Recovered...

So, I think I'm past the excitement enough to report:

It was awesome!

Alright, it was kind of a while ago...so maybe I should remind some of you who aren't religious readers of this or my dad's blog! My dad came to visit for the Obamapocalypse...the Barackuration...the...alright, I'll stop. It was an historic weekend that I will never forget. I'm sure many of you caught ALL the news and over-analysis of the weekend's events, but I'll just tell you what we DID and DID NOT do.

We did:

a.) stand in ridiculously long lines that at times felt like purgatory or something closely related to anticipatory failure.

b.) walk down the middle of the street (on more than a few occasions) because as a pedestrian you have the right of way (which I'm convinced is never true when people say that), but when there are 4 million extra people in a city of 500,000...some things just become necessary. See below as we evacuate the mall onto a 7 lane road, following HBO's concert (see "DID NOT" item c):c.) attempt to stay warm by becoming all too familiar with strangers (as a side note, for the first time in my life I heard the phrase "Snuggies are badass!" actually admitted in public)
d.) see famous people including Vanessa Williams and Samuel L. Jackson in person, and others like Bono and John Legend (see "DID NOT" item d), at a greater distance.

e.) attend the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America (wanna see proof...Where's Waldo?) Thanks again to Peter DeFazio (and my dad!).
We DID NOT:

a.) get attacked by terrorists! YAY! (in your face nay-sayers!)

b.) stay out to 5am last call. Even though almost all of our outings ended at a local watering hole within walking distance of Canada, we were usually pretty tired by 9pm. But I would've LOVED a half-smoke at 4 in the morning (see "Things to do before I die" #326)...this line would've killed me though...around into the alley?!?!:
c.) See or hear much when we stood outside in the cold for 6 hours to see the HBO concert on the Mall. We believe that the best way for HBO to repair this offense, is either a free year of HBO...or Beyonce at my birthday party! (If HBO needs to contact me...please leave a comment on this blog and I will put you in touch with my people)

d.) personally meet famous people, the president, or attend any social elite galas. That's right, I missed out on tickets to see John Legend perform at an open bar event...I'm an idiot not only for that, but because it was my best chance to meet and marry the cheerleader. Oh well, I guess I'll just wait until tomorrow night (Heroes RETURNS!).

e.) get left out of the ceremony. I know you may have heard a few horror stories about people stuck in lines...much like our own experience...except we weren't trapped in a tunnel. We came, we saw, we cried...alright, not really. And we sure didn't shed a tear when the former President Bush took off (for the last time) to leave the ceremony (seen below in the tiny speck above the Capitol).Like I said: a life-long memory! I think one of the coolest things about the weekend, was even through all the crap and confusion that was going on, people were just so EXCITED about what was going on, that we very rarely saw problems. I've never seen that many people in my life, and almost assumed that police would be in riot gear, ready to gas the mobs, but I was more like Lovefest '09. I know...many of you roll your eyes, but it was just cool to be there.

Home-y

There is a continual conflict with metaphorical "home" living in DC. I guess it is nice that I have a bed, and the utmost of all "home" items, my TV in DC. However, DC lacks certain "caring" qualities, that I feel are necessary for my "home" needs. It was nice to be reminded of some of these requirements (and have some needs cared for) while visiting friends and family at "home", but the burden still lies on DC to step up to the plate.

Honestly, I can't expect DC to come anywhere close to Beervana, organic vino, views of the Cascades, or shades of green...but you have to expect them to at least try! After returning Sunday (trash day at our house), I noticed our commendable recycling can look a bit more pathetic in the winter's eve. Now, it was just as full as our trash can that night, but comparing it to the commercial-grade dumpster my mom was given by the garbage people in Oregon, I had to think...weak!

So, I did a little searching, and felt like a I jumped back in time on DC's lame government website, that had articles from 2004 about the day they tried to take recycling seriously. I'm sure someone had a good laugh about that poor excuse for "educating the public" into throwing away more trash into a new blue can. Like I said, I can't expect too much in comparison to being the best (apparently Forbes doesn't believe in ties for competitive "green-ness"), but I might have to start composting in our backyard to feel at home...nevermind, that might get me kicked out of my home.

Now, my western home was great for visiting, and I'm not ready to head back or anything...but (as usual) my joke of a blog is a distraction from crazy days at school. I love DC (and don't resent those of you here who believe I'm a hippie), but some days students threaten to pee on you....so you have to make a joke to think of something else.

