hilarious story. wanted to die laughing. here goes:
One of my students, Christine, is this overly plump child who is 2 or 3 years behind where she needs to be is OBSESSED with getting a class pet. When I met her parents... well let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Christine has been on my case about getting all sorts of odd pets, which makes me wonder what sort of creatures she has living at home. Last Thursday, I had them draw a cell and label its parts, etc. Naturally, Christine was off task and attempted to grasp onto my ear to riddle off all of the creatures she lives with including her brother. I am visibly annoyed. She can tell. I ask her to continue her drawing. I can see her boiling up... oh dear, she is going to say something... Finally, with a burst of energy she shouts out, "My cat's name is BLUMPKIN."
The class gets a little silent, a few students sort of look our way with estranged looks... more of a "why is this girl shouting interjections in class" than a "omg she just said blumpkin!" kind of looks. I whip around and almost die. As in holding my stomach muscles so tight. Immediately I had a visual... a really nasty visual I could not get rid of.
I turn around and face her: "Do you know what that means?" My flashback continues to the Friars Club Office on a random Tuesday my sophomore year as a inappropriate--yet fascinating--discussion develops on the kinky sexual fantasy many have (more than I would ever think) on receiving a blumpkin.
"Yes Veronica I know what that means."
"My brother named it that. Its disgusting. My brother is immature."
I almost keeled over in laughter. I was amazed at my capacity to avoid rolling around on the floor laughing.
As for Veronica, I responded, "Yes that is inappropriate for the classroom... why don't you pack up your stuff and get ready for the bell to ring"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
keep breathing
This one is going to be a long one and the time line of events might be a little off; but, I am just going to roll with it and hopefully you will do the same. Shannon just reminded me that since I have started this blog I probably cannot mention the specific names of things... oh the internet--- got to watch out for yourself. So I apologize if I am vague at any point. Know that I am doing it to not get my poor social servant self sued.
I have just decided to swap names of people I know with my students' names.
I am going to start with my favorite lesson learned so far:
In the moment, I did not think it this was funny; but now as I am reflecting on my day I can't seem to stop laughing or playing the event over and over in my head.
Here goes, enjoy:
Mike, a low performing student in my calm, cool and collected 3rd period class did not come to class prepared today. I figured this out about a 1/4 through the vocab lesson when I saw that he was not writing anything down. I asked him why he was not on task and to no avail!, (yet again) no pencil today. I told him to ask those around him for a pencil, for I did not have one to give him in that exact moment. I continued on with the lesson as I saw him turning to his fellow students.
Five minutes later, out of the corner of my eye I see Dan, a well behaved student with illegible cursive handwriting, conversing with Mike, both with their backs turned towards me. I stopped speaking turned around and reminded Danto go back to his seat. He turns to me and says, "Fine, but Mike it spitting up blood."
It felt as if a shock wave had hit me and my students as they all proceeded to turn their bug-eyes over to their left side. I calmly walked over to Mike expecting blood to be spewing from his mouth (i had a very vivid image flashback of watching an episode of House). He instead had something in his hand and seemed quite thrilled.
My panic subsided as there was no apparent projectile blood. I looked at him then looked at the ground to a puddle of blood. Perplexed, I asked, "Mike what happened?"
He smiled and plainly stated that he had ripped out his last baby tooth and he had to spit the blood out. I cocked my head ever so slightly to the side and responded, "but why would you do that in the middle of class?"
"Well, I couldn't find a pencil."
Lesson learned: always supply children with a pencil.
A Night I will always remember in LA:
While in La, I spent the least amount of time in LA. My free time was allotted to roadtrips around the area (San Diego for pride, Huntington Beach/Newport Beach for the Surfing Open...etc.). I found LA to be spread out and a daily headache.
I will never forget the night I went out in LA.
Set the scene... I was dressed in baby blue sweater, express dark blue jeans with my irish cap on my head. Matt was meeting up with a friend in west hollywood and I decided to tag along. Up to that point I felt I avoided anything LA and this was just unfair.
Matt and I met his friend at a bar where he was going t play a track or two. I walked into this swanky place and immediately felt out of place. chaise couches, multiple fake fire pits, cocktails of various colors with pinkies out, designer outfits with a perfect blend of accessories, everyone with a drink in hand and no sign of a bar anywhere. I felt as if I entered the twilight zone (and there was no Edward!). Matt looked a little confused as well... once we finally found the bar and ordered a drink things were a tiny bit better. When I sat down I immediately started staring at pretentious that surrounded me, trying pry my eyes into the insecurities they hid behind.
There was a 50 year old women to my left drinking her clear cocktail make-up caked, her hands on a 30 year old gentleman who looked as if his long time dog was just shot.
