, I knew I’d have to make some adjustments. In return for beautiful weather, pristine beaches and friendly neighbors who actually introduced themselves and brought over bundt cakes, I knew I’d have to live with a lot of … [Read more...]