All the things. They’re happening. But not as quickly as they have been happening, and for that little slowdown, I am grateful. I’m helping out with a before-school ACT prep class, in which I explain to kids the irony of the ACT’s dictum against “wordiness,” the “rule” that one uses dashes only in pairs, and the foolery that is Long Sentences Making You Think That Objects of Prepositions Are Actually Subjects of Sentences. [1]
I passed a Praxis test, which is a good step toward teachery legitimacy. I’m all over legitimacy.
I’m teaching TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to my sophomore darlings now, and they’re an even split between liking it and hating it. Also, I read every few chapters out loud to them, and I do my share of shocking by the words that come out of my mouth. I remind them (as often as I remember to) that these aren’t my words, that I wouldn’t normally say some of these words, that we’re developing character through the use of these words, and that if you find yourself offended by my use of these words, I’m sorry for the offense (but not for the words). One thing that’s shocked me is the number of parents who have come in or emailed or spoken to me directly to tell me that “Ick, I hated that book.” I can’t stop my “WHAT!?!?” when we’re in person, but in an answering email I can usually keep it to a polite, “Well, I hope your child has a better experience with the book than you did.” Because WHAT!?!?! Seriously, people. How? I love this book so, so dearly.
And meanwhile, I’m not earning any awards for Wife of the Year. My poor Husband. He’s a champ and he’s always so kind to me, but I know my life of Wearing Thin is wearing thin for him, too. Thanks goodness for Costco’s frozen Orange Chicken, because at least once a week, we get a real meal round here. (THIS IS THE STATE AT WHICH I HAVE ARRIVED. FROZEN DINNER MEANS REAL MEAL.)
Keeping heads above water. That’s the plan.
___
[1] One of the things I say frequently around school is “If it’s already an object, it can’t be a subject.” People think I’ve lost it. They may be right.
(2) Comments for this blog
We read that book in 7th grade and I tried to get out if it by complaint how racist it was, amongst other things, blah, blah, blah. My dad read it and after said that it was a great book and I HAD to read it! I’m so greatful for that. It took a few years before I actually did, but now it’s my all-time favorite book (and movie).
Woohoo! Congrats on the Praxis test Becca!
I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird. I never really appreciated it until I was older. Funny how that works. 😉