renée a. schuls-jacobson
A Piece of the Action
We are always searching for the next big thing: the good stuff. Well, back in the 1970s when early talk-show host, Mike Douglas, was around, he really had an eye for the next big thing. He knew how to give his audience a piece of the action. Just look at Thor here. He’s positively thrilling. Also, here’s a picture of me when I last performed Muscle Rock with Thor at Aladin’s Hotel in 2005. I guess I was looking for a little satisfaction….
To Get Up or to Zzzzzzzz
Monkey started 7th grade this year. I hear him moving around starting at 6:20 AM, and I stick my pillow over my head. Unlike my parents who stayed in bed, confident in my organizational abilities — or never really ever considered whether I had everything I needed or not — I feel totally guilty for staying in bed. …
Yo tengo el gato los pantelones! Guest Post by Tyler Tarver
I am so lucky to have Tyler Tarver as a guest blogger today. Tyler’s awesome blog is called “chaos meets capitalization.” I wish I thought of that, but that would imply my brain would work like Tyler’s and Tyler’s brain does not work like mine. In fact, Tyler Tarver’s brain does not work like anyone else’s brain. Which might be why I like him so much. He thinks in metaphors. And colors. And he raps. And he teaches. And he is a published author….
In the Middle of October
This week I used a photo of an autumn day to inspire an memoir piece — in under 300 words….
The Day Monsieur Said Non
In 11th grade, I needed three stellar recommendations that I could send off with my college applications. I felt confident that I would receive solid letters from two of my former English teachers, but then I was kinda stuck. I decided to ask my French teacher. He said no….
The Terrible, Beautiful Tattoo
showed up without a plan, just a little design I had scribbled on a scrap of paper. I asked a few questions about the needles. “Lady,” said the man at the counter, “we ain’t interested in spreadin’ diseases.” Jed, the newest apprentice, was available. I agreed. Jed would be fine. What did I know? I wanted a tattoo….
Whoa, What Are You Doing?
After my post went up at I Survived The Mean Girls, I learned that Anderson Cooper had run a television special devoted to bullying awareness and prevention called “Bullying: It Stops Here.” I just learned that the program will re-air on Friday, October 14. …
Buzz Champion: Guest Post by Kelly K.
My guest blogger today is Kelly K. She has, like, a zillion blogs. Just kidding. Sort of. But seriously, she writes a lot. In real life, Kelly K. has been beyond helpful to me. When I had my meltdown this past summer, Kelly K. was there. She is an amazing “fryber” (my made-up word for a cyber friend) and a fearless writer who is devoted to expressing herself in as many ways as possible. Check out her story about a favorite math teacher. …
I'm Confessing My Sins Today
It is hard to admit this, but I wasn’t always the nicest girl.
At one time in my life, I cared a lot about being popular. I cared so much that sometimes I ridiculed and teased other people. Or I stood by silently while others were teased. And I did nothing. These are the things about which I am now deeply ashamed. Sins for which I have tried to atone. Today, I’m telling it straight. It isn’t always pretty….
The Book Is Closed. Or Is it?
When I was a little girl, a Sunday School teacher told me that on Rosh Hashanah, G-d opened a big book that had everyone’s names in it, young and old. He explained how between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, G-d would decide who would live and who would die in the upcoming year. And how. Which was a pretty scary concept. …