From one line to the next...

Even the planes had to line up to get in and out of Chicago, and now
I'm going to get in a line of cars that will go 2 mph in the snow/ice
all the way down to Eugene. I think they need to give HOURage points
instead of mileage points...I would win for flying across the country
and missing my flight, the lay overs should rack up free flights. But
it's Christmas. And it's worth it. And I'm almost somewhere to sleep.
I'll worry about presents later. Goodbye to all you crazy holiday
travelers!

Cleanliness is close to Godliness...

But I think God knows that I had a good day in spite of the mess. I thought after last night's rather depressing post, I should add that life gets better. It was this time last year that I thought I might not live until Christmas break. As my parents raised me...and as I instill in my students...I'll live.

Comment of the day goes to Carlos. "Mr. Milliron, why you so chill?" he said, noticing my good mood. What I wanted to say was: "Well for the first time in days, you actually want to learn more than fight someone, and I haven't been cursed out in almost 2 hours...so life is looking up!". What I ended up saying was something lame about math...it's tough being a geek...but I have to keep up appearances. It's tough to get kids to want to learn, but when it works...it ends up looking something like this mess! I guess its worth it...most days.

Tellin' it like it is...

I guess conferences are what we could call, uneventful. I could have taken the high road, and given a few students the benefit of the doubt...but only a few parents showed up...so I made it interesting.

Actually, I just told the truth. In fact, its much like a news report. So, when Danesha's mom asked how she was doing in class, she was a little more than put off by the truth (Hey, she said it...not me!). Now, I thought about calling my dad first to find out if I was TRULY a bastard...but then the question answered itself. And I think Danesha was just upset that she had been dragged to conferences knowing exactly what she had done. I don't seek out opportunities to "snitch" as it were...but I have a hard time lying to parents (just ask my own!)

Speaking of the truth: According to a quality review of our school...only 36% of teachers at our school ACTUALLY believe that we are on the right track (compared, unfortunately, to the 31% of teachers in the district who believe their schools are on the right track). No comment. Just the truth.

I have 8 days of school until vacation. No comment. Just the truth.

I have 2 weeks until I get to see my family. No comment. Just the truth (actually, the truth is...I'm excited!).

I think more people need to hear the truth. I, however, could just use some sleep. In the meantime, consult the Bible (or wikipedia).

How do you spell relief?

I think I needed this 4 day weekend about a month ago. I'm sad that the holiday feast wasn't spent with family, and that someone didn't know the difference between sweet potatoes and...evil orange puke yams. But overall, this weekend just needed to be restful...and I would give thanks!

So, I'm already on my way to relaxing and by the picture you might be able to tell why! Let's go back to Thursday though...I woke up at 7:30! Huh? Not to cook a turkey, but my roommate and I decided to "Trot for Hunger"...which I guess a day of gluttony would be good reason to run in the freezing cold for people who have to sleep in it. I was in pretty sad shape running with a guy who's trained for triathlons, but again...not the point of the event.

Dinner was good (because I opened a can of olives to make it feel like real Milliron feasting) and my pumpkin pie was awesome (because it was the easiest thing) and the nap after dinner was even better (did I mention dinner happened at noon because my roommate had to work on a holiday...crime never sleeps).

So, I guess I didn't learn anything about gluttony because I sat around and ate leftovers...followed by a night's rest...followed by a morning's gluttonous shopping spree. Hence the photo. Ummm...plasma is pretty awesome though! You can't ever justify somethinglike this in your budget that is this ridiculous using logic, but then again I spend all my time with middle schoolers...so logic is lost on me!

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's to firsts: first feast without my family, first Thanksgiving without seeing a movie (double sorry to my family) since I was probably 7, and the first time I've ever gone out with the crazies on Black Friday...not sure I'll do any of those things again!

Thanks. I don't know for what (probably just continuing to indulge my stupid blog about nothing) but I'm sure all of you should be thanked for something that you've done for me! Be blessed.

You know you're a sick human being when...

...you enjoy the sight of a teary-eyed child entering your classroom. I have to say this is an especially annoying, spastic child. Nontheless, he was crying, and I might have had something to do with it. I ratted him out to his mom, for skipping my class twice in one week...oops! His mom showed up to school to chew him out. Way to go mom!

