Mrs. Needle Writes

Why are there men's shoes outside our door?   I saw them as I climbed up the stairs to our unit. I felt my stomach tighten as I reached the door. I heard two adult voices as I reached for the doorknob.  I opened the door, and stepped into a nightmare.  The first thing I saw was my five month old daughter's high chair. It was moved from its spot at the dinner table. It was now sitting directly in front of the TV, a foot away from the screen. My daughter was not in the highchair, but who knows how long she sat there. My baby who loves babbling and gazing into my eyes as I sing to her. My stomach turned into a ball of lead.  I turned my gaze to the two adults who were standing, deer-in-the-headlights, by the dinner table. One of them was supposed  to be there, entrusted with the care of my baby. The other was her boyfriend. The ball of lead moved up towards my heart.  I couldn't even hear whatever she/they said to me. All I said was, "Where is Popp

For me, St. Patrick’s Day used to be like this: This was taken in Dublin #studyabroad (LOL “study”) Today, it was like this: I took my daughter on a scavenger hunt to find houses with shamrocks in the window.

“Anybody want a peanut?” It’s that thing you didn’t know you absolutely NEEDED until you heard it was a thing. It’s like being a kid at COMICON, except it’s all booze. Twue Wuv in dark, smoky, liquid form. A Princess Bride themed pop-up bar!!!! We wanted a nightcap after feasting on Sushi Mike's special rolls (see The Last Supper, Part 1). And with the looming possibility of a total shutdown of bars and restaurants, we knew there was only one place to go. The Sixth - a cocktail bar in Chicago - had a monthlong Princess Bride theme.  "I'm not a witch! I'm your wife!" Now, let me break it down so you can comprehend how big this was for me: I married a Wesley (his name was not the reason I married him, but it is a perk). I used an excerpt from the book in my WEDDING VOWS. My thirtieth birthday is on Friday, and what more appropriate way to celebrate than by drinking out of a goddam GOBLET! "He's only mostly dead." I

Last night, my husband and I went out for a date. I know, we’re meant to be socially distancing. But we needed a last hurrah as a couple before we began our isolation with a toddler in a tiny condo. Thank GOD we went on a date! It turned out to be a dream come true! Our night began at a neighborhood sushi joint, small, BYOB. We went because it’s BYOB and we’re poor, but what we realized is that it is a neighborhood destination that we somehow didn’t know about(?!?!). The reason why it’s a destination is Sushi Mike. Sushi Mike is the Japanese-American sushi version of the character who plays the mafia boss’ favorite chef. He is PURE GOLD. His laughter - a shocking cackle- cuts through the sound of chatter and ambient music the way his chef’s knife slices through ahi tuna. Left and right, customers ask their servers to send over a glass of wine for Sushi Mike. It is well deserved. Sushi Mike’s specialty is making special rolls for his guests. Servers ask about allergies and spic

We all have those students who need extra help year after year. Sometimes it seems like it take forever for THE lightbulb - that life changing lightbulb that illuminates that reading identity that was always there, hidden in the shadows - to light up. But when it does, my God is it amazing! My district has closed for COVID-19, but I was the luckiest teacher in the world to witness this moment for a second grade student exactly 2.5 hours before dismissal yesterday. “Mrs. Needle,” he said. “I have a question.” I smiled. “What are you wondering about?” I answered. “Why does the word ‘have’ have an E at the end? It doesn’t make the long sound.” My smile grew exponentially. Wow! I thought. This kiddo not only noticed a word pattern totally unprompted, but also 1) noticed a word that deviated from the pattern and 2) remembered his wondering until I came to pick him up for intervention. “K,” I said. “I’m so proud that you noticed that! What a smart question to ask!” I took out my

Picture this: You’re snuggled up on a plush couch, listening to the gentle patter of the rain on the window, book spread open on your lap. Hell, you can even treat yourself to a San Pellegrino! Not a care in the world. “Mommyyyyy!!!! Mommyyyyy!!!!! MOMMYYYYYYY!!!!!!” The time bomb has gone off. Only... It ain’t YOUR time bomb! Let me backup a second. A few months ago, my mom friend/neighbor came up with a brilliant idea. She and her husband have two tots and never go out on dates. My husband and I have one tot and never go out on dates. We should do a babysitting swap! A convenient solution to save us some date night money, as we live exactly one flight of stairs away from each other. Our deal was simple: Ask a couple days ahead of time for babysitting availability. Make sure tots are sound asleep before leaving for the date. Don’t stay out TOO late. We’re now several months into the arrangement, and I have learned a HARSH truth. I’m afraid I got the raw end of this de