drum the hum

Humdrum. I loved my lessons today but was in the minority. I caved to holiday fever and discussed Valentine's in both Language Arts and Social Studies. In Language Arts, I introduced them to some Shakespeare's Sonnets (130 and 116 if there is an afficionado in the crowd). Surprise: they preferred the humorous one. "Breasts" provided about 2 minutes of entertainment in each block. I told them he was referring to her skin, but they'd buy none of that. And, it proved a sly introduction to poetry.

The novel I found set in Nigeria isn't as popular as the DiCamillo books I read. But, I'm realizing that I will meet whining, wheedling and complaining at every juncture in 7th-grade land. I think some of my students would break into hives if they accidentally admitted to liking something in class. (This year of teaching is showing me how insulated I was from the reality of my profound nerdiness-- thanks to AG, prep school and the Classics Department, I never had to look my nerdiness in the eye. I could always consider myself "normal". Ha.)

Oh, my SS lesson was a bit disjointed much like my transition to the Nigerian novel in the above paragraph. We looked at the life of a 12 year old boy, Arnold, in a township outside of Cape Town, and the origins and facts of St. Valentine's Day. Flexibility is key: post-Apartheid South Africa and Ancient Rome match in the same manner as chartreuse and magenta. Think Jamz. But, they soaked up the information. The room got quiet and still. But, pandemonium is never far away. Things might get boring otherwise.

After school, I bought my right front wheel bearing, which was one sexy purchase. As I browsed at this cute boutique in walking distance from the repair shop, I thought why buy a dress when I can spring for a bearing. Furthermore, it made me glad I'm learning to sew because I didn't feel obligated to like anything. I realized that if I keep at it, I will literally develop my own style independent of the fashion magazines to which I was addicted since I was about thirteen.

I treated my mom to a port-a-chicken picnic; the band had a fundraiser and I was stranded do the maintenance. We had a good time. It's a blessing and a curse to enjoy one's family so much. I don't push past my comfort zone to meet new people.

Then I went to Vespers and was early enough to chat with another lady who attends regularly (apparently daily). She teaches at the college and lives down the street. Maybe, one day I will have that kind of cool life. I dozed a bit during the chanting and reading, but the sacredness of space and time and habit still affected me (I hope). And, I got a lot out of the small group meeting last night. Christian community is hard... and good.

Now, I'm watching Love Actually and preparing for bed. Tomorrow's a big day: I sew and grade!