Monthly Archives: January 2016

3 Things NOT to Say and How to Be Helpful

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Julie Hooker

If someone trusts you enough or, simply happens to be in the awkward situation where there is nothing to do but share a story that includes violence and abuse, simply say, “I’m so sorry.”   Period.   That’s all.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Chocolate = Happiness

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Julie Hooker

After a day of teaching and four hours working on my National Board Certification, I came home feeling a little blue. Fortunately, Tony, from my Kaibab Family, sent Chocolatier Blue for Christmas. (I am blessed.) I opened the box and chose … Continue reading →

Posted in chocolate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Say “Yes” to the Dress

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Julie Hooker

Sometimes, in English class, I think, “This is such a great conversation.  I love the way eighth graders think critically.” Then .  . . Today, discussing The Giver and freedom of choice, I posed the following: Are the any times when it … Continue reading →

Posted in teacher | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ms. Hooker’s Chill, but . . .

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Julie Hooker

Getting back into our routines at school, students practiced public speaking while recounting the best moments of the holiday break. Student 1:  On New Year’s Eve we found my dad’s 20-year-old stash of . . . My eyes widened. Student … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Norovirus = NoMoBHVirus

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Julie Hooker

New Year.  New Virus. After celebrating the New Year on 1/1 at 1:00 at Szechwan Chinese Kitchen and imbibing additional spirits and bubbly at the Hooker House, everything seemed to be falling into place for 2016. Then, on Saturday, January … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, depression | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bigger Broken Hearts

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Julie Hooker

In eighth grade, I barely made it through the dissection of a frog in Mr. Webb’s science class at Churchill Junior High.  Even though I grew up watching my dad sick from his heart failure and endure and open heart … Continue reading →

Posted in Betty White, blogging, Dogs, Dwight Hooker, gratitude, home, life lessons, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sleeping Beauty: Happy New Year

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Julie Hooker

My dad tucked me into bed every single night. Somehow, definitely with a bit of magic, he moved his hands like the birds in Sleeping Beauty as he pulled up my blankets and patted them down around my shoulders and chin. … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, blogging, depression, Dwight Hooker, gratitude, love, magic, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment