You know when the head space is crowded with a morass of images and feelings? The ghastly news out of Virginia is testing my equanimity and composure; I wanted to flail and rant today in class, as I stood before two groups of college students, but instead I held it together by sheer force of will. Apparently in Virginia, you can buy a gun without giving a reason (but only ONE a month), without obtaining a permit, without undergoing a background check. Despite the prevailing interpretation of the second amendment, something MUST change.
Ehem.
1. Floods happen quickly. We had 6-7 inches of rain in two days which was enough to undermine roads to
the extent that school had to be canceled because the buses couldn’t get through. On the way to work yesterday, I drove through veritable streams on some roads and had to take detours to avoid live wires on other roads.
2. After losing power for fifteen hours and going to sleep (at 9;15!) after blowing out a candle, I experienced how much I love the darkness. And it was no ambient light don’t get out of bed because you might take out an eye DARK!
3. Low blood sugar makes one very nasty, cranky Mama. Apparently, eating yogurt and drinking lots of water in 6 hours (I forgot my lunch today) is not enough. Snarl. Growl.
4. Getting into an entire blue outfit DOES improve things. Ok, AFTER eating and drinking something.
5. Students who chat while they are working think they can’t be heard? Why do they swear? Don’t they know I have radar? Or is that sweardar?
6 
Newman’s Own Organic chocolate sandwich cookies ARE better than Oreos.
7. Relentless rain makes spectacular mud. Ask my dogs.
8. People who drive too quickly through a flooded spot and splash everything in sight, including oncoming traffic and bicycle pedestrians, are butt-heads.
9. “Great Class.” One of my culinary students tossed that at me as he left my grammar lesson. I think I may love my job.
10. My in-laws have announced (via email, to my husband’s account, addressed to my daughters) that they will arrive next Friday. They aren’t speaking to us. I can’t describe how much I look forward to this proposed family get together. I’ll be hosting them and the pathology they bring. Whee!
The in-laws are coming? OH, I’m sorry. I’ll start sending calming thoughts your way….let me know if I can do anything.
Love the post….
A few comments, in no particular order:
~Newman’s own ARE better than Oreos, though, sometimes, a girl’s just gotta slum it and spring for a pack of Double Stuff….
~ The casual, throwaway line from the unexpected student really DOES make up for a multitude of uncertainty and frustration in the job. Good for you!!
~I find it patently unreal that your in-laws can treat you and their son the way they do and still expect to partake of your hospitality. Remember that I’m here - use me for anything you need, up to and including excuses to get the hell out of the house for a few hours.
~my favorite is when the students are whispering to each other while I’m at the board, and I call them on it. Their eyes go big and they are absolutely AMAZED that I heard them. I blame my auditory acuity on my time spent with Deaf folk, but it’s really just that I’m paying attention…
Oh, and sorry about the mud….
Snob, thank you. I may need more calming thoughts than I can muster! Maybe I need some lucky blue socks as a talisman ??
My inlaws have so much pathology, so many years of stunted communication and self absorption that there may not be any hope for them. We’re hosting them without flat out refusing to put up with their crap because husband thinks they can be trained to actually communicate. I am trying so damn hard to align my thoughts in the positive direction, but I may have some anger issues in the way. I am going to take it moment by moment and make no promises other than not to lose my temper. I may have to bite holes in my tongue, but I won’t blow my top. And thank you for the support; I just may take you up on your offer for escape!
Chili, that student’s comment made my day. Maybe my year.