Monthly Archives: June 2009
The Nerdy 58 Year Old Woman (4) : Day Two of my grammar class
On Thursday last, the second day of my grammar class, several of the shy students decided they weren’t shy anymore. This phenomenon happened right in the middle of my story about a time when the Nerdy Little 8th Grader was … Continue reading
The Nerdy 8th Grade Girl’s Plan for Popularity (3)
Here’s the second part of the story that my students will receive tomorrow, before the quiz. The Nerdy 8th Grade Girl’s Plan for Popularity 1963 Nerds love to memorize things like the Gettysburg Address, all prime numbers to 7919, eighty … Continue reading
The Nerdy 58-Year-Old Woman (2): Day One of my grammar class
2009 OK. I am sure you, my loyal readers, are more interested in what happened yesterday at 4:00 when ten junior high students entered Room 2 for 1.5 hours of grammar instruction than you are say, in the gripping events … Continue reading
The Nerdy 8th Grade Girl (1)
Today I begin my summer grammar course for middle school students. At 4:00 this afternoon, ten kids whose parents have forced them to attend my class and who were hoping that summer might provide a much needed respite from boring … Continue reading
Spin those transcendent virtues!
I realize that what is right in one situation may be wrong in another. In some cultures, slurping soup is the sign of impending digestive joy and in others, avoiding direct eye contact shows respect. However, some actions are just … Continue reading
Off you go
I have been one of those types who bounds along in life like a terrier in high grass. I see myself as young and vital until I look in the mirror and recognize that many years have passed since I … Continue reading
The Ping Dynasty
Tomorrow morning at 9:30 the Emperor will see me for 15 minutes. Booking my sitting with the Emperor was an act of endurance that began five weeks ago, after my miserable experience in a public school classroom. I will avoid … Continue reading
Overwriting
I sometimes visit Rich Man, Poor Man, a store in Cayucos, California. Antiques, collectibles, and junk all vie for a shopper’s attention in a crowded display. Most of the time, I can only be in the store for 30 minutes … Continue reading
Riding the rails to Chicago
Yesterday, I rode Amtrak by myself from my city to Sacramento because I didn’t want to drive or be in control or have to think or do. I wanted to gaze out the window and dream and relax because lately, … Continue reading
The Mysterious Counterfeiter
You are driving along the busy freeway at a handsome clip rotating the day’s doings like a waterwheel. Up on your tail rides a pick-up truck or a Honda Accord or a BMW, driven by a male in a hurry. … Continue reading
