The Things in which I do not excel (pt.1)

Small Talk -
I had to go to the grocery Sunday night and was given a VERY talkative taxi driver. Now, I have gotten pretty skilled at small talking about the weather, but this was way out of my league. The driver commented that there were a lot of people waiting for taxis tonight. I shook my head yes, but obviously he didn't hear my brain rattling, so he said it again. This time I said yes, there are a lot of people. And that was the end of that conversation. Although a minute later he came up with another obvious observation. . . How do you respond to that?! I'm discovering a new pet peeve - I don't like to be talked at. If I am going to have a conversation with someone I would like it to be a conversation. Hmm, so maybe you are thinking "Emily just has a problem small talking in another language. That's ok, I would too." Nope, my problem runs deeper. Someone was telling me (in English) how nice it was that their daughter had received a photo of the two of us. I said yes, I was glad to give it to her. End of conversation. I couldn't think of anything else to say along those lines.

I don't have a problem with talking, I know that. It's just the polite, I don't really know you and I don't have time to get to know you right now, talking that is difficult. Small talk has its place - sometimes you really don't have time to get to know someone on a deep level, but you want to express appreciation or concern. I just don't know how to respond when it is directed to me.

First Day of School

I typically love first days and today was no exception. I'm exhausted, but I feel guilty because I did nothing compared to some of my elementary teacher friends. Imagine being in charge of preteens from 8:00-1:00 with one, ten-minute break? I don't know how they do it, but I am glad they do.

The only "normal" class I had today was my 9th grade English. Electives (Theater) doesn't start until next week, and my first two hours were taken over by Orientation. BUT, I discovered that I am going to do an Independent Study with Hannah C. on Theater History. I'm pretty stinkin' excited about that one. I spent a lot of my day researching and working on that new class (also starting next week). Finally, to end my day, I had a study hall with some of the Juniors. It's just for today and tomorrow - as a way of watching kids until we get them all signed up for their electives. We should know by Monday how many kids I'll have in Theater, and if I'll be able to do "A Christmas Carol."

So, in typical Emily fashion, I am exhausted and ready for a nap. But I am not going to stop yet. I want to re-read my 9th grade book, The Giver, before we start Chapter 1 tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Muffin!

Well, Muffin turned 1 today. He got a flea treatment, a brush, a squeaky toy, and some new food! He didn't understand why the day was special, but we did!