Can You Have A Turkey As A Pet?

I just realized that I haven't told the "world" about one of the coolest things that happened to me recently! I got a pet turkey and I highly recommend it. Her name is Charlotte. ❤️ I Got A Pet Turkey I said it again because I always have to say it twice whenever I tell … Continue reading Can You Have A Turkey As A Pet?

Confusing Conversations With My Students

I just wanted to share a funny story that still has me giggling when I think about it. It's also proof that every interaction that I have with my most challenging student in my ESE self-contained class is not a negative one. Awkward Conversations With Students My student echoes a lot. Sometimes he might be … Continue reading Confusing Conversations With My Students

My Student Thinks I’m Scared Of Him

After the holiday break, we were expecting some of our Exceptional Education kids to have rough transitions back to the school routine, particularly one. And he did not disappoint. Well, I mean if we were looking forward to a rough week, then we weren't disappointed. He Doesn't Like Change I've talked about this particular student … Continue reading My Student Thinks I’m Scared Of Him

Teaching Kids With Autism

There are highs and lows in the world of Exceptional Education. That is true in relation to the school system but in this case, I'm referring to the kids that I work with kids with Autism. Autism is complex, challenging, and complicated. There are so many pieces to that metaphorical puzzle, and I feel like … Continue reading Teaching Kids With Autism

Do My Kids Care About New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve stopped being a big deal to me, years ago. In fact, I almost resent its existence because of the pressure to experience it to the fullest. So I basically ignore it now. But I do love celebrating anything and everything with the kids. Almost every year, we have toasted to a random … Continue reading Do My Kids Care About New Year’s Eve?

Making My Way as a Teacher

Well, it's my first holiday break as a teacher. I have really been looking forward to this. In a lot of ways, having this time off makes me feel like a teacher just as much as actually doing the teaching thing does. I still do mental double takes during the day when I realize I … Continue reading Making My Way as a Teacher

Am I A Good Teacher?

Well, I have been an ESE teacher for a little over a week and I gotta say, it's exactly how I visualized it and I'm so happy in that classroom that I feel like my heart is going to burst. Watching these kids take in the information and sometimes watching them struggle, it's an awesome … Continue reading Am I A Good Teacher?

Childhood Trauma And Elephants

You know how they say that your parents give you trauma? Well, it's true! Ok, that's not exactly what this post is about. But the story starts with my mom completely by accident saying something that has stuck with me for years. (If you keep reading, it will be clear that this is not really … Continue reading Childhood Trauma And Elephants

Meeting New People And Learning To Teach

Before starting to teach, I had to make it through training week and I have a story that I just must share. At the meet and greet, the night before training started, I was introduced to the other members of the ESE team. It was then that I met my soon to be work bestie. … Continue reading Meeting New People And Learning To Teach

Becoming A Middle School ESE Teacher

One thing that I learned over the summer was that there really is a teacher shortage. After sending out some resumes and applying with the school district, I soon found myself inundated with interview requests. It was both an ego boost and a sad statement of our education system. Anyway, I agreed to an interview … Continue reading Becoming A Middle School ESE Teacher

I Almost Didn’t Graduate

In my last post, I gave the basic update of my life but I I do have to share the story about how I thought it was all going to fall apart. I gotta say that I didn't think I was going to make it through this last semester, because of Research Methods Lab. The … Continue reading I Almost Didn’t Graduate

Here’s To Future Adventures

There have been a lot of changes in my life over the last couple of months. I finally finished my BA which I never thought it would happen. (My graduation ceremony is August 2nd!) I passed my Exceptional Student Education Certification Exam and will start a job as a middle school ESE teacher in August. … Continue reading Here’s To Future Adventures

A Text From An Old Flame

I think we all have "the one that got away" people in our past, right? Well, I definitely do. He was the guy that I was head over heels for but he did not feel the same. I mean, he cared about me and we had a bond, but my deep feelings were not mutual. … Continue reading A Text From An Old Flame

Racism And My White Privilege

I had kind of a weird thing happen at work a few months ago. In the mornings, a few of us sit in the lobby waiting for the kids who were still arriving (late). One of the moms stayed back to talk. After a few minutes, the conversation turned to how she went to a … Continue reading Racism And My White Privilege

Finishing My College Adventure

Well, after the financial aid drama (which I finally got!) and the pure adjustment to doing homework again, I have finished my spring semester and only have one semester left. I will be taking 2 classes over the summer and then I will be done! I can't put into words how truly excited and proud … Continue reading Finishing My College Adventure

Quality Time With Your Teen

It's so hard with teens/young adult kids. I call them all teens but only two of them technically are. Even my little William is now 21. You are far away from the days when they are all over you and driving you bonkers. You know, those days when you yearned for a break and people … Continue reading Quality Time With Your Teen

How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter

Before the holidays are completely in the past, I would be remiss in not telling this story. The kids are quite amused by my skills on the electric scooter so maybe you will be too. Ha. Did you know that I'm a bit clumsy? I have never been accused of being graceful. And definitely, no … Continue reading How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter

It Was A Chinese Christmas

This was a quiet Christmas. We had a death in the family and no one was feeling particularly festive. I focused on making sure the kids enjoyed the day and they did. So it was a success. Brian and I were ready to cook dinner. I was tired so I wasn't really looking forward to it. … Continue reading It Was A Chinese Christmas

Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason

Being a working mom is challenging; basically everyone knows that. Around 10 years ago, I attempted to go back to work full-time and become one of those working moms. My three kids were so little and we were going through the adoption process with Kaleb. There was a lot going on and honestly, it was … Continue reading Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason

I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work

Scammers are a part of reality now. It really is depressing that you have to keep your guard up so much because you just don't know who you can trust. I have had a couple of scammy experiences already like when I thought I was being hired for a work from home job or when … Continue reading I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work

I Just Want To Be Liked

You know how they say that when you get older, you stop caring what people think of you? I have heard that too. Well, I'm older but I'm apparently not one of those people. 😁 I do feel more confident, the older I get. But, yeah, I still care. What can I say? I just … Continue reading I Just Want To Be Liked

The Challenges Of Paying For College

So I'm going to school on-line at UNF. At least, I think I am! I do know that I'm enrolled at the moment. But it could blow up in my face any moment. Ok, here's my story! One of the challenges for getting my BA, besides my ridiculous lack of motivation, has always been money. … Continue reading The Challenges Of Paying For College

Transitioning To Full Time Work

I’ve been quiet on the blog for a few weeks because I started working full-time and I have been too exhausted to write. It was really hard to make the decision to go back to work and it felt so big. I felt like I would be trapped potentially in the wrong place. The last … Continue reading Transitioning To Full Time Work

Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs

Welcome to a weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer ! I haven't blogged in a few weeks. I feel like there has been so much going on and it is, as they say, a whirlwind. I haven't been able to get a toehold but at the same time, I feel very hopeful for … Continue reading Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs

Week Recap: Life Changes

Happy Saturday! And welcome to the #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer This week has been consumed with filming. Brian has really put together a good group of super talented people. It is amazing how committed these people have been to basically a passion project. If we make money, they make money but there are … Continue reading Week Recap: Life Changes

Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida

How was everyone's week? This is another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer Natalie the Explorer! It's been dark and rainy here in Jacksonville but on the upside, it hasn't been as hot. Internet Trolls Beware I wish I had something new to say but we have been busy preparing to film our movie. Four … Continue reading Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida

Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?

I was laying in bed, this morning, wishing I could fall back to sleep. And I started randomly thinking about how my son wants to be called Will but Brian and I still insist on calling him William. Well, not insist. I mean, I have tried to switch but it never sticks. So instead, I … Continue reading Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?

We Are Making A Movie

Internet trolls. Almost everyone has experienced some kind of trolling from a jerk on the internet. Well, that was what inspired my husband, Brian, to write his screenplay and successfully make a movie. (Well, I assume. It’s happening tomorrow!) This has been a dream of his since basically forever so I'm insanely excited for him … Continue reading We Are Making A Movie

Tips For A Successful Cosplay

So you want to cosplay? Well, cosplay is for everyone! No matter your body-type, your gender identity, or race; you have the right to join in the fun. However, that also means that everyone has to struggle with the challenges of cosplaying. So, here are some things to remember when cosplaying! Wear Comfortable Shoes Wear … Continue reading Tips For A Successful Cosplay

What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?

I've been going to conventions for years. I used to hear them referred to as sci-fi conventions but really, it's more than sci-fi. It's about pop culture, fashion, history, movies, tv shows and just about everything else you can think of. And one of the hardest things has always been trying to explain to others … Continue reading What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?

Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie

Welcome to another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie The Explorer! As some of you may know, I attended Enchantment Con a couple of weekends ago as a table helper for my friend, Candy. Although, I choose to refer to myself as her handler, it sounds so much fancier! I was working on an Olaf cosplay, and … Continue reading Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie

Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child

Foster care adoption taught me many things, including how to advocate for myself. I wanted to be a mom and I wasn’t going to let beaurocratic red tape stop me. Not for long, anyway! So in this post, I’m gonna talk about what you can do to help control your fate while trying to adopt. … Continue reading Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child

How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?

How do you go about adopting from foster care? What are the steps involved? I have tried to summarize the process for you! (Disclaimer! I haven't researched each state or any other countries so don’t go arguing with anyone official based on what I say, haha, but this will give you a general idea of … Continue reading How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?

