4 days agoMember-onlySite Changes: The Evolution of Web Development from Mainframes to Modern FrameworksI started IT during the time of mainframes. I took a short break when we had my oldest son over 30 years ago and proceeded to return to a workforce for a short time to work with water resources and develop water flow models with Visual Basic. The internet wasn’t…Working Mom4 min readWorking Mom4 min read
5 days agoMember-onlyWhy Do We Even Need Math? Unraveling Its Importance Beyond the BasicsMy husband likes to tell the story of how when one of the fast food giants tried to sell both a quarter pound burger and a third pound burger, the 1/4 pound burger sold better — why? Because people knew 4 is larger than 3. Because of the fear of…Math3 min readMath3 min read
Nov 15Member-onlyNavigating Challenges in Our Educational JourneyI originally wrote this a couple years ago while dealing with issues that I faced with our local school district. Due to the issues, we ended up instead moving our student to a private school in the area and he is doing great. (Not just well but great) I’ve recently…School Board3 min readSchool Board3 min read
Nov 13Member-onlyThe Challenges of Carbon Sequestration: Storing CO2 UndergroundIn our ongoing battle against climate change, carbon sequestration — the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) — has emerged as a potential game-changer. Among various methods, storing CO2 underground has garnered significant attention. …Carbon Sequestration2 min readCarbon Sequestration2 min read
Nov 2Member-onlyTransforming a Metal Shed into a Chicken Coop: A Comprehensive GuideConverting a metal shed into a chicken coop can be an economical and practical way to provide a comfortable, secure environment for your backyard chickens. I was looking for an easy way to add a larger coop for my chickens. I currently have two coops I purchased from Amazon and…Farm3 min readFarm3 min read
Oct 29Member-onlyEmbracing the Great Outdoors: A Love for Nature, Even Without CampingGrowing up in the countryside, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature every day. The rolling hills, vast fields, and dense forests were my playground, and I couldn’t have asked for a more idyllic childhood setting. However, when it came to the idea of camping, my dad’s response was…Outdoors3 min readOutdoors3 min read
Oct 28Member-onlyControversy Over Librarian’s Dismissal: The Misinterpretation of Autism Awareness and LGBTQ SymbolsIn the News In a recent news story that has sparked outrage and debate, a librarian found herself at the center of controversy after being fired for a display promoting autism awareness. The display featured the infinity rainbow symbol, which is often associated with neurodiversity, but some board members and…Autism2 min readAutism2 min read
Oct 24Member-onlyPros and Cons for Invest in Kids in IllinoisThe “Invest in Kids” program in Illinois, also known as the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Program, is designed to provide scholarships to eligible students to attend private schools in the state. My husband and I don’t receive the benefits of this program and I’ve looked at the pros and cons…Invest In Kids2 min readInvest In Kids2 min read
Oct 23Member-onlyUnderstanding the Autism Spectrum: A Diverse World of MindsAutism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex and multifaceted neurological condition that has been the subject of much discussion and research in recent years. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, abilities, and challenges, making it a truly diverse and unique way of thinking and…Autism4 min readAutism4 min read
Oct 19Member-onlyWhy Do You Have So Many Meetings? Explaining the Role of Meetings in the Modern WorkplaceOne day, while driving my mother, a farmer’s wife, to the doctor’s office, she turned to me and asked, “Why do you have so many meetings in your office job?” It was a simple question, but it got me thinking about the role of meetings in the modern workplace. …Work2 min readWork2 min read