Over the past six months, I’ve produced some heartfelt writing and some shabby fill-ins as my blog evolved. During this time, I’ve realized that what I thought was a great post (or a fun one to write) may not have interested or inspired anyone else. Today’s post is dedicated to what my readers have deemed as the top blog posts of 2009. The results are based on my blog stats and the number of page views – not necessarily scientific but definitely an indication of what you, as my readers, chose to read. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Month: December 2009
What’s My Niche?
Since I started this blog in July, I have read everything possible about blogging. From how to increase traffic to how to engage readers, the experts out in the blogosphere have so much to say. I have learned a lot and I’ve followed some of the advice, but to be honest, much of it I have not. In particular – narrowing my niche. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
The Origin of Woo Hoo Gifts
Sometimes, the best traditions evolve by accident. My family is no exception. In fact, we have our very own woo hoo gift tradition every Christmas that most people don’t understand. It began when I was a child and I’m proud to say that I created the whole woo hoo phenomenon. We all have that one gift that we receive that is the most special. It is not always an expensive gift but more so one that means the most to us. Every year, my mom would wait for my “Woo Hoo!” and she would know which gift she gave me was the most special. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Where Are You Christmas?
There is no question that December is always the busiest month of the year for teachers. We are trying to finish up grading just to end the semester, rushing to post our grades on time, and packing up our offices for our month-long “break.” In between all of this, holiday shopping, wrapping and baking is thrust into our schedule without any time to breathe. We hustle, we bustle, and we often lose sight of why we rush around. Sadly, it always takes me awhile to get into the Christmas spirit. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Last Holiday
Some of my favorite childhood memories stem from Grandma J’s house. It was one of the smallest two-story houses on one of the busiest streets of the city, but all I remember is how big it was in my eyes. It was a place where big memories were made. I can remember sledding down the hill that led to her backyard with my cousins, playing house in the abandoned bedrooms upstairs, and finding Easter eggs in her sitting room when it was rainy outside. Most of all, though, I remember decorating Grandma’s tree the weekend before Christmas every year. She would play Andy Williams records and cousins, aunts, and uncles would gather in her little kitchen to eat hamburgers and chili. She was the only one I knew who used real tinsel on her tree and even though we made a mess that haunted her Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
A Little Roseanne in All of Us
There was something oddly refreshing about watching the TV show Roseanne when it was in its prime. I was in my early 20s when it gained popularity and I remember not only laughing with the TV family but also laughing at my own family in comparison. From unemployment and dysfunctional relationships to dreams of escaping a “lower class” lifestyle, the show publicized the worst traits of the American family that no one had the guts to admit. We laughed at Roseanne on the outside and we laughed with Roseanne on the inside. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Foot-Friendly Writing Techniques
I’m a messy, unfocused writer at times. I make lists, slop words on a page, rant, rave, and then try to make sense of the mess. As I regularly explain to my Composition students, writing is naturally messy, but the process of cleaning up the mess is when the real writing begins. In order to craft a piece that is cohesive, concise, and focused, writers need to find personal strategies and processes that produce perfection. For me, finding my focus involves an odd tradition that has worked for me throughout the past 10 years – I put on my tennis shoes. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Mom, Mommy, Mum, Ma
A few days ago, I watched an episode of Family Guy and laughed so hard at the scene where Stewie consistently calls for his mom. “Lois, Mom, Mommy, Mum, Ma …” and repeat (video clip). Most parents can relate. We are in demand at all times and the beckoning sounds like a broken record. Kids are impatient, time consuming and even annoying with their demands. Some evenings, I swear I’ll scream if I hear the word “mom” one more time. But, the reality is that I am “mom” and it’s a term of endearment that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Why I’m a Selfish Teacher
Before I was a parent, I never bought into the line “this hurts me more than you.” If I was getting grounded or disciplined, how in the world did it pain my mom more than me? But, as an instructor, the phrase bears a hint of truth. It does hurt me when a student fails, which is why I continue to be a selfish teacher. My agenda is selfish – I want to grow and learn, too, and failure is not an option. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
I’m Young, Not Dumb
As a college instructor, I’m relatively young compared to my peers. I don’t have 20+ years experience teaching nor have I been in the journalism field that long. However, just because I’m young, it does not mean that I’m dumb. Academia can be an intimidating environment for newcomers. Ironically, in an industry that is supposed to foster fresh, new learning opportunities, the practices at some colleges and universities often discourage any type of change. The ideology of “that’s not how we do it” stops innovation in its tracks and stalls progress for both faculty and students. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 