Week Recap! Convention Bound

Welcome to my week’s recap and coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer This was actually a pretty lousy week. I don’t know, maybe mercury was in retrograde or something. I don’t really understand what that means but I know people say it a lot. My daughter ran down my car battery. My job got … Continue reading Week Recap! Convention Bound

Week Recap – The Coffee Share

Happy Coffee Share day, hosted by Natalie the Explorer! I haven’t really had a lot of interesting things happen this week. (But keep reading anyway!) I mean, my car broke down on Monday (it’s better now) but that’s not really a fun story. So I'm not gonna bother telling it. But, on a side note, … Continue reading Week Recap – The Coffee Share

Struggling To Be Healthy

Man, I was doing so well with my new healthy living lifestyle but now I’m in bed, eating a Hershey bar. This is basically exactly what I promised myself I wouldn't do. But, as we all know, it is hard. So hard to stay the course. Especially when life works against you (and when chocolate … Continue reading Struggling To Be Healthy

Trying To Take It Easy – The Coffee Share

I’m finally joining the weekend coffee share, hosted by Natalie The Explorer! Today my coffee is in the form of a smoothie but I’m happy to say that there is caffeine involved! I don't have a lot scheduled this weekend and that was exactly what I wanted. The week was a typical loop week of … Continue reading Trying To Take It Easy – The Coffee Share

How To Make Simple Mother’s Day Tea Sandwiches

I don't know how you will be spending your Mother's day but I'm going to spend mine, making my family eat sandwiches with me! Not just sandwiches but sandwiches with herbs and edible flowers, like Impatiens! Hopefully, this isn’t all that we will do together because this is a quick activity but, still, I am … Continue reading How To Make Simple Mother’s Day Tea Sandwiches

Remembering To Be Kind

I work for Eldergrow. It's a really cool program where I go into assisted living faciliites and do gardening related classes. It’s incredibly fulfilling. Anyway, there is a resident there. She is a real spit fire, as they say. If they still say that. She is sarcastic, snarky, and hilarious, She still smokes and has … Continue reading Remembering To Be Kind

Ant Eaters by Lola Lariscy

Today, I want to share a short story by Lola Lariscy. Lola loves to write about Science Fiction and is a former podcaster. Like me, Lola is a big fan of all things involving movies, tv shows and books. Lola lives in Jacksonville, FL with her beloved kitties and dogs. Oh and she is also … Continue reading Ant Eaters by Lola Lariscy

The Time I Accidentally Stole A Dog

I pride myself on being an animal rescuer. I love all kinds of animals and I'm someone that people call when they find an animal in need. Sometimes, this is a bad thing because I don't know how to say no. Case in point, last week, I rescued a baby possum and a few days … Continue reading The Time I Accidentally Stole A Dog

Tunnel Vision For My Coffee

I like to think I'm an intelligent woman but the most intelligent person can still do nutty things, especially when she are low on caffeine. I recently went to McDonald’s and had another one of those moments. So I was making my morning trip to McDonald's to get my coffee. And apparently, I really needed … Continue reading Tunnel Vision For My Coffee

How To Make Bird Feeder Citrus Cups

Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? And, yes, I'm aware that I am writing this in May but it's still true. National Bird Feeding Month became official in 1994, thanks to Illinois Congressman John Porter. February is one of the most difficult months for birds to make it through so the … Continue reading How To Make Bird Feeder Citrus Cups

Another Day In The Life, A Poem

I was inspired to write a poem after reading this one by Pooja I used to love to write poetry but haven’t in years. So please be gentle, haha😁 I hear my son before I open my eyes, He is bonding virtually with someone across the country. And I realize another day has begun. I … Continue reading Another Day In The Life, A Poem

How To Manage Your Post Con Depression

Depression. Seasonal depression. Manic depression. There are so many different kinds. But, they all stink. For me, right now, it’s Post Con Depression. Yes, it’s a thing. You see, when you go to a convention, you are insulated in this bubble of people who get you. We might have different fandoms but we all are … Continue reading How To Manage Your Post Con Depression

Adopting An Older Child From Foster Care

I’m a big supporter of foster care adoption, as some of you are aware, and I’m so very glad we did it because it brought us to our children. But it wasn’t all simple. Adopting from foster care is a lot. You are at the mercy of case workers and judges. And adopting teenagers is … Continue reading Adopting An Older Child From Foster Care

Is Barron Trump Autistic?

Melania Trump has finally addressed the rumors and confirms that Barron Trump is not autistic. In fact, he suffered bullying due to the incident both on and offline and online and wrote that the incident caused "irreparable damage." How Did the Autism Rumors Start? Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump and … Continue reading Is Barron Trump Autistic?

When Did They Stop Teaching Cursive in School?

For generations, learning cursive was a rite of passage in schools. From ornate loops to perfectly connected letters, cursive handwriting symbolized both education and elegance. But in recent years, the prominence of cursive in school curriculums has dramatically declined. So, when did schools stop teaching cursive, and do they still? Let’s explore the history, current … Continue reading When Did They Stop Teaching Cursive in School?

How Safe Is Online Casino Gaming? What You Need to Know

The rise of online casinos has made gambling more accessible than ever, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. However, with the convenience of online gaming comes an important question: Is it safe to play casino games online? What You Need to Know About Casino Gaming While many platforms … Continue reading How Safe Is Online Casino Gaming? What You Need to Know

Is Pet Fostering for You? A Guide to Opening Your Home and Heart

Pet fostering is a rewarding experience that allows you to provide temporary care for animals in need. Whether you're an animal lover considering fostering for the first time or curious about how it works, this guide will help you decide if pet fostering is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. What Is Pet … Continue reading Is Pet Fostering for You? A Guide to Opening Your Home and Heart