There was a couple of men, on a chaise lounge in front of me, gay (I determined this by there outrageous method of staring at our table.... one of the guys even gave me a head nod. at which point I decided not to stare anymore.(1, 2,... look away).
All those around were in some form of exaggerated conversation. I was loving it. Finally, I understood the term, "So LA."
We left this place after matt's friend finished spinning his tracks.
In conversation, it had come out that I have this slight fear of Drag queens. Something about being displayed on stage during a drag show really spawned this uncomfortable feeling of nausea and sweating palms when I find myself close to them. Naturally, they took me to a Drag Bar.
It was located in Korea town on a roof top of some building. One of these bars... one of these bars if you didn't know where you were going you would have no idea it existed. We climb the couple flights of stairs and 3 young drag queens are there to greet us.
We walked in and my mouth hit the floor. I walked into a "what the fuck party" (for those of you who do not know what a "wtf" party is... the goal is wear an absurd outfit so the company around will say "what the fuck are you wearing?"
For those who witnessed my outfit for "wtf" junior year, I promise you everyone in this bar was much worse. To my left there was a a group of gentleman (?) one with his face painted half black, with a nun's cap and this drape piece of garb over his body, another was in a short mini shirt sparkling shirt with roller blades on, another with a torn orange shirt and some form of shorts on that I really have no words for. I had entered a freak show. I was loving it. I was a tad bit in shock, trying to absorb the situation as quickly as possible.
The drag show began. Due to my condition, we stood a real solid distance away from the stage. The first act was a real woman and a terrible singer. I took a sip of my drink finally beginning to adjust to the situation. The stage music began. Sounds of pigs oinking and splashing in the mud. I looked at Matt and his friend, perplexed. From where we stood, there was no sign of anyone on stage. We instinctively moved closer to the stage. I found myself head tilted, eyebrows in, nostril up, with a smirk of dumbfound. There were two man on stage rolling around in their boxer briefs, with a pair of pig ears and pig noses. Just as my brain was attempting to place the image in a box, a clap of thunder struck the stage. I nearly jumped, looked up and saw a 300 pound bald greased man dressed in a corset and long flowing hippy dress. He looked like the Michelin tire fluffy man gone really really wrong. I was frozen, staring at the performance. Half in shock... mostly in shock not a muscle moved. A marilyn manson-esk melody about swines filled the club. An animalistic, dominatrix performance was playing out in front of me.. and i had first row tickets. I began to uncomfortably laugh, Matt began to uncomfortably laugh. The man was now rolling around on stage, the pigs were on top of him, oil everywhere. The corset busted open, the dressed flew out in the crowd. Matt turned around and left the room. I did not think it was possible.
This image in my head has permanently tatooed itself to the core of my being. If I ever have children, they will never hear the tale of "the three little pigs."
I am mentally exhausted after telling that story... I'll post about school and my kids later.
Dan
I have just decided to swap names of people I know with my students' names.
I am going to start with my favorite lesson learned so far:
In the moment, I did not think it this was funny; but now as I am reflecting on my day I can't seem to stop laughing or playing the event over and over in my head.
Here goes, enjoy:
Mike, a low performing student in my calm, cool and collected 3rd period class did not come to class prepared today. I figured this out about a 1/4 through the vocab lesson when I saw that he was not writing anything down. I asked him why he was not on task and to no avail!, (yet again) no pencil today. I told him to ask those around him for a pencil, for I did not have one to give him in that exact moment. I continued on with the lesson as I saw him turning to his fellow students.
Five minutes later, out of the corner of my eye I see Dan, a well behaved student with illegible cursive handwriting, conversing with Mike, both with their backs turned towards me. I stopped speaking turned around and reminded Danto go back to his seat. He turns to me and says, "Fine, but Mike it spitting up blood."
It felt as if a shock wave had hit me and my students as they all proceeded to turn their bug-eyes over to their left side. I calmly walked over to Mike expecting blood to be spewing from his mouth (i had a very vivid image flashback of watching an episode of House). He instead had something in his hand and seemed quite thrilled.
My panic subsided as there was no apparent projectile blood. I looked at him then looked at the ground to a puddle of blood. Perplexed, I asked, "Mike what happened?"
He smiled and plainly stated that he had ripped out his last baby tooth and he had to spit the blood out. I cocked my head ever so slightly to the side and responded, "but why would you do that in the middle of class?"
"Well, I couldn't find a pencil."
Lesson learned: always supply children with a pencil.
A Night I will always remember in LA:
While in La, I spent the least amount of time in LA. My free time was allotted to roadtrips around the area (San Diego for pride, Huntington Beach/Newport Beach for the Surfing Open...etc.). I found LA to be spread out and a daily headache.
I will never forget the night I went out in LA.
Set the scene... I was dressed in baby blue sweater, express dark blue jeans with my irish cap on my head. Matt was meeting up with a friend in west hollywood and I decided to tag along. Up to that point I felt I avoided anything LA and this was just unfair.
Matt and I met his friend at a bar where he was going t play a track or two. I walked into this swanky place and immediately felt out of place. chaise couches, multiple fake fire pits, cocktails of various colors with pinkies out, designer outfits with a perfect blend of accessories, everyone with a drink in hand and no sign of a bar anywhere. I felt as if I entered the twilight zone (and there was no Edward!). Matt looked a little confused as well... once we finally found the bar and ordered a drink things were a tiny bit better. When I sat down I immediately started staring at pretentious that surrounded me, trying pry my eyes into the insecurities they hid behind.
There was a 50 year old women to my left drinking her clear cocktail make-up caked, her hands on a 30 year old gentleman who looked as if his long time dog was just shot.
There was a couple of men, on a chaise lounge in front of me, gay (I determined this by there outrageous method of staring at our table.... one of the guys even gave me a head nod. at which point I decided not to stare anymore.(1, 2,... look away).
All those around were in some form of exaggerated conversation. I was loving it. Finally, I understood the term, "So LA."
We left this place after matt's friend finished spinning his tracks.
In conversation, it had come out that I have this slight fear of Drag queens. Something about being displayed on stage during a drag show really spawned this uncomfortable feeling of nausea and sweating palms when I find myself close to them. Naturally, they took me to a Drag Bar.
It was located in Korea town on a roof top of some building. One of these bars... one of these bars if you didn't know where you were going you would have no idea it existed. We climb the couple flights of stairs and 3 young drag queens are there to greet us.
We walked in and my mouth hit the floor. I walked into a "what the fuck party" (for those of you who do not know what a "wtf" party is... the goal is wear an absurd outfit so the company around will say "what the fuck are you wearing?"
For those who witnessed my outfit for "wtf" junior year, I promise you everyone in this bar was much worse. To my left there was a a group of gentleman (?) one with his face painted half black, with a nun's cap and this drape piece of garb over his body, another was in a short mini shirt sparkling shirt with roller blades on, another with a torn orange shirt and some form of shorts on that I really have no words for. I had entered a freak show. I was loving it. I was a tad bit in shock, trying to absorb the situation as quickly as possible.
The drag show began. Due to my condition, we stood a real solid distance away from the stage. The first act was a real woman and a terrible singer. I took a sip of my drink finally beginning to adjust to the situation. The stage music began. Sounds of pigs oinking and splashing in the mud. I looked at Matt and his friend, perplexed. From where we stood, there was no sign of anyone on stage. We instinctively moved closer to the stage. I found myself head tilted, eyebrows in, nostril up, with a smirk of dumbfound. There were two man on stage rolling around in their boxer briefs, with a pair of pig ears and pig noses. Just as my brain was attempting to place the image in a box, a clap of thunder struck the stage. I nearly jumped, looked up and saw a 300 pound bald greased man dressed in a corset and long flowing hippy dress. He looked like the Michelin tire fluffy man gone really really wrong. I was frozen, staring at the performance. Half in shock... mostly in shock not a muscle moved. A marilyn manson-esk melody about swines filled the club. An animalistic, dominatrix performance was playing out in front of me.. and i had first row tickets. I began to uncomfortably laugh, Matt began to uncomfortably laugh. The man was now rolling around on stage, the pigs were on top of him, oil everywhere. The corset busted open, the dressed flew out in the crowd. Matt turned around and left the room. I did not think it was possible.
This image in my head has permanently tatooed itself to the core of my being. If I ever have children, they will never hear the tale of "the three little pigs."
I am mentally exhausted after telling that story... I'll post about school and my kids later.
Dan
LA trick
i attached the last email just in case some of you didn't get it.
oh to describe the last couple of weeks....
to put it shortly: I am living life and have never felt so good doing it.
Business: my address is
1130 3rd Avenue Apartment#308
oakland, ca 94606
To begin I will start off with the make up of the apartment and oakland. I live in a 17 story apartment complex with a ton of young professionals and families. About 7 of us live here from TFA and we have been moving in quite slowly. There are about 5 of us here now! I started out sleeping on the floor and now share a bed with who ever will take me in. Oakland is an up and coming city. According to some random man on the BART (public transportation) it has been up and coming since the 1940s. His comedic timing was effortless and perfect. Tangent: The best part of west coast has been the random conversations I have be in. Example: I was wearing my Providence College grey T and some random man stopped me on the streets of SF. Our circular conversation rolled around east living and providence and then finally shot out to what we were doing on the west coast. he had a one-man street puppetry show that he was taking up to Seattle and then cross country to RISD (rhode island school of design) in Providence. It was only then I realized he looked as if he hadn't showered in a good couple of weeks (day 5 OBX style). We parted ways and I immediatley found myself in another conversation with a young blonde woman about the BART patterns whcih lead into who i was and who she was. Sadly our delightful encouter ended abruptly when I completely forgot what I was doing and my body nearly sliced in two by the closing subway doors.
So oakland, up and coming... right... I live right on Lake Merritt which is a nice place in Oakland. We have already found ourselves at a movie theatre in an old opera house and a hip chic wine bar(where we received comp. glass of champagne and a "welcome to the neighborhood discount"). To be perfectly transparent, there are extremely dangerous parts of Oakland and you have to be careful in certain areas. As long as we use our heads and curb the wanderings to a minimum we should be fine. This may be more difficult for some (me) but I will be paying extra attention to my local activities.
Another nice feature of the location of my apt is the hop-skip-and-a-jump it takes to get into the city ("into the city" is SF). It takes abotu a 10 minute walk to ta BART and a 12 minute ride on the BART into the city. It took me a good 10 minutes to figure out how to buy a ticket (to which I managed to make a complete fool of myself in fron tof several people). In this week alone I have been to the city 4 or 5 times for leisurely strolls, Scooter appointments (yes I am in negotiations with Jaun to purchase his 2008 scooter), to all out crazy nights swapping spit with the mexican mafia (i am almost positiive I will be receiving a phone call this week asking me to fly down to mexico--a good kiss goes a long way).
I also have a friend who has a house in Healdsburg, CA in sonoma county. For those of you who are not wine enthusiasts, Sonoma country is a huge producer of wine. I found myself tanked about midday on friday galavanting around the wineries and vineyards, dirnking wine in caves, stopping the car by a grape wine and ripping the fresh grapes off. My friends house is a million dollar ranch overlooking the valley with a gorgeous in ground pool, zen den and a built in hot tub. We forgot our camera that night so no evidence of this place as of now but I will be back. we are planning on heading back to go to the crystal clear lake and camp with the wild boar and dear next week. speaking of pictures, hopefulyl will be loading them soon. features include: san deigo zoo, pictures of the new apt and a model shoot on the beaches of santa barbara (where i want to retire).
To conclude on the non-teaching aspects of life, CA has been everything I have been looking for and more. every day proves itself to be a new adventure.
On teaching, summer school was an absolute blast aside from the constant stress. It wasn't hard. I just needed five more hours in the day to complete everything I needed to do. Anywho, I survived and have never learned so much in a short period of time. My kids were amazing. Constantly testing and pushing the boundaries. we are there to pass their tests. they need us to pass their tests. for more inspiration on teaching, go here: he is a def jam poet. REAL cool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpog1_NFd2Q
I taught 8th grade physical science (mostly basic conceptual physics). My kids did everythigng from "sex"ting (sending nude/half nude pics of themselves to others (sylvia, i need a funny text... what do you say..)). it caused huge drama yadda yadda i loved it. its kind of hilarious.
It would have been funny if this happened:
me: What is your favorite holiday?
student: 4/20
me: oh man I got so high last 4/20. iate pot brownies and melted into my seat. it was HILARIOUS. baller times
student: Mr. O lets hit after class
What actually happened:
me: what is your favorite holiday?
student: 4/20 haha
me: I know what that is. thats inappropriate
student: how do u know what that is?
me: i wasn't born yesterday. answer it again.
While playing a game i call the "speed dating game" where I have one group of students moving around completing problems on one side of the desk and another rotating on the opposite inner circle a male student (chad) , when sitting opposite me (yes I play the game as well to check their work) questions: you call this is speed dating game right? answer: yes statement: well mister, no offense but your not really my type. recall: laughter.
It has been an absolute blast teachign summer school, learning a ltitle bit about teaching and the new challenges each day brought.
oh, so i think i am going to start a blog. it will be so much more easy to do then continuously e-mail people over and over again. i will keep you all updated.
Love and miss you all!!! Please come visit!!! we have space in the apartment and Jacob wants as many visitors as possible. Just let me know when your coming so i don't plan on camping or some random adventure that weekend or week (or maybe you'll just have to brave the woods with me (miss mitchell I think this would be a ton of fun for you).
Dan
oh to describe the last couple of weeks....
to put it shortly: I am living life and have never felt so good doing it.
