Juror #7

I've thought about whether or not I should ever publically write about this. With high-profile trials and hotly contested decisions frequently in the news, I can see both pros and cons to sharing some of my experiences. But I think it is useful and valuable to speak publically about first-person life-changing moments. So here goes …

The I.T. Girl

In the late spring, I was part of a panel discussion about our school district's science and computer science curriculum.  The brief computer science discussion focused on the high school curriculum; very quickly, the conversation centered around the identity of most of our high school's computer science students: non-minority males.  The meeting was too short …

National Archery in Schools Program

This week, we learned that our elementary school's Archery Team program is ending, due to our team's two coaches getting split up to teach PE at two different elementary schools.  (One PE teacher with NASP certification is not enough person-power to handle the work required to run a NASP PE program and team.  A MINIMUM …

Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve

This area is in Valmeyer, IL.  It is situated against of and on top of the bluffs near the Mississippi River.  There is ample parking at the trail head.  Of note to runners, walkers, and hikers, there is only ONE porta-potty on the site, so take this into account when planning your trip. Also, please …

LaBarque Creek Conservation Area

Our second of three hikes south of Eureka, Missouri, covered the trail at the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area.  This 3+ mile trail includes more significant climbs that the other two conservation area hikes in the same region.   Hiking this trail in the clockwise direction makes the most sense, allowing hikers to climb uphill during one …

Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area

This conservation area ranks high among my list of favorite hikes in all of the Saint Louis region.  In particular, I loved the changing scenery throughout this hike.  If I could do anything to make this better, more/longer trail options might just put it over the top.  That, and I'd prefer not to walk under …

Young Conservation Area

During this past balmy winter, our family hiked trails in three conservation areas, just south of Eureka, Missouri.  Our first venture, hiking in the Young Conservation Area, covered the Taconic Loop Trail to the LaBarque Hills trail (counterclockwise) and back. Initially, the hike leads through tall prairie grassland. The Taconic Loop Trail stays close to …

Pastor Ed and the First Rule of Poker

I have a million different blog articles whirling around in my brain, wanting to be written.  But today, I felt that I needed to revisit my "Messengers" category.  The whole point of Messengers, for me, is to write about people who positively influence me along the way.  More than just nebulous "positive influence" my Messengers …

Sac Town

Over New Year's, our family flew to Sacramento, California, to visit my sister and her family.  Surrounded by fertile farm and ranch lands, Sacramento is a bit like the St. Louis of California.  It feels like a mid-size working class California city, rather than a hot destination for tourists, but regardless, if you happen to …

Medical Hierarchy

This one's for my friend Katie.  She asked me to explain the hierarchy and experience of the medical staff at a teaching hospital, as she found all the titles confusing while her son was in the hospital.  Here are my definitions of roles in a teaching hospital, listed in order of years of training and …