ArchivesAuthor: Barb Szyszkiewicz

"Pardon me, your purse is ringing." Everybody's got a story to tell about the time someone forgot to turn off their cell phone when they were in the kind of place where silence is expected.  A recent conversation on Facebook led to these tales of woe--the kind where it's funny as long as it doesn't Continue Reading

Want to drive my mom nuts?  It's really simple to do. Just leave your window treatments opened unevenly. I first noticed this quirk of hers when she started teaching.  The shades in her classroom, which faced the sunny side of the building, always had to be uniform in length.  Most middle-school-age kids can't accomplish this, Continue Reading

My husband asked me to plan to attend a banquet luncheon hosted by his company.  The last time we attended this particular event together, we discovered something rather strange.  The banquet was held in a series of three rooms, where guests could mill around and mingle with each other.   There was abundant food and drink. Continue Reading

Sometimes the best part about watching a little-kid basketball game is eavesdropping on the conversations in the stands.  Such as they are--we sit in folding chairs along the side of the gym. Last time Mr. Third Grader had a basketball game, a group of high-school-age players gathered during the second half, waiting for their turn Continue Reading

No matter where she goes, no matter what time of day it is, my daughter is always carrying a weapon. She doesn't even bother to conceal it.  Her weapon of choice is a rubber band.  Since she has long hair, she's always well-supplied with elastic bands to keep her ponytail out of her way.  But Continue Reading

February 7 to 11 is Just Say No to Powerpoint Week! When I was substitute-teaching in December, I discovered that the fifth graders at the school know more about Powerpoint than I do.  It's a good thing they could help each other with their assignments, because I was completely unable to help them! Up to Continue Reading

Want to save money on airfare?  It's not necessarily about when you fly--right now, it's all about when you buy. If you're shopping for your airline ticket on a Saturday,you'll pay more than you will if you purchase that ticket on Tuesday, according to The Wall Street Journal. This article also mentions that airlines' increasing Continue Reading

Are you a Super-fan?  Are you ready for some football? The only one in my household who's interested in the actual football game that will be played this Sunday is Mr. Third Grader.  "Can I stay up and watch the whole Super Bowl?" he begged. Hmmm.  The game starts at 6:30 PM.  There's a good Continue Reading

This Sunday's Super Bowl is a party-worthy occasion.  For football fans, it's a matchup of two top-notch teams.  For people interested in seeing some of the most clever advertising that will hit TV all year, it's a chance to do something we normally avoid:  watch the commercials.  I know that there are some of us Continue Reading

iPhone wannabes who aren't AT&T customers rejoiced over the news that the iPhone will be available for Verizon customers as early as next week.  In fact, if you're already a Verizon wireless customer, you can order your iPhone now. I've been watching this topic on social media with great interest.  People are posting on Facebook Continue Reading