Scary Moments in School

Yesterday I received an e-mail from our principal that an unloaded gun was discovered in an eighth-grader’s gym locker. At first, the news didn’t really register. I had taught this particular student, and all I could think was–He made a poor choice, probably trying to impress his friends.

Then later, I learned that he had also brought an ammunition clip. Funny how that small detail changes everything.

We live in a safe neighborhood, and our school is one of the safest in the community. We’ve never had an incident like this in the nine years I’ve taught there. What makes it worse is that I know the kid. I remember him struggling in school, but he always had a smile and was good-natured. He had a tough childhood, but he was living with his grandparents. More than anything, he seemed lost.

The same day he brought the gun, his grandfather passed away. Now his life is unraveling in front of him, and I worry about him. It’s funny how I wasn’t at all concerned about the gun and him harming anyone, but more–why did he bring it? Was he trying to get help in a strange way? And I have a feeling, he’s the sort of person who would be more likely to use the gun on himself than anyone else.

I know many parents were outraged, scared for their children. I don’t blame them a bit. But it makes me wonder how this event will change our school.

What about you? When you were growing up, did you ever have an incident like this in your school? Or do you see it now in your children’s schools?

I Bought a Grandma Purse

I had a break-down today at Target. I went to take my son shopping to spend a little of his birthday money (he bought a Darth Vader voice changer and mask :starwars: and his life is now complete). I was buying practical things, and when I struggled to find my shopping list amid the stuffed purse I have, the raw truth invaded. I realized I needed a bigger purse.

Now, the last time I went shopping, I eyed the cute little leather handbags that make you look like a trendy chick. You know, the ones that hold a wallet and a lipstick? I wanted one so badly. In the end I caved into reason and bought a medium sized brown purse (that way I can use it in both summer and winter). Mind you, it holds little more than a wallet, sunglasses, car keys, and cell phone.

But as any mother will tell you, once you have kids, your purse changes. Suddenly, those overnight-sized floppy handbags look rather attractive. I draw the line and the ones that could double as an airline carryon bag. But today, there was no turning back. Instead of trying to cram the wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, Motrin, crayons, tissues, gum, ID badges, make-up, spare batteries, car keys, classroom keys, and the other sundries needed in a purse, I bought the Grandma bag. You know, the one where you can keep small animals? Yes, I could hide a poodle in there. Or perhaps, three Happy Meals, placed end to end.

Oh, the space! The luxury! If the kids are bored, I can store a game of Candyland in there. Or six rolls of Charmin, should the public stalls be out!

So, what does your purse look like and what’s the strangest thing you have in there ? Or if you’re a guy, do you have a man purse like Jack Bauer in 24? What are your thoughts on man purses?

The Decision of What Not to Do

Sadly, I decided that a Survivor audition was not to be. Oh, it wasn’t because I am a woman who gets cold and the idea of sleeping outdoors makes me want to run for covers. It wasn’t because my husband thought I was out of my mind or because I have no clue how to build a shack out of sticks. It wasn’t the idea of the monstrous bugs in the great wilderness, because goodness knows, I’d be stomping the bejeezus out of them.

No, it was because I went running out to my car one morning to get a pencil sharpener for my classroom that I’d forgotten to bring in. (And if you’ve ever left a room full of 25 12-year-olds alone briefly, you know I was hauling HINEY because they canNOT be trusted):slap:…and I was winded on the way back. Here I was, imagining all the horrible things they could be doing to each other in the two minutes it took to run there and back, and I just couldn’t do it.

Um, yeah, Michelle, how’s that exercise program twice a week working out for you?

Ahem. So, Survivor? Not so much. Couch potato? Yeah, baby.

So, did you ever have an idea to do something and then decide at the last moment that this was NOT a good plan?

Bragging Rights

Being almost four allows you to fully enjoy a chocolate cupcake. One of my son’s classmates had a belated birthday party at daycare and this was his complete and utter joy. Sorry. Had to brag. My little cutie.