Words, Words, Words, Words

In the words of Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral, fuckadoodledoo.

I just got a notice from school saying Charlie was cautioned because he told a boy he 'sucked because he is black'. Charlie says he didn't say that. I'm fairly certain he didn't. It is just not something he would say. Not unless he was influenced by some other kid, because really. There are many things he may do, but being a racist little bugger isn't one of them.

Once again, this is gym class, with no bloody supervision for these children. Arugh.

Here's the email I just sent the teacher:

I just got the notice in the mail about an incident with Charlie in gym class. Charlie is accused of saying a boy sucked 'because he is black'.

First of all, I would very much appreciate it if I would get called immediately in these types of situations, because hearing about it two days later makes it harder for me to get the story from Charlie.

He had trouble telling me exactly what happened, but he did say he never made that comment, and that he thinks it was because he said he, Charlie, sucked, because he was on the wrong team, or something.

I would also like to know if a person in authority heard Charlie say what he is being accused of saying, and where exactly it happened. Was an adult present who heard him say this, or was this reported to a teacher by another child? If another child said Charlie said this, I would like to know why that child's word was taken over Charlie's.

Skin color is an abstract concept that really doesn't register with Charlie. He will describe people as having white skin or brown skin when he is describing them, but to him that is the same as saying they have blue eyes and brown hair.

I wouldn't put it past him to say something or someone sucked, but saying 'because you are black' is not something that would come out of his mouth. Not unless other children in the school are saying it repeatedly in front of him.

I'm extremely upset about this, partially because if Charlie is spewing racist comments, he is NOT getting it from home,so I worry about who is influencing him, and also because this is not the first time he's gotten in trouble for something during gym class because of other people's mis-interpreting him, and I am afraid he's going to have the same problems in gym class as he did last year.

I'm just....gah. If Charlie DID say that, I don't even know where to begin.

So, my 20th reunion came and went, and it was quite fun, really. About 200 people showed up out of an original class of 730, so that's not too bad. There were quite a few people I didn't remember, but enough that I did, so that was good. Much laughter and hugs and telling your life story in 10 words or less.

( some highlights )

I didn't take too many photos in the end, people were moving around too much, and we never got a chance to do the 'group photo' thing, here's one that I'm in that looks pretty good. (several photos I have are slightly blurry or I look like a dweeb, so I'm not showing them.)

( photos )

This is from an email from my 'class president' who is arranging the (gah!) 20th Reunion for my high school class:

If reminiscing or hors doeuvres is spelled incorrectly, please remember that I am a football coach.

I just thought it was amusing.

Well my gym class poll got the most responses ever! I feel so loved. Plus it proves my point that like attracts like, and proves another thing as well - even people we consider polar opposites at one point can wind up being friends if we just find common ground.

Anyway, while I'm on the subject - a few people brought up their worst teachers, and I thought it might be fun to find out who everyone's worst teacher was, and why, and also who their best teacher was.

You can break it down by schools, too, if you want - best and worst grade school, etc. Maybe we can even vote for the worst and best overall.

So - I'll start.

( best and worst teachers )

So I babbled about my old teachers. what about yours?

I've been reading Charlie this book called "The Math Wiz". It's about a boy who is really good at math, but terrible during "PE" i.e., Physical education, Sport, or Gym class. In the book he is upset because he is always picked last when choosing up teams (and I can't help but wonder if there is a class all Gym teachers go to where they learn how to be as insensitive and cruel as possible)

I liked the book because it was about a boy who was good at maths like Charlie, but always got picked last in gym class. I have no idea if Charlie has suffered that humiliation yet, but I know I have, and it got me to thinking.

When I got to high school, I finally found a large group of friends, and it turned out they, too, had suffered the humiliation of standing all alone in the gym, waiting until the last team captain rolled his or her eyes and said "I guess I'll take (insert name here). My college friends were comprised of the same sort of people, and that helped me get over the trauma that had been Gym Class grade school through junior high.

Since people on flists are also comprised of a bunch of people who share similar interests, I was curious as to how many of you had the same sort of experience - were you chosen last? First? Don't remember and don't care to? So, I did a poll. (I love polls)

[Poll #518569]

This is from when I was 17. ( ah, TEH DRAMA of teen love )

Well, I just spent way too much time this morning reading some of my old journals, trying to find snippets I wouldn't be too embarrassed to share with my flist. Not easy. Most of it is too ridiculous to even contemplate, and some of it is just down right sad. Does prove the point that eventually you'll get past things, though.

Oddly enough I recorded the day the Iranian hostages were freed - 1/20/1980 and the day Ronald Regan got shot - 3/30/81. Oh, and ( this little milestone )

Well, I dug out some of my old journals, so I will regale you all with my thought from my youth from time to time. I randomly opened my 7th grade diary and this is the entry. It's not angst filled, but it will give you all a laugh. Especially those who watch "Smallville". Spelling and grammar are in tact.

March 28th, 1980 - Guess what!! My Dad's taking me to the civic center to see John Shenider who plays Bo Duke on the Dukes of Hazzerd. I hope we can get his autograph and meet him in person! I can hardly wait Im so happy!"

I also found my 8th grade journal, and I'm currently digging out my High School ones. Consider yourselves warned.