Business: my address is
1130 3rd Avenue Apartment#308
oakland, ca 94606
To begin I will start off with the make up of the apartment and oakland. I live in a 17 story apartment complex with a ton of young professionals and families. About 7 of us live here from TFA and we have been moving in quite slowly. There are about 5 of us here now! I started out sleeping on the floor and now share a bed with who ever will take me in. Oakland is an up and coming city. According to some random man on the BART (public transportation) it has been up and coming since the 1940s. His comedic timing was effortless and perfect. Tangent: The best part of west coast has been the random conversations I have be in. Example: I was wearing my Providence College grey T and some random man stopped me on the streets of SF. Our circular conversation rolled around east living and providence and then finally shot out to what we were doing on the west coast. he had a one-man street puppetry show that he was taking up to Seattle and then cross country to RISD (rhode island school of design) in Providence. It was only then I realized he looked as if he hadn't showered in a good couple of weeks (day 5 OBX style). We parted ways and I immediatley found myself in another conversation with a young blonde woman about the BART patterns whcih lead into who i was and who she was. Sadly our delightful encouter ended abruptly when I completely forgot what I was doing and my body nearly sliced in two by the closing subway doors.
So oakland, up and coming... right... I live right on Lake Merritt which is a nice place in Oakland. We have already found ourselves at a movie theatre in an old opera house and a hip chic wine bar(where we received comp. glass of champagne and a "welcome to the neighborhood discount"). To be perfectly transparent, there are extremely dangerous parts of Oakland and you have to be careful in certain areas. As long as we use our heads and curb the wanderings to a minimum we should be fine. This may be more difficult for some (me) but I will be paying extra attention to my local activities.
Another nice feature of the location of my apt is the hop-skip-and-a-jump it takes to get into the city ("into the city" is SF). It takes abotu a 10 minute walk to ta BART and a 12 minute ride on the BART into the city. It took me a good 10 minutes to figure out how to buy a ticket (to which I managed to make a complete fool of myself in fron tof several people). In this week alone I have been to the city 4 or 5 times for leisurely strolls, Scooter appointments (yes I am in negotiations with Jaun to purchase his 2008 scooter), to all out crazy nights swapping spit with the mexican mafia (i am almost positiive I will be receiving a phone call this week asking me to fly down to mexico--a good kiss goes a long way).
I also have a friend who has a house in Healdsburg, CA in sonoma county. For those of you who are not wine enthusiasts, Sonoma country is a huge producer of wine. I found myself tanked about midday on friday galavanting around the wineries and vineyards, dirnking wine in caves, stopping the car by a grape wine and ripping the fresh grapes off. My friends house is a million dollar ranch overlooking the valley with a gorgeous in ground pool, zen den and a built in hot tub. We forgot our camera that night so no evidence of this place as of now but I will be back. we are planning on heading back to go to the crystal clear lake and camp with the wild boar and dear next week. speaking of pictures, hopefulyl will be loading them soon. features include: san deigo zoo, pictures of the new apt and a model shoot on the beaches of santa barbara (where i want to retire).
To conclude on the non-teaching aspects of life, CA has been everything I have been looking for and more. every day proves itself to be a new adventure.
On teaching, summer school was an absolute blast aside from the constant stress. It wasn't hard. I just needed five more hours in the day to complete everything I needed to do. Anywho, I survived and have never learned so much in a short period of time. My kids were amazing. Constantly testing and pushing the boundaries. we are there to pass their tests. they need us to pass their tests. for more inspiration on teaching, go here: he is a def jam poet. REAL cool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpog1_NFd2Q
I taught 8th grade physical science (mostly basic conceptual physics). My kids did everythigng from "sex"ting (sending nude/half nude pics of themselves to others (sylvia, i need a funny text... what do you say..)). it caused huge drama yadda yadda i loved it. its kind of hilarious.
It would have been funny if this happened:
me: What is your favorite holiday?
student: 4/20
me: oh man I got so high last 4/20. iate pot brownies and melted into my seat. it was HILARIOUS. baller times
student: Mr. O lets hit after class
What actually happened:
me: what is your favorite holiday?
student: 4/20 haha
me: I know what that is. thats inappropriate
student: how do u know what that is?
me: i wasn't born yesterday. answer it again.
While playing a game i call the "speed dating game" where I have one group of students moving around completing problems on one side of the desk and another rotating on the opposite inner circle a male student (chad) , when sitting opposite me (yes I play the game as well to check their work) questions: you call this is speed dating game right? answer: yes statement: well mister, no offense but your not really my type. recall: laughter.
It has been an absolute blast teachign summer school, learning a ltitle bit about teaching and the new challenges each day brought.
oh, so i think i am going to start a blog. it will be so much more easy to do then continuously e-mail people over and over again. i will keep you all updated.
Love and miss you all!!! Please come visit!!! we have space in the apartment and Jacob wants as many visitors as possible. Just let me know when your coming so i don't plan on camping or some random adventure that weekend or week (or maybe you'll just have to brave the woods with me (miss mitchell I think this would be a ton of fun for you).
Dan
mr. brightside
First, I would like to preface with the notion that I know I have
forgotten
to add people onto this e-mail. However, I am exhausted and feel this
is a
good number to start. Secondly, please send me your new e-mail if you
would
like to continue to get e-mails from me. Finally, I know I have
promised a
few of you calls this weekend. I thought I was going to have time to
call
today, but I missed my flight this morning and had to road trip down the
coast ofcalifornia (this partially shannon 's fault, but mostly my
fault).
My last week was a whirlwind of emotions a roller roaster ride which had
me
excited, nervous, wanting to spew my innards everywhere and completely
exhausted. To begin, my placement: I have been placed inPinole Middle
School
teachers
in the school of 750 students and one of 2 teaching the 7th grade. I
was
SHOCKED to see my school. It is two years old, the science labs have
better
equiptment and resources thanProvidence College
highest in the district in science. The demographics prove to be the
most
diverse school in the district. 1/3 black, 1/3 latino, and 1/3 third
white. The socioeconomic bandwidth is also quite large. To paraphrase
my
wacked out, transparent, just down right crazy middle aged principle (no
joke, I fell in love with her!), some students will roll up in mercedes
and
escalades while other will be show up second period because they were
responsible to get their younger siblings to school before they got to
school. So the achievement gap (TFA lingo) literally exists within the
school itself.
My district: my district is called west contra costa. Of the three
districts in my area, it has the worst performance ratings overall.
While
sitting on a panel that some TFA alum set up with students, teachers
(some
TFA, some not), and admins from Richmond High it was not surprising to
hear
what came out of their mouths. Last year there were two homocides,
leaving
two memorialized desks in two TFA members classrooms. Additionally, we
were
warned about not wearing certain colors, I began to learn new lingo
(yes, i
was the kid that made the student stop and explain half the words that
came
out of her mouth), and more or less the logistics and goals of the
school
overall. Quite intense. My friend and I then sat in on a TFA safety
session where they proceeded to tell us that those things (she had this
odd
wingspan analogy) such as homocides, etc. were on the far right side and
happened very rarely (implying that she was not going to focus on this),
while the things such as bloody noses, stubbed toes were on the far left
side of her arm and happened much more frequently (the focus of her
conversation). I then passed a note to a friend and fellow district
member
who sat on the previous panel a note saying "so i guess we are the
exception." Upon reading it, she promptly raised her hand and shared
the
homocide and a crack house story to which the TFAer completely and
repectfully dodged her comment.
The WCC (west contra costa) corps: About 15 strong, we are quite the
bunch
of hooligans. Our average age is probably about 23/24. We have an
ex-pro
tennis player, an ex-pro soccer player (both women), a Jacob (my future
roomate) who taught english in japan for a year and such (similar to the
china program), and 12 other amazing people. For the most part, we come
from all different schools, no ivy leaguers (which are quite the
pretentious
bunch), but all know how to throw some back. I am living in a apartment
complex with atleast 5 of them at the moment. a few others may join.
The
corps in general is quite the crowd. we are 250 in total, abotu 60%
women,
and of the 40% male, about 30% of them are gay. It is wild. You would
think I woudl be in heaven, but not so much. Who do I find myself
clinging
to, those damn straight guys. I am forever cursed to always be friends
with
straight guys. i'm just kidding, though I do find it quite interesting
given the opportunity to have gay friends and find myself choosing to be
friends with breeders. However, I guess it i look at it closely, they
were
the only guys to really approach me and talk to me.
Where I am living: I am a week away from signing a lease to an
apartment in
Oakland , CA
short
walk from downtownoakland
laundry facilities, grills, pool, hot tub, and a small gym. Like I said
before I am living Jacob. He's a real cool easy going guy, straight but
had
an absolute blast with me and shannon at SF Pride (he was shocked and
amused
at how many times his ass got grabbed while walking in the pride
crowds).
He is the second oldest of 11 and is fromMinnesota
Kevin
Nealon's character Doug Wilson (the ex-mayor or mayor for those who have
not
scene it in awhile). He played rubgy in college and loves to talk...
about
anything and everything. Why do I know so much? We have spent about 12
hours in a car together--6, today asshannon and I joined him in the car
trip to LA.
PRIDE!!!: HOLY CRAP is all I have to say aboutSan Francisco
three of us went to dinner in the Castro (the gay capital of the world)
on
Saturday to this amazing Thai place. We walked in at 5:30, got sat by
5:45,
and had amazing Thai noodles and cocktails. We left not knowing what to
do
or what was going on around 7:30. We stepped outside and found
ourselves in
a HUGE multiple street block party/dance rave. It spanned up the castro
and
T-ed off by market. THOUSANDS of men, women, and EVERYTHING inbetween.
