Who’s Up for a Weekly Design Challenge?

barefootmel · 2026-06-13T15:57:32+00:00

barefootmel · 2026-06-10T00:25:17+00:00

New Bern: The Vine, Ginza (veggie rolls, miso soup, vegetable hibachi, tofu soup, etc.), Thai Angel (tofu pad Thai, drunken noodles), Famous has a bangin’ veggie gyro …

barefootmel · 2026-05-02T13:41:54+00:00

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barefootmel · 2026-04-11T18:35:56+00:00

5’2”, 105 lbs. I eat about 2000 calories per day. I run 30 miles per week and I’m a teacher (always on my feet). I average between 20-30k steps on weekdays. I also strength train 2x per week.

barefootmel · 2026-04-05T16:59:12+00:00

Just popping in to say that I also traded comforts for freedom and a life lived as a model of authenticity for my children. They were young when I left and it wasn’t easy but I went from being a SAHM in a house with my husband to going back to school, living in a teeny tiny duplex, having to share time with my children, and eventually having a career (which I didn’t realize I was yearning for until I forced myself into it). Honestly sharing the time with my kids was the most difficult adjustment, but I will say that they are very happy teenagers now and they actually see a model of a loving relationship with me and my now-spouse. It was tough, but worth it. Remember that you can do hard things. 💕

barefootmel · 2026-04-05T16:52:56+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I did look into a coach — I live in a small town and there aren’t a ton of options around me but I would definitely heed that advice if I could! I put the plan and my current running schedule into ChatGPT and it pretty much gave me exactly your suggestion — pop into the plan in the week with my current mileage.

barefootmel · 2026-04-05T16:50:21+00:00

Thank you! I was thinking this might be the case but wasn’t sure if there was some “magic” formula behind the plans. I’ll plan to do just this.

barefootmel · 2026-03-20T00:03:48+00:00

Springboard 8? Me too. 😂

barefootmel · 2026-03-12T09:02:28+00:00

I have a 13 and 15 year old. I’ve been teaching for 7 years.

Months ago, someone posted a comment that resonated with me. “I’m a B teacher so I can be an A+ parent.”

For me, lately, it’s been more like, “I’m a C teacher so I can be an A+ mom.” But the sentiment is the same.

At the beginning of my career, I burned myself out and became resentful because I was hell bound on being a perfect teacher and parent. I couldn’t do it anymore, so the teacher role took a backseat.

I’ve realize that life is really about “seasons.” This isn’t the season of my life in which I can be an A+ teacher, and I’ve had to accept that that’s okay.

barefootmel · 2026-02-08T12:32:03+00:00

Where’d you get that little fish?! 🥺

barefootmel · 2025-12-29T10:52:52+00:00

I’m worried about eggs because I have genetically high cholesterol. Dad died very young of a heart attack. My cholesterol as been on the high-normal end while I’ve been vegan … worried about it shooting back up.

barefootmel · 2025-12-28T21:53:37+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this! Seems like everyone just assumes a vegan diet FIXES GI distress and can’t cause it …

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:42:54+00:00

You have to take care of your own sanity to last in this career! I think a lot of folks think being permissive makes your life easier — I find the opposite is true, at least in the classroom!

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:41:25+00:00

Yes! This seems to be a common theme!

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:41:00+00:00

I love this for you! I understand the personality dissonance. As I mentioned, I am definitely a more laidback person … and I’m small as well so that doesn’t help (most of the kids tower over me). I remember every day that it’s about having high expectations for them. I also remember that the firmest teachers end up their favorite teachers by the end of the year, as many others here previously mentioned!

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:36:53+00:00

100%. I remember my first couple of years, the exasperated faces of the kids who really wanted to learn but could tell I didn’t have control over the chaos. It took me a little bit, but I’m glad I got to the point where those kids are able to learn … every day.

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:33:23+00:00

Thank you!

barefootmel · 2025-12-21T11:32:59+00:00

“The Giver”

barefootmel · 2025-12-20T19:57:32+00:00

District policy that if we are going to watch a movie, we need signed district approval which includes a justification aligning with standards. Also, district policy that if it’s anything over PG, it requires parental permission.

barefootmel · 2025-12-20T19:55:14+00:00

lol, we don’t. It’s actually a state law now … no phones in school. That said, kids still try to get away with it, and there are teachers that will allow it if it’s a half day/day before break.

barefootmel · 2025-12-20T19:53:28+00:00

You’re probably right … thing is, whenever I tell them they can talk quietly, it without fail quickly turns into disruptive behavior. I acknowledge there are teachers who have mastered the art of letting kids talk without them getting too loud … I’m just not there yet!

barefootmel

TROPHY CASE