lickerdysplit

Ah, the joys of teaching....
 

Classic Tuesday afternoon event described herewith:

1) Last lesson of the day I had to explain to an eleven year old  (who sits at my desk with me as it's the only way she can cope) why it was inappropriate to make paper aeroplanes - fair enough.

2) She then started jabbing the plane towards my eye.

3) Not good. I have an exaggerated startle response and sudden movements towards my eye make me edgy. I explained politely to the child in question that I did not like paper planes - or anything - being jabbed towards my eye, and in fact most people would probably feel the same.

4) The child did not see that this was her problem, saying merrily that I did not have to look.

5) I explained more explicitly that I had a bad reflex problem, and she should stop it with the plane.

6) She asked what this was, but before I could answer another child said 'It means she'll punch you in the face!'

7) Needless to say it does not and I didn't, but mysteriously, the plane was forgotten about.

8) We then worked cheerfully until the last bell went. No one punched anyone, no one got jabbed in the eye, and a kid even gave me a pen to replace one he accidentally broke last week.


The moral of this episode: This too shall pass. Or, you know, ignore them and they'll stop it eventually.

I was born in the Year of the Dog, about which I've heard the following:

 People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature.  (Oh, stop!)
They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. (These are very nice things, and I think they are true)
But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. (Not very nice...but fairly true)
They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. (Ha! True)
They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. (True...and true)
 They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. (Oh dear! Too true)
 Dog people make good leaders. (Well. True)

So, fundamentally true.

On a related topic -

At a party on Saturday one of my best friends accurately described me as cynical, sarcastic and gloomy...but happy about it (I lol'd) ...at which point another party guest said, 'Oh! Are you a Gemini?' I am.

I'm in two minds about this whole horoscope business. ;)