It
was called Pink Party Saturday and Jacob ironically had a bright pink
shirt
on. There were costumes, people dancing out of windows, topless women,
completely naked 60-70 year old guys. Guys in leather, jock straps, pig
outfits. I was in awe... in shock at what i saw. The three of us
walked up
castro amongst the crowd, had a few beers and thenShannon and Jacob
convinced me (it didn't take much) to leave them behind and join the
masses
on in front of a DJ raving.
The guy: Well, of course it is pride, so there must be a guy. I also
need
to talk about my Ichabod Crane/Adrian Brody look-a-likeSan Diego
date...
but I don't have time to talk about both and the second one is much more
interesting. So I am dancing alone, (I was wearing those black shorts I
got
from South Africa that the hammock and cara never ceased to make fun of
me
for wearing) and I pretty much looked like a lost puppy dog. I made eye
contact with a cute guy dancing with some lesbian who was on something
(never found out what it was but she did manage to scale a fence which
separated the crowd from the DJ and get herself kicked out). I gave it
the
1,2,3... and about 2 minutes later we were dancing (I tell you dennis,
pj,
and cara... it works). Anyway.. the reason I am bringing this up. I
know I
spoke to many of you about my concerns about HIV and AIDS especially
with
the education I had received and learned of the growing population of my
generation of gay men contracting the disease b/c of the carefree
attitude
and though process that it was not a life threatening disease, so on and
so
forth. Well, before leavingShannon I retorically asked her how many of
the
guys at this pride she thought might be HIV+. We both obviously have no
idea, but I was really curious on the matter. Flash forward, I am
having a
great time dancing with this really cute, a little bit older (later
found
out he was 32.. he looked about 26) guy. He pulls me over the the side
b/c
he is sweating like crazy to talk and rest for a bit. He knowtices my
ring
and comments how he is irish as well (O'Donohue) originally fromIowa
Small talk, small talk, then he drops this line: "I have to tell you
something upfront." My first thought is: damn, he has a boyfriend...
all
the good ones always have a fucking boyfriend. Instead I get: "I don't
know
where this is going in the future (meaning tonight) but I just have to
let
you know upfront that I am HIV+. I don't want to freak you out, but
some
guys tned to have different reactions to it." I tried not to look as
shocked as I felt. I am completely aware it is out there, but this guy?
I
quickly composed myself and replied: "thank you for being honest with
me,
can we go back and dance?" To which we did and continued to have a
great
night.
Alright I am exhuasted. enough of story time. I have to get up in 5
hours
and learn how to bridge the achievement gap. Wish me good luck! Again,
please send me your new email address and let me know of people I have
missed. Tons of love! miss you all!
Dan
forgotten
to add people onto this e-mail. However, I am exhausted and feel this
is a
good number to start. Secondly, please send me your new e-mail if you
would
like to continue to get e-mails from me. Finally, I know I have
promised a
few of you calls this weekend. I thought I was going to have time to
call
today, but I missed my flight this morning and had to road trip down the
coast of
fault).
My last week was a whirlwind of emotions a roller roaster ride which had
me
excited, nervous, wanting to spew my innards everywhere and completely
exhausted. To begin, my placement: I have been placed in
School
teachers
in the school of 750 students and one of 2 teaching the 7th grade. I
was
SHOCKED to see my school. It is two years old, the science labs have
better
equiptment and resources than
highest in the district in science. The demographics prove to be the
most
diverse school in the district. 1/3 black, 1/3 latino, and 1/3 third
white. The socioeconomic bandwidth is also quite large. To paraphrase
my
wacked out, transparent, just down right crazy middle aged principle (no
joke, I fell in love with her!), some students will roll up in mercedes
and
escalades while other will be show up second period because they were
responsible to get their younger siblings to school before they got to
school. So the achievement gap (TFA lingo) literally exists within the
school itself.
My district: my district is called west contra costa. Of the three
districts in my area, it has the worst performance ratings overall.
While
sitting on a panel that some TFA alum set up with students, teachers
(some
TFA, some not), and admins from Richmond High it was not surprising to
hear
what came out of their mouths. Last year there were two homocides,
leaving
two memorialized desks in two TFA members classrooms. Additionally, we
were
warned about not wearing certain colors, I began to learn new lingo
(yes, i
was the kid that made the student stop and explain half the words that
came
out of her mouth), and more or less the logistics and goals of the
school
overall. Quite intense. My friend and I then sat in on a TFA safety
session where they proceeded to tell us that those things (she had this
odd
wingspan analogy) such as homocides, etc. were on the far right side and
happened very rarely (implying that she was not going to focus on this),
while the things such as bloody noses, stubbed toes were on the far left
side of her arm and happened much more frequently (the focus of her
conversation). I then passed a note to a friend and fellow district
member
who sat on the previous panel a note saying "so i guess we are the
exception." Upon reading it, she promptly raised her hand and shared
the
homocide and a crack house story to which the TFAer completely and
repectfully dodged her comment.
