This January has been an intense month, simply put, in my world. With all of the highs and lows, there has been a consistent middle ground feeling of ‘grey’ and ‘ugh’, a maddening frustration with this pandemic, and an almost overwhelming case of cabin fever. On top of everything else, my (self-diagnosed) Seasonal Affective Disorder […]
Author Archives: jbaldwinglenn
First up, let’s talk about the Inauguration! What a day! So wonderful to celebrate America’s first female Vice President, first African American Vice President, first Caribbean American Vice President and first Asian American Vice President! I wore my pearls on Wednesday while teaching in honor of Madame Vice President, Kamala Harris, and was able to […]
The quieter one. More reserved. My public high school experience was one of privilege. Granted I didn’t realize at the time just how lucky I was, but in comparison to where I have taught throughout my own teaching career, I recognize just how much we had back then in regards to resources–and amazing teachers. Many […]
This post was heading in a totally different direction at 1:00PM Central time this afternoon. I headed out the door to walk the dogs feeling content that my birthday was off to a very pleasant day. It was a partly sunny day–after a number of cranky grey days. My Facebook account was hopping with messages […]
I remember that a few times when I was a kid during our summers at the Cottage, my introverted side would kick in and I would need some space. I remember a few evenings grabbing my tackle box with its hooks, sinkers, and lures–the tools needed to fish–as well as a fishing rod and a […]
In the midst of world wide adversity, my Vanda orchid has managed to bloom 3 times this year! 3 times! It started blooming again at the end of November and is still vibrant today! I kicked off 2020 with a post about this special plant and how important orchids are to me, as well as […]
Reflecting on this year, especially the past 9 months of being homebound thanks to COVID, there has been one constant throughout which has been key to my well being: walking the dogs. We live in a condo (way up on the third floor) without a yard, which means the dogs have to get outside to […]
Part of my Why I Teach series. I taught at Chicago’s Harper High School for 6 years. While I was there, only 6% of my students were reading at grade level and the school was consecutively listed as one of the bottom 3 high schools within the 60 or so high schools that were a […]
An update of one of my favorite posts. I’ve been extremely lucky. While the past few years have definitely been challenging ones, the bulk of my 50 52 years have been filled with lots of magic and adventure. I know a number of people who hide their age, but I’m of the mindset that I […]
One of the most enduring pieces of advice that former Recovery On Water Programs Director Devlin gave me was the idea that you embrace the trials and tribulations, the struggles, the hardships, the challenges in one’s life, so that when things get difficult the next time, you know you have persevered through the bad stuff […]
