I have been in education (in various capacities - ISS, SPED, teacher, & others) since 2004, making this my 21st year in education, but my 18th year in the classroom. This is my 11th year at Fort Osage High School; previously I was at William Chrisman.
I currently teach AP Language & Composition, English 10 and Critical Analysis of Current Events and am the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) advisor.
My passions besides teaching include reading (of course), cooking and fine dining, antiquing, attending live theater (especially musicals), and binge watching TV shows.
TV I've loved: The Diplomat, Nailed It!, Schitt's Creek, Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things, The Politician, Hollywood, The Goldbergs, Good Girls, Dead to Me, The Righteous Gemstones, I'm Sorry, Heart Stoppers, Glamorous, and so many more!
Musicals I've enjoyed: Wicked, Come From Away, Les Misérables, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Mean Girls, Book of Mormon, Little Shop of Horrors, Pretty Woman, Into the Woods, SIX, Anastasia, The Lion King, and Newsies.
Gypsy was one of the original kitties we intended to get (8 years ago). But, Tommy fought his way into our hearts (by head-butting Paul) and we ended up going home with three instead of two.
Gypsy is a loner kitty but she demands attention and it must be given on her terms, when she desires it.
Tommy, however, is a lap cat, black shadow, and a lover. He is constantly around desiring attention and really runs the house (as he's the oldest).
Sweeney was the other "original" kitty. He is Mr. Personality and often considers himself a dog. He plays fetch and loves attention.
Sweeney has an inverted sternum and a crook in his tail (rumored to be a genetic trait in some cats due to the Egyptian princesses breaking cats' tails to hold their jewelry).
He's an instigator and is often the one pushing all the buttons to get reactions from his siblings. But, ultimately, Sweeney is the sweetest kitty.
Charlie is our "special" kitty. He has some back leg issues and is terrified of thunder, rain storms, and being held. But, he loves pets and attention.
We were "suckered" into Charlie at my cousin's house one Christmas six years ago. She lived on a farm and he ran inside her house for protection. When we were there for family Christmas, she was intending to put him out in the barn to fend for himself.
Paul and I couldn't have that, so he came home to live with us - and now lives the good life for sure.
Sweeney & Tommy sharing a favorite blanket
Charlie cuddled in the covers
Sweeney, Gypsy, & Tommy all cuddled up napping
A rare pic of all four kitties in the same space (kinda)
Paul and I have been married for ten years, but together for fifteen. We met at a reunion for a show choir we participated in when we were in college at Truman State University (at different times). I met him Friday night and saw him Saturday morning at a picnic as he crossed the street (in a red tank top, khaki shorts, and bright blue (fake contacts) eyes). Right then I said, "that's the man I'm going to marry" and here we are today. So I say I won him over, but Paul will say he finally broke down and gave in.
A night out at the theater
AP scoring in Tampa, FL
Screamin' Sicilian pizza night
Chaperoning Equality Prom
Fried Mozzarella with Crispy Salami Salad
Pan-Fried Chicken Breast with Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
Beefy Tex-Mex
Pizza Pasta
I collect vintage cookware - this is part of a Glasbake set from the 1950's. It's a rare set to find all the pieces for, but I have them!
Another collection I focus on is glasses. Cartoon glasses from years gone by. This is the "super hero" set, Disney, Wizard of Oz, and others.
This is the Looney Tunes, Woody Woodpecker, Smurfs, Carebears, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and more.
My real obsession in the vintage cookware is Pyrex. These are a few of the sets we've collected.
Paul and I seeing Hamilton. Funny story ... the power went out at intermission & we waited over an hour and a half for the second act - performed without the lighting design!
Paul and I at Dear Evan Hansen. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was a great show!
Local theater companies also do great shows - here, Paul and I are attending Fun Home at the KC Rep.