Weekend At The Holiday Parade

Even a little wind and rain couldn’t stop a perfectly planned staycation and the annual Holiday Parade at the Beach in my city last weekend. It was amazing. The streets were packed with eager residents and visitors to view the holiday fun and cheer as the parade carried on at the local oceanfront. It was beautiful and couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The smiling faces, festive floats, and talented bands and dancers were a wonderful treat to take in. After the parade, I happily retired to my hotel room, filled with delicious treats, and an amazing and peaceful view of the beach from my balcony window. It was one of the most chill staycations I’ve done thus far and a great way to kick off the holidays. Have fun this holiday season and make the most of the final month of this year. You deserve it. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

Early Christmas Present: A Side of Serendipity

I don’t believe in forcing things or dating apps or being thirsty for the attention of guys, but I believe in God and I believe in serendipity. This week I met a charming guy when I was picking up my car from the car dealership. He was picking up his car too. I’d just had my yearly inspection done and couldn’t wait to have my ride back. As I waited for a mechanic to bring my car out front, the charming guy sat down next to me, started talking about the work he got done on his car, mentioned the holidays, and the weather, and said, “You’re really pretty. When I saw you, I was hoping you weren’t leaving.” He was nice and real chill. We chatted for a while and when he asked for my number, I told him, “I don’t give out my number, but I’ll take yours.” After dodging some creepers and indulging some not-so-great guys in the past, it’s been in my best interest as a bachelorette not to provide my number too freely. He was cool about it, though, and gave me his number. I was slightly impressed, and also reminded that you don’t have to force things or hop on a dating app or be thirsty. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, much like I have been anytime I’ve met a chill guy. I wasn’t nervous. And nothing felt forced. And things weren’t awkward. Things were casual and cool. Although our encounter was brief, it was nice. I’ve doubted God and His plans for my dating life and love life, but I’m seeing the benefits of letting things happen naturally. The gift of serendipity is lovely, and I hope you all embrace whatever serendipity may mean for you in this season as well. Especially all you wonderful, eligible, and amazing bachelorettes. Happy Holidays!

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves