Fun with Lists (Part Seis) 3/08/06

What a long day. I had a former student of mine visit again today. Every single time I feel like I am a totally worthless teacher, I'm going to start remembering my first class. Those kids kicked serious ass and reaffirmed my love for this profession. There was an interesting op/ed piece in USA Today about how the teacher cannot be blamed for everything. The students have to meet us halfway. We can only present the information, we can't make them take it. One point the author makes is about how students try to take the easy way out. I see that with many of my freshman. My classes grew in the first week, because many students in the Pre-IB classes decided the class would be too hard. I say "would be" because the students looked at the syllabus, panicked, and got their parents to move them down. The question becomes: Is a B in a regular class better than a C+ in a more difficult class? Only colleges know for sure.
I know some of the seniors read this blog. Let me make two things clear:
1. Do NOT put in my name to speak at graduation. I have heard murmurings, and I HIGHLY recommend you don't ask for me. You will be disappointed.
That being said....
2. If you want to talk smack about me, I don't care. If you want to make fun of me, I don't care. However, you cannot step up to me, talk about how much I don't help you and that I'm useless to you...then come to me for help. When you shut the door, boys and girls, that door is closed. You don't get to tell me how much you don't need me in one breath and then beg for help in the next. We're not in an abusive relationship here. You don't get to give me a black eye and then tell me you love me.
How do I know what you're saying? Easy. You never check (or in certain cases think) before talking. I just might be in the hall nearby, in the room, or even right behind you.
Many of you have come to me for advice, counseling, whatever. You don't get to beg for help and then bitch about what you're getting. You don't like it? Don't ask me then.
Now that I have that out of the way, I have a list that I, uh, procured this from the lovely, talented, and currently needing illumination Michele. Enjoy.
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9 Lasts:
Last ball to the face: Last summer. I was playing in a tennis league and played an OVERLY competitive opponent. As we warmed up, the gentleman decided to test me, so he smashed an easy lob at me and hit me in my face. I ended up beating him...though I didn't get to hit him back.
Last cheer: Uh...does imitating the Spartan Cheerleaders from Saturday Night Live count? Otherwise, gosh, uh, I don't remember ever cheering in the sense of cheerleaders.
Last kiss: twenty-seven minutes ago (as I write this. I mean I am married, folks).
Last movie seen: In general? I watched The Seventh Seal last weekend. Still a brilliant film.
Last phone call: As I write this, I'm talking to my sister in Seattle.
Last CD played: Peter Gabriel, Hit
Last bubble bath: I was 11.
Last time you cried: When my grandmother died. So, three years ago.
Last beverage: Water, baby, water.

8 Have You Evers:
Have you ever dated one of your best friends: Dated her? I married her. (Air five.)
Have you ever skinny dipped: Ha ha ha... yes. Sigh.
Have you ever kissed somebody and regretted it: Yup.
Have you ever fallen in love: Yup, three times. Married the last one.
Have you ever lost someone you loved: By death? Yes. By her cheating one me? Yes.
Have you ever been depressed: Sure.
Have you ever been drunk and thrown up: Yup. I call it college.
Have you ever been in a fight: Yup. Thrown haymakers and all.

7 States You've Been To:
I'll discount where I live and where I have lived (so MN, NY, CT, MO, and MI are out).
1. California
2. Washington
3. Vermont
4. Illinois
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Texas

6 Things You've Done Today:
1. Organized paper work (including tests)
2. Built a railing for a scaffolding (in order to help someone conquer a fear of heights)
3. Made dinner for my wife and myself
4. Taught three classes
5. Laughed with my wife about our days
6. Cleaned my bathroom

5 Things in No Order:
1. Hockey
2. Theatre
3. Cooking
4. Felines
5. Caroline

4 People You can tell [Almost] Anything To:
1. My sister
2. My sister
3. My mother and father (yes, I'm cheating)
4. My lovely wife

3 Wishes:
1. Happiness and prosperity for the people in my life (whether you like me or not).
2. (Slightly selfish, but) To one day bankroll a critcally acclaimed and financially prosperous movie.
3. A true understanding of who I am.

2 Things You Want To Do Before You Die:
1. To scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
2. To take my mother to the French Open.

1 Thing You Regret:
Not listening to EVERYONE around me when they warned me about my Ex.

So there you go. A little more insight into who Leab is.
Tomorrow... I don't know. Maybe some slander, maybe just ramblings. I'm not sure. I need to look at my court order.
Best to you all.
Namaste.