Memorial Day - Riverwest Style

I had a nice Memorial Day. It was quiet, but here are some highlights. Sunburn. Mosquito bites and yard work. A swim. A bike ride. Finished a great book - City of Thieves - read it! A water ski show. But then, you know how my day ended? A mayonnaise eating contest!

I simply wanted to buy some organic, locally grown spinach from my co-op. However, when I saw the contest being held outside, I had to stay and watch. The two guys split a jar of mayonnaise - actually it was Vegannaise, which I am not sure if that increases or decreases the gross factor of the contest. The guys were on their 28th spoonful when I arrived. They would only need 2 more each to finish the jar. It was strange to watch, but I felt that I had to stay because I really don't feel as if I'm a part of the neighborhood yet. I recognize people and they probably recognize me too. So, I took my first step today to get to know my neighbors. I cheered them on as they ate vegannaise by the spoonful.

Happy Memorial Day.

Grief?

Last Monday, someone broke into my house. The thief stole my computer, my digital camera, some cash, and my DVDs. I now realize that he (or she!) also took some of my security. The lost computer is not such a big deal because of the money, but because of all of the information stored on it - especially the pictures. And all of the ridiculous items I have been producing so that I can finally finish my licensing to become a teacher. Back to the drawing board, I suppose.

Anyway, today I was thinking about the DVDs that were taken. Only my West Wing and Lord of the Rings collections remain, so obviously the thief has no culture. I'm not much of movie guy, so I won't really miss the movies for the film value. But almost all of them had some sentimental value - or belonged to someone else. I had three movies from Jon - two of which were uncommon French Canadian films and hard to replace. I had a documentary from a guy at church about the Cuban medical system. I'm sure to find that one at Target next to Bringin' Down the House. I also had a library loaner. Owe, I hope the thief returns it to the library.

Many of the other titles were gifts. Shrek - a Christmas present from an aunt, The Shawshank Redemption from Tom, Dead Poets' Society a going-away gift from my co-workers when I left to become a teacher. I don't want them back because I plan to watch them again. I want them back because they were gifts.

Yesterday during class, one of my quiet Asian girls flipped out at her classmates. She tries so hard to concentrate during the lesson and she's surrounded by hooligans. She struggles to concentrate with so much chatter and tomfoolery around her. And then yesterday she snapped. Another student woke up during her tirade and said to the others, "I don't know what you did to make her snap, but I would stop it." When I told her 9th grade teacher about the episode he laughed but he seemed proud. "Good for her." he said, which is how I think most of the teachers and reasonable students felt too. When she was done, I only shook my head and told the class, "She's right."

Unfortunately most of the students laughed at her. Some of it might have been uncomfortable laughter. I hope most of it was because deep inside I want to believe that the majority of the students know that they have to do well in school (and in life). But I know that there was definitely mean-spirited laughter in that room. Kids can be so cruel. Of course, adults can be cruel too. And that's what worries me the most. I'm not sure how many "kids" were laughing. I think they could have been some young adults. And I worry that they just may be mean people who will not "grow out" of this.

The church service today was not especially moving. However, it was worth sitting through if only for the following statement from the minister. After a painfully performed anthem offered by one of the more colorful congregants, the minister acknowledged her by saying, "Yes, He surely knows how much we can bear." I found this hilarious. Why was I the only one laughing?

Mother's Day Record

On this Mother's Day I talked to my grandfather, my grandmother, and my mom in 7 minutes, 33 seconds. We don't banter about in this family.

Less Than Expected

Another teacher called me in the middle of class today to ask me which is the "greater than" sign. My students overheard the conversation. I'm still not sure how many people I should tell about this. At least he is not one of our math teachers.