Now, I probably got what I deserved when the girl who sits in the back asked me a penis question. That was also my fault, being that I tried to use the "4 out of 5 dentists prefer Trident" commercial as an example in my lesson. But it's memorable...the squirrel jumps up and bites the
5th dentist in the "nads" as she smartly pointed out. Oops again. I'll get this right one day.

Sneak Attack

For fear of being tagged as a terrorist website (even though I'm already sure they've tagged me for voting for Obama), I'll stay away from saying things like "I took Spokane by storm". And for fear of upsetting those folks I didn't fly across the country to see, I'll refrain from saying things like "Spokane was an amazing weekend!"

Needless to say, there is some doubt in you naysayers, that prevent Spokane from being awesome. I guess I should spend more time on planning lesson planning, and oh yeah...sleeping, but oh well. Spokane is awesome and I wanted to take a quick second to thank those fine folks who made my time great, and at points, a great surprise.

Speaking of surprise...Long Island is getting it's own share in less than 24 hours! I'll either be too tired to teach by Sunday night, or I will hve had just enough fun weekend action to make it through until Christmas. I guess we'll just wait and see.

Feelings...nothing more than feelings...

Over the last 48 hours, I've felt...

...pride
...frustration
...excitement
...nervous
...exhaustion
...and uncomfortable

Feeling some of these feelings in the places you'd least expect. The exhaustion came from being asked repeatedly by my students if I was either voting for, or related to, McCain (probably could've plead harassment there...but the exhaustion became apathy in response to biting comments from 11-year-olds). Frustrated that school dragged on SO long and that 7th graders are not capable of non-offensive political converstaions, I found myself with nowhere to go in frustration, and finding it hard to understand how to be relevant to black kids when talking about a black man (did I mention I'm white? wow...that sentence finally ended).

Moving on. My nerves and excitement kicked in when I walked to the polling place. I heard nothing but "3 HOUR WAIT" and "LINES AROUND THE BLOCK" all morning...so I got a little nervous about standing in the rain. Turns out, no line, but pretty uncomfortable box to stand in for voting. I had a little free-time (2 hours and 39 minutes, give or take), so I waited patiently...


Even though I was one of the 92% on this side of the DC vote...pride set in. So, I'm pretty excited. Not to mention talking with teachers at school today had a WAY better tone than the usual, "Hey, I had a fight in my class today!" I am still a little lost however...no, Obama is not my savior...nor the antichrist. I'm lost in that relevance to my students still.

This brings me to a post that I've been meaning to add for a while. So, while most of you will probably be stuck looking at the picture above, I'll try to figure out how a geek can be relevant in the world of teaching. In a great (and long-winded as usual) NY Times article, I was hooked by the quote from Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character in Almost Famous:

The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you are uncool.

I think I have my inspiration (or maybe just motivation) to stay just the way I am...tall, skinny and white. A change, I won't believe in. I'm resigning to the truth that my students will always be cooler than me (most other people I know are for that matter), but "knowing is half the battle"...or was it..."the more you know"?

"Have you ever seen a white guy blush before?"

I had no idea that the phrase I intended as a joke, would lead to a discussion about racism.

A Few Important Side Notes: I would like to point out that I am the one being quoted in the title, a good number of my students in previous experience had never seen a white person turn red from embarrassment before, and lastly...this does not mean they are strange...it just means they don't see a lot of white people other than me on a given day.

Ok, moving on. During 2nd period on Friday, I had posted a warm-up problem with an unintentional error. Yes, the math teacher made a math mistake...as my students say: "my bad!" Upon that realization, I felt the hue of embarrassment creep up on my cheeks. Looking to make an awkward situation even more awkward (cause that's how I roll), I muttered from the back of the room: "Oh crap...err...well...have you ever seen a white guy blush before?"

What was an intended joke and light-hearted transition to correct my arithmetic mistake, evoked a mixed response of immature giggles (which was my intention) and the unexpected screech of offended horror. Somehow, this offended a room FULL of non-white people.

Another note I forgot to mention before: if you have never met me...I am tall, skinny and white. That's right...now that information is out there for all the information super-highway surfers to find. The secret is unleashed.

So, I came to the front of the room in a flash, claiming that I had made the comment (maybe they thought another student had said it as a cruel joke). Then, from the energetic (at times, spastic) child in the front, Deangelo: "Mr. Milliron, you shouldn't call yourself that."

"I'm sorry, call myself what?" (thinking maybe now it was just a auditory mix-up).

"White."

"So, what am I supposed to call myself?" I said in complete disbelief.

I don't think I was prepared to hear my students be politically correct, being that the concept is lost on them when trying to break up a fight or deter the use of foul langauge. In any event, I found myself in a new world, where children had been raised either fearing the use of the "W" word or at least were unfamiliar with skin color recognition. Alright, that's not entirely fair, but I did pose them a critical question.

"Now, before I offend anyone in this room, how many of you call yourself black?" (several hands raise) "And how many of you call yourself African-American?" (several other hands raise, with a few remaining raised in confusion from the last question. I can only imagine the undecided students were busy pondering the meaning of life).

"Now is it wrong that some of you call yourself black? Is it wrong that some of you call yourself African-American?" Neither response was entirely unanimous, but enough to make my point. So, after assuring them that I was not racist (toward myself or other crackers like me), I made sure that they took "white" off the list of offensive names to call white people list (that we briefly assembled). I also gave them full permission to go home and tell their family: "my math teacher is tall, skinny and white...and he's damn proud of it." (I didn't tell them to swear, but I let one fly...I mean...I had already been racially insensitive, so why not?)

I guess I should probably fear for my job, but for now I'm enjoying a 3-day weekend. Thanks Columbus!

But I'm not saying that because he's white...

Who dat be?

I ask, not only because I saw that sentiment written on a constructed response practice today, but because I feel that we should probably figure out if this guy who went to Washington over a year ago is still alive (or at least hasn't changed his name to one of the many inconvenient nicknames his students give him).

Wait back up...summer? What ever happened to that? Here's my thought...if you didn't experience the joy of being a part of it, then I might just have to send you the Cliff's Notes (what can I say, teacher's make the worst students). With that being said, I think it is time to instill knowledge in you students out there:

TEACHER : Summer :: VEGAS : Whatever happens, stays there

(yeah, I had a crappy Verbal score...but I still got into college...Geeks RULE!)

But, at this point...its just too long ago to really do justice to my awesome summer. I apologize to those of you who feel cheated out of getting a "shout out" or ever-popular "picture post", but I think I need to interrupt the silence with, "I'm alive!"

As for this school year:

NEW...

teachers, teachers who I can be friends with, teachers who are my age, teachers who may or may not be considered whiter than I am, convenient location near the 'hood, school interior (that still is being finished, and prevented us from setting up classrooms until 36 hours before students showed up), promises from the school district, technology, and of course...7th graders.

SAME OLD...

administration, lack of administrative support, busy work for teachers to prevent them from being good teachers, student behavior issues (made worse by lack of administrative support...a serparate problem than the one previously listed), flying by the seat of my lesson-planning pants, feeling that I have no idea what I am doing on the other side of the country, couple of teachers from last year who are making sure that I haven't pulled my hair out yet.

I am going to have to explain more of a lot of that someday I'm sure, but for now, just the facts ma'am. I thought about posting the video that made me famous in DC...but then I thought no one really knows me...so I'll keep it that way (and then I don't get fired for writing mean things in my blog). So, Mr. Milliron will remain nameless and hopefully continue to entertain the few people who still think that this blog is interesting. I miss you all (and I can say that honestly, because I haven't seen anyone in a REALLY long time, and I'm starting to think that I'm living in my classroom...I need summer back...just for a little while). Goodnight!

Happy 100th Posting of Non-Sense on the Interweb!

I'd like to thank everyone who has made this a complete waste of time--even if you didn't read all 100. I guess I can feel pretty good about it even if no one reads it (because a few of you even lied and said you liked my new haircut...don't worry, I'm growing it back). But this is a special day...and if you haven't heard yet I'll start this post off by telling you that I have a job for next year (in spite of administrative idiocy). I had to wait 4 weeks to hear back from my principal on being hired (its almost like getting picked last in kickball...and I would know the feeling!)

Difficult employers aside, there are plenty of things that I DO enjoy about DC, now that I think back on the last 100 posts--my job is most definitely one of them. But as I've been on the West Coast for a few days now, I've been reminiscing about a few great things I've learned about DC:

I live in one of the best neighborhoods in the country (crap...now you know where I live!)

Well, as far as hotties in the DC...lets just say its a good thing I don't live in Philly I guess. (Remember, I'm just reporting the facts...this is not my opinion) Oh yeah, DC is near the bottom on this link...get scrollin'.

But we did win at the obvious categories.

Outside Magazine agrees with the American Planning Association, and says the rest of DC is awesome, too. Tell me something I don't know...if you didn't know here's the article that you can steal.

Even though the Nationals are terrible at playing baseball, they do some things well. And if Beckham didn't take all the attention, people might see that DC United actually put MLS on the map (sorry, WNBA...you'll have to wait for another city to make you popular)

And finally, in uninteresting news, DC was ranked the No. 9 place to retire, even though I think I lived in the No. 1 place at one time.

But, I'm not retiring...not for a while. So, in the meantime I will just enjoy my sweet sweet summer vacation. And if you're lucky, I might let you come visit and show you more reasons why DC is awesome.

101 things to do on your summer vacation:

1. Absolutely nothing

2. Refer to number 1

3. The 3rd rule of Fight Club is...nevermind...

Actually the first item would probably defeat the purpose of listing 101 things...but its about all I've done since I cleaned out my classroom and came home on Friday, June 13th: the first day of summer! You might think that Friday the 13th could be bad, but (all bogus administrative behavior aside) it has been the beginning of a beautiful summer. So far, I have refrained from doing anything productive or important for about 10 days. Unfortunately, I had to start packing for a trip back to the West Coast.

Don't get me wrong, I'm totally excited to go visit the great Pacific Northwest. However, I have been living the high life sitting around doing nothing. (Actually, I think I've just been making my roommates jealous...because I'm so awesome.) I feel bad ruining my streak of days in which I accomplished nothing. I mean, in those few awesome days I saw Tiger Woods throwdown a victory that everyone saw coming (not to mention an MJ-esque fist-pump/thrust that will go down as an historic celebratory act).

I also found out that dreams really do come true, and that only trashy tv exists in the summer. I wound up seeing a couple of good movies (p.s. Kung Fu Panda is legen....wait for it...DARY!)

But, I guess I can't say that there was absolutely nothing accomplished:

Ok, I don't know exactly what I accomplished there (or if I should have kept the shag) but it sure will be cooler this summer! Hey, if you're on the West Coast...I'm coming to find you! Ready. Go.

Funny story...

...but we all know I don't tell stories very well. So, the end of the story: I have a new phone, problem solved. The beginning of the story: my phone flew (yes, flew) out of my pocket on a roller coaster at Six Flags America. I'm sure you've all heard the story by now, but that's another aspect to my bad story-telling: re-telling.

So, I had a list of students who begged: "Mr. Milliron, you gonna ride the rides?" When I was the only teacher/adult on the trip to reply, "yes" that list quickly turned into a demanding line of students dragging me through the park to the next crazy ride. I was, the most popular 7th-grade math teacher in the park that day. I figured the kids would get tired and hot by about lunch time, and then head for the water park. I had strategically left my trunks at home, so no man/woman/child could topple my skinny, white frame into the wave pool in an attempt to end my short-lived teaching career. But by noon, I hadn't ditched all the kids, and Benton was SURE to get me on a ride that would make me hurl.

So, we went on ROAR. No big deal, except Benton's face was priceless on the action photo taken of us. Then he ran me down the path to The Mind Eraser. I want to you to look at the picture of the flipping corkscrew, and imagine if you can picture a reason for me to have my cell phone in my pocket.


Neither did my cell phone. So, it went airborne at some point during the ride and never came back...or did it? Well, someone who has access to the grounds at Six Flags got their inappropriate hands on my phone...and I would like to take a moment to apologize for those of you who were offensively called or sent text messages from my cell phone from June 10-12. I can sincerely say it was not me, and because Six Flags customer service is unresponsive (and lies about having not found my cell phone) they heard it from me...via voicemail. Like I said: problem sovled.

(This apology is endorsed by the "Mr. Milliron campaign for not looking like a jerk")

Really...on a school night?

Yeah. Ben Folds. I'm there! At the greatest venue ever (ok...second to The Gorge). Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA. A ways out of the city...and I had to drive in all that traffic out of the Metro area, but totally worth it for a place that seems to be all about the performing arts. A bunch of people laying on the lawn waiting for Ben to rock the house...oh here he comes...BYE!

This will be quick I swear. But I spent the weekend trying to catch up on the old DVR (digital video recorder if you're not into the TiVo jargon), and realized that I'm obsessed with a few things, TV being one of them.

I can't get enough of the Discovery Channel, and I think I agree: I love the whole world!

I have a few specific TV addictions, and some of them were affected more by the writers strike than others. Good news is that the cheerleader is safe, and is out of high school, so people can stop making fun of me. But she has been in DC a few times, and I'm upset that I missed her...but she seemed to be doing good things for the second class citizens of the district (and something about whales that need saving).

Then I sat back and dreamed of how I wish I owned a Nintendo Wii...or maybe I just want what this guy has: mega old school!

Then I got bored...and I started to miss the NW. This kid cheered me up.

Okay, I think that was a sufficient waste of time. But this has been therapeutic, being that May is the end of so many enjoyable vices.

In other news...

I decided to spend money again. The Washington Nationals have a new stadium, and I hadn't been until tonight. This place is awesome, and I can't wait to take people to Nats games this summer, but I'm a little more excited to see the Mariners in July! The Nats were beaten soundly by the Brewers, and that is quite ironic because I was planning a Memorial Day brew. Hopefully something a little better than Schlitz or PBR. Oh yeah, and I have rediscovered the joy of txt blogging.

Obnoxious

I told one of my students to find out the definition of that the other day. He didn't get it the sarcasm (OJ was right). But what I meant was that he needed to understand that I was having a difficult time dealing with him. However, nothing is more troubling than paying over 4 bucks for gas. This may prevent me from doing anything fun for the three day weekend...

Good Times

So, I feel I've been rather negative lately. Maybe that's because I have to find a new school at which to work...but I promised myself I'd be positive in this post. So, I have three things to mention that might let some folks in on the highlights of my life.

#1: First, something you probably already knew: homebrewing. But I thought I'd share this:
Yeah, a National Day for something I've done twice. This was a total whim, and I went to a homebrew store, and actually had the guts to share my beer with some other veterans. It was pretty fun, and I may even join one of their clubs (don't worry, its not a cult)

#2: Kickball: Yeah, I joined a social sports team. And I didn't get picked last, but met a few cool people and enjoy breaking up the week with a bit of kickball down the street from the White House.

...and for the sake of getting some sleep, #3: I'm not going to say anything but: "GO SEE THIS MOVIE!"

Click this link for the trailer (and keep clicking other videos if you want to feel good)
Click here to see if you can see it in your area (drive miles to see it...its worth it!)
...and if you want to just feel good for an hour or two, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

Alright, I feel pretty good. I'll try this again later...did I mention I'm coming back to the West Coast in July? That's good too...man, I'm on a roll!

I'm not the only one who forgets!

I probably don't have to publicly apologize for not posting, I was hosed by my good friend Kellie, and I do feel a little bad that I haven't shared a few more interesting moments of life (including the group of homebrewers I met, hanging out with Oregonians, or the payoff of tax returns...nope, not a Wii). But I felt alright the last few days about it, because I wasn't the only one who forgot something:Our principal wished us an "after-thought" Happy Teacher Day...over the noon day announcements. Not only are these the least understood announcements in the confusion that comes before the lunch period, but IT WAS A DAY LATE! Funny, because I was looking through old emails today after school and found a link to this poster, THAT HE SENT TO US! I don't know if the right emphasis is coming through these series of tubes, that is the internets, but this is quite comical. I wouldn't go as far as to say ironic, because I didn't expect that he appreciated us much anyway. However, it is dang funny that he added later in the day an announcement...nay...a command to students:

"Students, be sure to appreciate your teachers this week. I am asking that all students write their teacher a note in thanks and support of the hard work that they do for you."
....riiiiight. Let's just say I feel more appreciated by the big REI sale this week.

I'm not sure how many other teacher's received, but I haven't seen anything (unless Alex thought he was appreciating me today with four-letter-pyrotechnics, or Brian mistook a threat for appreciation). Anyways, I just want all the teachers out there to know (even if your PTA already thanked you...or some student's mom made you cookies) that I think your pretty awesome. This quote was also in the forwarded "principal" email. Hope other people enjoy their jobs too...but I love teachers the most:

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job.
~Donald D. Quinn

P.S. If you need to feel better about your job this guy is bluntly honest, and this guy is flat hilarious, and will make you glad you didn't have to teach him!

P.P.S. Happy Friday!