RED & BLACK ... Racing To Launch

Design by Sawyer Pennington, Underlying photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Red assets.rebelmouse.io

It seems like it was only yesterday that we were thinking about a new website. Now we're working on it non-stop.

Black assets.rebelmouse.io

Actually, we have talked about a new website for years, but deciding to create this "skeleton" website became a high priority when COVID-19 changed everything – for everyone.

Red assets.rebelmouse.io

No kidding. I was so surprised when educators reached out to us looking for online resources. But what really caught me off guard was when people started telling me my crisis, which happened years ago when my husband got fired, had so many analogies to what they're having to face today.

Black assets.rebelmouse.io	We all tend to live our lives day-to-day until something happens that is a catalyst to make us stop and take notice. To have to address the situation. The reality of our lives. First, it was COVID-19. Now, it is the disheartening turmoil prompted by the murder of George Floyd.
Red assets.rebelmouse.io	I know that it has left me incredibly sad. And angry. And feeling helpless. But I'll admit, being able to talk with you and get non-emotional feedback has been an enormous help.
Black assets.rebelmouse.io	Funny thing is sometimes I just let you talk. Or, maybe it is that I just cannot get a word in edgewise.
Red assets.rebelmouse.io	Well, everyone knows that I'm the warm and fuzzy one who likes to blah-blah-blah. But I have to tell you, even if I regret it later, that right now I even welcome your sarcasm.
Black assets.rebelmouse.io	In the past, my standard reply to that would have been, "You need to get out more." But, given COVID-19, that is probably not very good advice.
Red assets.rebelmouse.io	Does that mean you have no words of wisdom for me?! Wow, that's a first.
Black assets.rebelmouse.io	Technically, I typically do not tell you what to do. I just ask questions – sometimes lots of questions – to try to make you figure it out yourself.
Red assets.rebelmouse.io	Well, in that case, here's a question for you. Where are we going to find the time to write our monthly column?! I'm already feeling totally overwhelmed, having run out of hours in the day, days ago.
Black assets.rebelmouse.io	Once again, I find myself telling you to calm down. We will just let our readers know what is going on, so they will understand it will be a shorter column than normal. I only wish that we had a firm "launch" date to share with everyone.
Red assets.rebelmouse.io	I want to tell them about how excited we are about our new website! And how we're starting with a few key posts and the "Banter Bites" that we've recently launched on Twitter and Facebook. Of course, I also want to tell them how we'll be adding lots of new information every day! How am I supposed to do all that and keep it short?!
Black assets.rebelmouse.io	You just did.

Want to read other columns? Here's a list.

monthly column

Words & Banter

A Love Of Movies. Or Popcorn?

Photo by Lynda Sanchez on Unsplash

It's a running joke in my family that the only reason I go to the movies is for the popcorn. And while that isn't 100% true, it's probably close, as I can't remember a time when popcorn wasn't an essential part of the experience.

I can still remember seeing Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" when it was first released (in 1974) at the Massapequa movie theater, which was literally at one end of an old strip shopping center. It bore no resemblance to today's multiplex cinemas, and the concession stand offerings were very limited. It was dark and a bit dingy, and the seats were old and uncomfortable. But I didn't care because the popcorn more than made up for it. And while I sat through multiple showings of the movie (it's still one of my favorites), I was grateful my dad had given me enough money to buy multiple popcorns, as in those days there was no such thing as the big bucket, let alone free refills.

Fast forward, and some things never change...

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movies

Words & Banter

We Fondly Call Them … Our Guinea Pigs

Photograph Courtesy of KIPP Houston Art School

Every time we see the photo above of our "guinea pigs", it brings back such fond memories. You may be thinking, "What? Are they calling those students guinea pigs?!" Well, actually, yes. And before you think ill of us, please know that we use the term with great affection, deep gratitude, and utmost respect. And these eight amazing seniors from the Class of 2010 know that's our nickname for them because ...

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student approved

Words & Banter

A Memory Lane Car Analogy?

Red loves to stop and reminisce. Black prefers to look forward.

But even Black will admit that sometimes there’s value in looking back — it reminds us where we came from, the detours and roadblocks we have managed to navigate, and that we may be stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for. Sometimes, it’s a lesson learned. Sometimes, it’s a memory that reminds us what’s truly important.

But Black has one caveat (and it's one of her favorite car analogies) …

If you decide to look back, keep it in perspective. There's a reason why windshields are so much larger than rearview mirrors.

life lessons

DON’T MISS A THING

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