This morning, schools and businesses across the Golden State participated in a massive statewide earthquake drill called "The Great Shakeout." At one of our school sites, the assistant principal went on the school's PA system and methodically went through the steps of the drill- drop, cover, hold, check your surroundings, and evacuate to our… Continue reading The Great ShakeOut: Preparing for the Big One
I confess that I am indeed one of the millions of Americans who year after year makes resolutions for the New Year. If I am entirely honest, about half of the resolutions I make- those such as exercise more, give up caffeine, cut back on carbs, etc.- I make with the intention of not keeping… Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions and/versus Goal Setting
Welcome back to my two-part series on hiking with dogs. Today the focus will be on how to prepare for a hike with your best pal. As with just about everything in life, there are some inherent risks in exploring the great outdoors. Weather, unexpected terrain, wildlife (by which I typically mean insects and snakes,… Continue reading Great Hikes: Be Prepared
I'm back, after a crazy busy week working our elementary school book fair, balancing the kids' activities and my own schedule, and trying to stay sane through it all. Don't get me wrong. I'm incredibly blessed to have these four children, and for them to be so involved in great activities. Jacob is part of… Continue reading The Years are Short, but the Days are Busy
Today was Picture Day at the elementary school Sami attends. It was the last Picture Day that I will pay Lifetouch good money for class photos, for an envelope of three-by-fives and wallets to pass out to relatives out-of-state and overseas. Samantha is in fifth grade this year; next year she will be joining her… Continue reading Preserving Elementary School Memories: How Time Does Fly