The WCC (west contra costa) corps: About 15 strong, we are quite the
bunch
of hooligans. Our average age is probably about 23/24. We have an
ex-pro
tennis player, an ex-pro soccer player (both women), a Jacob (my future
roomate) who taught english in japan for a year and such (similar to the
china program), and 12 other amazing people. For the most part, we come
from all different schools, no ivy leaguers (which are quite the
pretentious
bunch), but all know how to throw some back. I am living in a apartment
complex with atleast 5 of them at the moment. a few others may join.
The
corps in general is quite the crowd. we are 250 in total, abotu 60%
women,
and of the 40% male, about 30% of them are gay. It is wild. You would
think I woudl be in heaven, but not so much. Who do I find myself
clinging
to, those damn straight guys. I am forever cursed to always be friends
with
straight guys. i'm just kidding, though I do find it quite interesting
given the opportunity to have gay friends and find myself choosing to be
friends with breeders. However, I guess it i look at it closely, they
were
the only guys to really approach me and talk to me.
Where I am living: I am a week away from signing a lease to an
apartment in
short
walk from downtown
laundry facilities, grills, pool, hot tub, and a small gym. Like I said
before I am living Jacob. He's a real cool easy going guy, straight but
had
an absolute blast with me and shannon at SF Pride (he was shocked and
amused
at how many times his ass got grabbed while walking in the pride
crowds).
He is the second oldest of 11 and is from
Kevin
Nealon's character Doug Wilson (the ex-mayor or mayor for those who have
not
scene it in awhile). He played rubgy in college and loves to talk...
about
anything and everything. Why do I know so much? We have spent about 12
hours in a car together--6, today as
trip to LA.
PRIDE!!!: HOLY CRAP is all I have to say about
three of us went to dinner in the Castro (the gay capital of the world)
on
Saturday to this amazing Thai place. We walked in at 5:30, got sat by
5:45,
and had amazing Thai noodles and cocktails. We left not knowing what to
do
or what was going on around 7:30. We stepped outside and found
ourselves in
a HUGE multiple street block party/dance rave. It spanned up the castro
and
T-ed off by market. THOUSANDS of men, women, and EVERYTHING inbetween.
It
was called Pink Party Saturday and Jacob ironically had a bright pink
shirt
on. There were costumes, people dancing out of windows, topless women,
completely naked 60-70 year old guys. Guys in leather, jock straps, pig
outfits. I was in awe... in shock at what i saw. The three of us
walked up
castro amongst the crowd, had a few beers and then
convinced me (it didn't take much) to leave them behind and join the
masses
on in front of a DJ raving.
The guy: Well, of course it is pride, so there must be a guy. I also
need
to talk about my Ichabod Crane/Adrian Brody look-a-like
date...
but I don't have time to talk about both and the second one is much more
interesting. So I am dancing alone, (I was wearing those black shorts I
got
from South Africa that the hammock and cara never ceased to make fun of
me
for wearing) and I pretty much looked like a lost puppy dog. I made eye
contact with a cute guy dancing with some lesbian who was on something
(never found out what it was but she did manage to scale a fence which
separated the crowd from the DJ and get herself kicked out). I gave it
the
1,2,3... and about 2 minutes later we were dancing (I tell you dennis,
pj,
and cara... it works). Anyway.. the reason I am bringing this up. I
know I
spoke to many of you about my concerns about HIV and AIDS especially
with
the education I had received and learned of the growing population of my
generation of gay men contracting the disease b/c of the carefree
attitude
and though process that it was not a life threatening disease, so on and
so
forth. Well, before leaving
the
guys at this pride she thought might be HIV+. We both obviously have no
idea, but I was really curious on the matter. Flash forward, I am
having a
great time dancing with this really cute, a little bit older (later
found
out he was 32.. he looked about 26) guy. He pulls me over the the side
b/c
he is sweating like crazy to talk and rest for a bit. He knowtices my
ring
and comments how he is irish as well (O'Donohue) originally from
Small talk, small talk, then he drops this line: "I have to tell you
something upfront." My first thought is: damn, he has a boyfriend...
all
the good ones always have a fucking boyfriend. Instead I get: "I don't
know
where this is going in the future (meaning tonight) but I just have to
let
you know upfront that I am HIV+. I don't want to freak you out, but
some
guys tned to have different reactions to it." I tried not to look as
shocked as I felt. I am completely aware it is out there, but this guy?
I
quickly composed myself and replied: "thank you for being honest with
me,
can we go back and dance?" To which we did and continued to have a
great
night.
Alright I am exhuasted. enough of story time. I have to get up in 5
hours
and learn how to bridge the achievement gap. Wish me good luck! Again,
please send me your new email address and let me know of people I have
missed. Tons of love! miss you all!
Dan
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