I never got to go prom. Be it a sports tournament or my lack of popularity, my own high school prom was just not in the cards for me. When I became a teacher, Prom became an excuse to go out to a nice Nashville dinner, drink a bottle of wine with the other lushes … Continue reading My Favorite Prom
Things that make my heart smile
A Tiny Graduation with a Big Heart
I love graduation. It is that culminating moment when all of the blood, sweat, tears, anger, laughers, failure and successes pay off. It doesn't matter how much grief a student has given me over the years, seeing him or her walk a stage and receive a diploma makes all of the pain worth it. My … Continue reading A Tiny Graduation with a Big Heart
Teacher Prom
For the second year in a row, Edison Garrone has outdone himself. In an effort to increase teacher morale at the school, Edison was permitted to throw a teacher prom during a Friday evening in our auditorium. Teacher prom is exactly what it sounds like: Food, alcoholic beverages, dancing, and a lot of teachers getting … Continue reading Teacher Prom
Date Night with Tavis
I got the text message, "So glad to have my eating and drinking buddy back!" My friend Tavis is loves tastes as much as I do. We love trying new food. We love experiencing fine-dinning restaurants. We love wine pairings. I have plenty of friends who share this love with me, but Tavis is special. … Continue reading Date Night with Tavis
Kim-O de Mayo
What do you do when your blood work comes back normal and you can finally drink alcohol again? You celebrate! Salud! My friend Robert asked what I was going to do the day I could finally drink. Have a party, obviously. And that is when he coined Kim-O de Mayo. May 9th was my last … Continue reading Kim-O de Mayo
Silly Socks and Wigs
What do all of the UAS teachers and students do for the English teacher the Monday after she finishes her last chemo? They all take off their shoes, put on some really silly socks, and wear some wigs. Then they come in all day bringing memes about finishing chemo and "take that" cancer cards and … Continue reading Silly Socks and Wigs
A Sweet Note from Katie
Katie came over Wednesday to give me a final little note. It touched my heart beyond words. She has been through it all with me. Like my mom, she has kept the smile on her face, the air a positive space, and the ear when I just needed to say how unfair it all was. … Continue reading A Sweet Note from Katie
My brother is looking out for me…
I was talking to my brother, ranting about life while eating. I had not been hungry all week and then Saturday, I was starving and couldn't fill my tummy fast enough. Sweet, salty, spicy - I wanted it all. Mom found these organic tortilla chips that have like three ingredients (thus cancer-free approved). BUT we … Continue reading My brother is looking out for me…
The Domino Effect
This week is spirit week at school. It is always my FAVORITE week because we get to dress up silly and be really creative. Our kids are kind of lame at UAS. Unlike at Hendersonville where the cooler you were, the wackier you dressed, these kids think they are way too cool to dress up. … Continue reading The Domino Effect
Holding onto the Perfect Days
At the beginning of treatments I had good weeks. Lately it has dwindled down to good days. And even during the good days there are still moments of frustration or annoyance because I can't do something or I don't have the energy or a period of dizziness comes out of nowhere or I am obligated … Continue reading Holding onto the Perfect Days