Teacher of the Year Banquet

Earlier this month I attended Gwinnett County's Teacher of the Year Banquet and picked up what I thought would be my most prized possession in teaching.  But you know what I discovered?

My Review of the Movie Wonder

I read the book years ago and loved it! So, I was especially excited when I realized the movie for R.J. Palacio's book, Wonder would be coming out this month. I had to see it...

Treasure the Moments - The Bubble Run

Initially the boys weren't so happy about an early morning race!

I truly credit this book with reminding me of something important. Do the things that make you happy, even if you're initially met with resistance (from your family!)...

Mommy Moment - Parent Conference

A "mommy moment" happens in many different ways. There are moments, as a mom, where you feel your most happiest.  When you witness your child doing something that just makes your heart smile. There are also those moments when your child teaches you a lesson, makes you laugh out loud, or totally embarrasses you. And then there are those moments when your child makes you so proud, you can't help but get emotional.  I had one of those moments today...

Big Little Moments - Cleaning My Boots

For a person who is "particular" about many things, and who can be just a tad bit OCD at times, I'm not one who regularly gets my car washed or cleans my shoes...

First Date

Why does my head seem so much larger than his!

Do you remember your first date?

Big Little Moments - Memory Gems

That's me on the left - Holy Childhood High School (late 1980's)

After the battle, the reward.

My father-in-law (FIL) calls them memory gems. They are the lines you heard in school. Little nuggets of wisdom you learned when you were too young, only they didn't quite make sense, until now, in adulthood. Memory gems...

Big Little Moments - The Mini Cooper

When I was in high school, in Jamaica, my parents drove a teeny, tiny, bright yellow, Mini Cooper. At the time, I was really embarrassed to climb out (literally!) of that thing. These days, though, I have a new appreciation for my past and childhood...

It's Not Personal

Sometimes I wish I could capture and bottle the feelings I have during the first few months of school. I'm super happy, patient and optimistic about the school year. That's how I'm feeling these days. I'm able to deal with negative behaviors quickly, some small things I may even choose to ignore, and I focus on the positives and keep things moving. But inevitably, during the course of the year, when kids and teachers get a bit weary, emotions can get the best of us...

On Being Named Teacher of the Year

This week has been incredible...

Book Study for Two

The BFSF and I are doing a book study. She lives all the way in New Jersey, so we're doing this by phone.  We haven't been talking a lot lately because life gets in the way, so when she discovered I was reading this book (she had read it before and wanted to revisit it), we decided to do it together...

Like a Rock Star

"Mrs. Cooke!!! Mrs. Cooke!!! Mrs. Cooke!!!"

There's no better greeting than when you run into your former students...

What Makes You Uncomfortable?

Can I share something with you that I'm a little embarrassed to admit?

Day One. Without Kids.

Gwinnett county teachers returned to school today, bright and early, after having two glorious months off from work.  A week before kids come back, teachers come together to plan...or rather...attend meeting after meeting.  Don't believe me? Here's exactly how this first day went...

Update on My Summer Reading

I've been really pleased with my book choices this summer, and I wanted to give you a little update on the news ones I've read recently...

What's Your Favorite Place to Read?

This past weekend, my BFSF sent me this photo, of her daughter, my goddaughter, reading on the beach. It was such a lovely and candid photo of her, doing one of my favorite things, and it got me thinking...

Do You Make Lists?

Do you make lists? I do, and I have a list for almost everything...

My Dream Reading Space

Outdoor Reading Nook

Recently, a reader asked me about my ideal reading space.  I realized, that until today, I'd never seriously given it much thought.  I can read almost anywhere (as long as it's relatively quiet), and as long as it's a good book, I can easily get lost in it.  Most nights I end my day in bed reading, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning if the book is really good.

So.  If I had to create my ideal reading space, here are my must haves...

My Current Obsession

A few years ago it was the hobo. Last year was the crossbody. But now I've moved on, and I admit it, I'm totally obsessed with the backpack...

Childhood Friendships

Do you remember your childhood friends? How did you meet? Are you still friends today? Yesterday, I was watching Buddy Roller play with his friends, and it got me thinking about an old friend of mine...

I'm Dreaming of Waco

I want to let you in on a little secret of mine...

My Summer Reading List for 2017

Summers are made for snuggling up with a good book, and I've been lucky to have read four great ones so far. Here there are plus the ones I'll be checking off my list for summer 2017...

How I Survived My Staycation in Florida

Almost two weeks ago, my mother-in-law (MIL) had to have surgery, so the whole family flew to Florida to help take care of her. Here's how some careful planning and realistic expectations helped me survive my staycation in Florida...

How I Passed on My Love of Reading to My Son

I'm an avid reader, so naturally I wanted my son to enjoy reading as much as I do. Here are four ways I did it...

What I Want for Mother's Day

This year I'm taking all the guesswork out of Mother's Day and letting my husband and son know just what I want...

Teacher Appreciated

We've truly lucked out. Year after year, we've been extremely blessed with Buddy Roller's amazing teachers. It seems like each year just gets better and better, and this one is no exception...

Big Little Lies and 73 Questions

This book!  I enjoyed it when I read it two years ago, so imagine my delight when it was made for television.  Even though the HBO series ended last week, I still cannot stop thinking about it. The characters were authentic, raw and refreshing yet funny and disturbing all at the same time. As the title implies, there are some big little lies and secrets among a group of moms that ultimately end in murder, but an unbreakable bond formed amidst one of the biggest secrets will leave you thinking long after the ending...

Pay It Forward

Today, Thursday, was a great one, and not only because it's my Friday due to a day off from school tomorrow. It was a great day because of a simple act of kindness...

Tip #14 - Have Fun with Your Students

This Thursday, students will return to school for their final semester of this school year, and I can't help but reflect on the first half of this year, particularly the last day of first semester. It's been a while since this so-called veteran teacher posted a teaching tip, so here's a reminder on how to have fun with your students...

What I Want for 2017

View leaving New York City's LaGuardia Airport

For 2017, I'm going to eliminate bread, desserts and reality TV, go to the gym at least three times a week, and make a home-cooked meal every day.

Another Fallen Idol?

I'm writing my first post of 2017 about the artist, Mariah Carey. I used to love Mariah. Let me be clear. I loved the Mariah of past times. The young, skinny, naive, starlet, with her long curly hair, who came on the music scene in 1990 with that voice. Like millions of fans, I knew all the words to all her songs. I have taken many a shower, cleaned many a room, and cried...well just because...while belting out some of her greatest hits like, Vision of Love, Love Takes Time, I Don't Wanna Cry, and so many others. If you're a fan...were a fan...I'm sure you can relate.