I grew up in Michigan. Being a hardy Michigander, I used to slog to elementary school wearing every piece of cold-weather clothing possible: snow pants, coat, boots, scarf, hat, and mittens. And when I taught kindergarten in Michigan, my students did the same. Each day for recess, I would help them wrestle into their clothing…
In just a little more than a week, many of us will place our hopes of an early spring on the forecast of an extremely furry fella with ridiculously long teeth. Honestly, except for the last few days, our winter has felt like spring. Our local groundhog could very well get a mouthful of daffodils…
“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” –Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King was a big proponent of communication. And when you think about it, being an…
So, when is it reasonable to use the words lanterns and rats in the same sentence? When you’re talkin’ about Chinese New Year 2020, that’s when! This year Chinese New Year begins January 25th. The holiday is based on the Lunar calendar, which means the dates change from year to year. On a Lunar calendar,…
Are you smitten with mittens or gaga for gloves? I’m a glove gal myself on most days. When I wear mittens I have trouble hanging onto stuff. (Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) You’ll find a great selection of mitten and glove activities at themailbox.com. Search “mittens” and you’ll be lookin’ at…
We haven’t gotten any snow here in Greensboro, NC. Yes, we generally have mild winters but by January there have usually been at least a few snowflake sightings. (And we all press our noses up against the office windows just like little kids.) I’m a bit disappointed. I’m visiting my home state–Michigan–in a couple of…
The new year is almost here! And that means it’s time for parties–or maybe snuggling up in pajamas with some champagne. Whatever your celebratory method, one commonality a lot of people share is the making of resolutions. So to help out, I’ve created a totally subjective list. 🙂 Exercise more. Organize the bathroom closet. Spend…
When you read this blog I can promise you one thing—I won’t be at my desk. No, I won’t be at the printer or in the ladies room either. I’ll be home for a few days of what I’m calling my memememe time. It’s just two days, however when these two days are paired with…
Many of you have started your winter break and others will be starting it soon. Congratulations for making it through the crazy month of December! With super-excited children, lots of sugar, and a crazy schedule, I know that you’re probably both exhausted and a little twitchy. So what should you do to recover over winter…
Give me a second. I need to recover from asking such a silly question: Is sloppy work ever okay? My answer to this question remains a firm “No.” Yet, I must share something I recently learned that could entice a bit of seasonal sloppiness if you are so inclined. A recent series of experiments have…