All Things Go

Hello friends! How are things in your world? As I think I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m a full-time middle school teacher, and right now, it is state testing time. I feel for my students: they are tired, they are bored, they are READY FOR SUMMER. That said, every teacher I know is out here fighting for their life right now, praying to make it to the last day of school. Much like our students, we are tired, we are a bit grumpy and burned out, and we are also ready for summer. 

Every year, as school winds down, things feel bittersweet. I teach 7th and 8th grade, and it always means a big goodbye and sending some beloved kids to high school. This year is a little heavier on the bitter side, because I’m saying goodbye to a truly extraordinary group of students after having the pleasure of teaching many of them for both 7th and 8th grade. Catch me reading names on stage at 8th grade promotion and crying a little (okay, fine, maybe full on sobbing). The thing about teaching is that there are days when it feels like the year may never end, but it always does, and when the students you’ve cared for over nine-ish months leave, it’s always sad, no matter how stressful the year has been. This is my 18th year of teaching, and I keep waiting for the transition to feel less sad, but it never does. Thankfully, I’ve also learned that the next year, a new group of students comes and you care for them just as much — maybe not in the same exact ways, but in the perfect, necessary ways required for that group. 

I’m convinced more and more that this is a lot like the meaning of everything: things change, people go, new things are added to our lives while others leave, and while it can feel profoundly sad, it’s rare that something good doesn’t come in to take its place. Wherever you are in the transition right now, I hope you’re finding some good things there, or trusting that they’re just around the corner. 

• Speaking of school and teens, the Internet is ablaze with thoughts about teens and phones. As someone who has spent 18 years around teenagers, I cannot agree more wholeheartedly that we need to pump the brakes on when kids get phones and how they use them (also, parents, please, monitor your children’s phones. I know you think your child would never but trust me THEY WOULD AND ARE). Some food for thought: Get Tech Out Of The Classroom Before It’s Too Late and End The Phone-Based Childhood Now. (NYT, The Atlantic)

• I have to admit that at least once a week, I try to figure out how I could live my life and have a dumb phone, and I’m not alone: The Dumb Phone Boom Is Real. (The New Yorker)

• Happy to share that I’m teaching two classes with The Porch this summer if you’re looking for a boost to your writing practice. I’m teaching one about writing in five-minute sprints, and one about using tarot to enhance your creative practice. Both classes are being held virtually on Zoom, so you can join me from anywhere! Hope to see you in one or both classes! 

• It seems like everyone I know is exhausted. Maybe you just need to take a nap right now? Millennials are quitting the rat race for “the soft life” and it sounds pretty good, to be honest. One of my favorites, Arthur C. Brooks, offers tips on how to be less busy, and happier. (Substack, The Guardian, The Atlantic)  

• I already introduced y’all to my favorite Anthropologie Colette Pant, now meet the world’s BEST dress: the Somerset Maxi Dress. I’ve worn it to teach, to brunch, to dinner, to a wedding — it’s perfect. Comfortable, easy to wash, can be dressed up or down. It comes in Plus sizes, a million patterns and colors. Highly recommend it. (Anthropologie)

• Spring makes me want to have tea. And I don’t know about you, but when I drink tea, I require scones. I’m a big fan of these peaches and cream scones, these orange and dark chocolate scones, and I’m looking forward to trying these apricot ginger scones! (Joy The Baker)

• Who doesn’t love giving compliments? I loved this list of 6 Compliments That Land Every Time. Related: for those of us who tend to shrug off nice words from others, What To Do When Praise Makes You Uncomfortable. (Time, Harvard Business Review)

• Conversely: how to stop completely spiraling when you get a little criticism. (Self)

• As someone who came out as gay at age 30, I loved this article about a middle-aged women reinventing herself after being married and having children, and being willing to ask questions about her sexuality and her reality. Everyone should be free to create a reality that suits them, no matter their age. (Salon)

• The world’s most beautiful libraries. (Conde Nast Traveler)

• Nature remains undefeated in terms of improving our mental health. Loved this about the three-day effect and the power of an awe walk. (REI, NYT)

• Were you ALSO obsessed with the novel Normal People and/or the very spicy show adapted from it (on Hulu)? Were you also devastated by not knowing if Marianne and Connell ever interacted again? May I present to you this FOLLOW-UP SHORT STORY THAT EXISTS? As a major Sally Rooney fan (or, as writer Brandon Taylor recently referred to us, “Rooney Toons”) I have no idea how I missed this, but IT THRILLED ME. (Bookshop, The White Review)

• In a world where everything is aesthetic and beautiful, I loved this ode to the ugliest mug in your cabinet — you know you’ve got one. (Eater)

• I love a spring salad, and this strawberry, cucumber, feta number is light and dreamy (Joy The Baker)

• Summer is on the way, and I don’t know about you, but every time I leave the house during the summer, it’s a $50 adventure, minimum. Let’s get our summer budgets tight and right. If you don’t know where to begin, start with these financial planners women want to listen to. (Everygirl, Time)

• Loved these tips and tricks restaurants use to make diners feel special (even though it made me glad that I don’t order hot chocolate frequently unless I’m in Paris). (Food and Wine)

• The most talked-about books of 2024 so far. (W Magazine)