Tag Archives: teaching life

When Students See Teachers in the Wild

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

As a kid, I believed a lot of ridiculous things — gum stayed in your stomach for seven years, Pop Rocks and Coke could make you explode, and TV commercials told the truth. But one strange assumption stuck with me longer than most: teachers didn’t seem like regular people with regular lives. Continue reading →

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I Don’t Hate Student Slang. I Hate Whatever “6-7” Is.

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Every generation has its annoying slang, but “6-7” feels different. It is loud, contagious, mostly meaningless by the time it reaches the classroom, and somehow perfectly designed to derail learning five seconds after it begins. Continue reading →

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The Luxury of Finally Being Left Alone

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Sometimes joy isn’t an event or an achievement. Sometimes it’s the quiet after school, the comfort of an old massage chair, relaxing music, and a decent bourbon in a Glencairn while the world finally stops asking for something. Continue reading →

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My Brain Apparently Works the Night Shift

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The world gets quiet, ideas finally show up, and suddenly my brain wants to do its best work — usually at exactly the hour when I should be asleep. Continue reading →

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Fifteen Minutes of Recovery

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Sometimes unwinding means silence. Sometimes writing. Sometimes a noisy massage chair that still knows exactly where the day left its mark. Continue reading →

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My Morning Ritual Is Mostly Controlled Improvisation

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some people begin the day with a carefully crafted routine — quiet reflection, exercise, a healthy breakfast, maybe even something inspirational. My mornings usually involve checking the clock, realizing time has moved faster than expected, and relying on one odd little mnemonic to make sure I don’t leave the house without half the things I need. Continue reading →

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Hydration Depends on the Mood (and the Meeting)

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

What’s my favorite drink? That depends. If I’m melting in Florida heat, it’s Glacier Cherry (which is somehow white). If I’m teaching, it’s a giganto Wawa concoction. If I’m reflective at my desk… well, that answer comes in amber. Context matters—even in a cup. Continue reading →

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The Quiet Joys I Keep Coming Back To

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Leisure isn’t about escape anymore. It’s about presence—time with the people I love, words written without deadlines, and moments of quiet that remind me who I am when the noise fades. Continue reading →

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No Snack. It’s Second Period.

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

At 10 a.m., I won’t be thinking about food at all. I’ll be in the middle of second period, trying to get journalism students to finish their articles, pushing momentum instead of reaching for snacks. Some parts of the day don’t leave room for nibbling—only focus. Continue reading →

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Same Challenges, Different Jerseys

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some challenges don’t disappear with time—they just change uniforms. Time, energy, patience, and knowing when to let go keep lining up across from me. The work isn’t defeating them once; it’s learning how to face them better each time they return. Continue reading →

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