Peel-and-Stick Laminate
on Nov 16, 2009 in my stupid behavior school stories elementary school Later this week is the annual First Grade Pirate Party at my kids' elementary school. A few weeks ago, I sent a note to the event coordinator volunteering to help decorate the gym. The note I received in reply thanked me for my willingness to come...

Friends with Benefits
on Nov 13, 2009Our family cat is missing a few brain cells, but is smart enough to know that befriending a baby brings rewards.Earlier this week, I went out to dinner with a group of friends.If only I had thought to distract them long enough to swipe a few choice m...

Stolen Goods
on Nov 9, 2009 in store employees shopping Christmas Last week, my mother-in-law (who lives in California), paid us a visit. I've been married for twelve years and have known Sue since I was twelve, so needless to say, we feel pretty comfortable around each other.It's probably because I feel so comfort...

George Washington's Letter
on Nov 6, 2009 in academia medieval literature (a George letter but not the George letter)Earlier this week, I taught a seminar at a local university on the history of the book. I gave the presentation in a room filled with documentary treasures: several medieval manuscripts, a sixteenth-century...

The Thief in the Night
on Nov 5, 2009 in kids and school homework Late at night, after everyone goes to bed, I hide my kids' homework folders in strange places: underneath the seat cushions of the sofa, behind the video game console in the basement, on a pantry shelf next to the fruit snacks. I do this because I wa...

Game 5
on Nov 3, 2009 in World Series 2009 My husband's company gave him two tickets to Game 5 of the World Series, which was played last night in Philadelphia.I like the Phillies, but I liked the idea of having $5,000 in my pocket a whole lot more. That is how much our seats were going for...

Halloween Pictures
on Nov 2, 2009 in camera pictures When I went to take pictures of my kids in their Halloween costumes on Saturday night, I found that my camera's memory card was full. Full of awesomeness.These photos, plus an additional 87 pictures of monkey, serve as as the primary reason why I am...

Good News and a Good Opportunity
on Nov 1, 2009 in special moms advertising Miracle Mason 1. Remember Chandra? She was one of our special moms featured for Mother's Day. Chandra made me smile she sent me a limerick about her struggle with infertility:There once was a blue "mom" with no kiddiesWho tired of those inquiring old biddies!So sh...

The First Grade Halloween Party
on Oct 31, 2009 in Halloween party home room mother Halloween costumes Yesterday was my daughter's first grade Halloween party. As a room parent, I had the privilege of assisting 20 six-year-olds change into their Halloween costumes in preparation for a thirty second parade around the parking lot. Two other mothers, i...

Tutorial: Halloween Costumes for Academics
on Oct 29, 2009 in Halloween party Halloween costumes Most people can dress up as whatever/whoever they want for Halloween.If you are an English professor/Humanities graduate student/undergraduate English major/enrolled in A.P. English in high school, however, your costume options are a bit more limited...