renée a. schuls-jacobson
The Gift of Off-Center
For the first two weeks I called him Jeff. By the time I got it straight, I realized that Mark Kelly was not the technology guy; neither was he the Athletic Director. He was the Middle School Principal, and he’d come to the English office to pay me a visit, to see how I was doing, if I needed anything. Little did I know that he was out to get me. …
An Opportunity For Dialogue
I have to confess, in my younger days, I used to attend protests. I have been jazzed up enough about certain social issues to actually put myself out there and march and shout and carry signs and what not. But frankly, the whole “Take Back Wall Street” thing has me confused because so many people represent so many different gripes; I have actually lost the message of the protest. Is there one unifying message? But this guy has found a way to do his part. And he explains it so nicely….
Monkey Has Left The Building
“I don’t like it anymore,” my son said, right before he took an enormous bite out of an enormous apple. “What?” He…
Damage Done: Guest Post by Leonore Rodrigues
Today’s guest blogger is Leonore from As a Linguist. Leonore and I connected because of our love of language, weird words and proper punctuation. As it turns out, we have quite a few real life things in common. We are both pretty OCD, and we both love Wuthering Heights. Wait, I think she loves Wuthering Heights. Now I’m all confuzzled. Wait, that’s a made up word. Leonore might not like that very much….
We're #1… And I Feel Guilty
Newsweek recently posted its annual “500 Best High Schools” report followed by Buffalo Business First’s report of the best and worst schools in New York State. The district in which I live came in 1st place. And even though I can now wear a t-shirt that proudly proclaims that my child attends the #1 public school district in New York State, there’s something that is making it impossible for me to ride get on my magical unicorn and fly away….
Sucked Into Sleazy Halloween Costumes
On Halloween 1999, a mere two months after my son was born, hubby and I decided to go with a “family theme” — you know, because I was about 50 pounds heavier than I was accustomed to weighing. It seemed like a good idea at the time….
When Your Freezer Breaks
So our refrigerator broke down. More specifically, our freezer stopped freezing. The ice cream could not be saved. Neither could the meat. Not much else to do but write about it. And tweet….
Those Who Can't Teach: Guest Post by Tamara Lunardo
Tamara Lunardo is my guest blogger today. Where I sometimes get mired in the details, Tarama is a big picture kind of girl. Tamara’s writing is as fresh, edgy and vibrant as she is. Gentle and compassionate, Tamara (pronounced Ta-MAH-ra) is a wonderful read. Note: Just don’t mispronounce her name or call her Tammy or she’ll punch you in the throat. Here is her teacher memory….
Who's the "Derpy-est" One of All?
When I can’t find the right word on the word-shelf to fit my mood or predicament, I often just make one up. Today’s word is “derpy.” What the heck is that?…