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March 04, 2012

300 Followers - Oh My!

Never in a gazillion years did I think I'd reach 300 followers!

Well, technically, I haven't yet . . . but I am soooo close!

Especially amazing when I feel like I haven't put anything really creative on here in a long time.

Erika you are not worthy!!

I have this story I've alluded to many times in other posts and everyone I know and love says this is their favorite story from my "past".

I've anguished over posting this story.
I can tell it with great effect and suspense in person.

But I've worried about how it will come across in written form.

I'm know Teeny Tiny Teacher, let me tell you!

But today, in honor or nearing 300 followers, I have decided to give it a go.
Much like I tell my kiddos.
Just do your best.
It's okay if you don't know, but not okay if you don't try.

So I'm giving it a try.

A long time ago, when I was a new teacher, before cell phones and internet were commonplace, I taught second grade in a reservation school.

Yes, that long ago!

In fact some of you younguns wouldn't believe it but the first cell phones were like the size of a backpack!  Not convenient at all let me tell you.  Of course no one could afford one but Don Johnson.  And if you don't get that you can't fathom the phones either.

So back to the story.

I had a rough class.
About half in special ed or title services.
Most qualified for free lunches.
Many just wanted to sit on my lap and get loved.
Little ones would ask what a wedding ring was while looking at mine.
Kids asked if we slept in the car when we went on a trip.

Yeah, it was rough.

It was also rough because of all the behavior issues.
I had a kid bring a loaded gun to school.
Some of my students regularly hid in the park bushes after school and beat up older kids.

But in spite of all that I had some darlings that will always hold special places in my heart.

One day I was sitting at my desk working one-on-one with a little darling named Julian.
Julian was an angel faced little American Indian boy who the bad boys always tried to woo to their side.  Fortunately at that time they didn't stand a chance because Julian didn't have a mean or naughty bone in his body.

My desk was by one of only two windows so that I could enjoy the sun and fresh breeze when possible.

On this particular day in the middle of our work, Julian stopped and gazed at me with his big, beautiful, brown eyes in wonder.

Lost in a dream it seemed.

Then he said, "Ya know Mrs. Schaff,"
pause

"When the light hits you just right,"
longer pause

As this cherub stares at me I am thinking to myself . . .
he is going to tell me how beautiful I am . . .

(Remember people I was a new teacher,
young,
thin,
fresh,
thin,
niave.

Julian blinks and smiles before going on.

"When the light hits you just right,

it

looks

like

you

have

a

mustache."

Smile, dimples glimmer, blink, bat the eyelashes.

OMG!  I have a mustache?!

What?!

Is this kid ill, insane?

No, this is one of my angels.

Picture me on my first break running to the teacher's bathroom to inspect.  Shooting past the principal who wants to ask me an important question.
No sorry, it's an emergency.  Gotta go!

Sure there is some fuzz.
Okay.
But a 'stache.
I think not.

Duck out of the bathroom and hightail it to the teacher's lounge and ask everyone I trust to check it out.
Honest opinions please.
We all know kids don't lie.

Next time I'm at the salon I have a serious discussion with the stylist about waxing.
She'll do whatever I want (of course and charge me) although my fuzz is blonde colored so it's up to me.

Long story short.
I've been waxing ever since.

The therapy for the emotional trauma is way more expensive than waxing, let me tell you people.

I'd like to see this little big boy man today and see if he still thinks I've got a 'stache!
Ah, heck, he'd probably just notice that my eyebrows are growing in places they shouldn't be now.

It stinks getting old is all I could say.

(Now you all know why I didn't care to win Farley's adorable mustache stamp . . . too many bad memories . . . don't go there!  And the hair phobia . . . don't get me started!)

BTW, when I reach 300 I'll be having a giveaway for a $25 Starbucks gift card!
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29 comments :

  1. Yey Erika! Congrats on reaching 300! I love your blog!

    ❤ Mor Zrihen from...
    A Teacher's Treasure
    Teaching Treasures Shop

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  2. Too funny! Oh, the things we do! My first cell phone had a lovely bag and only worked when you plugged it into the lighter in the car! Obviously, I'm very familiar with Don Johnson!

    Laura
    Peace, Love, and First Grade

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  3. That is hilarious! (gotta love kids)
    Jennifer

    First Grade Blue SKies

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  4. Funny stuff! Congrats on 300!!!


    First Grade Delight
    imgoingfirst@gmail.com

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  5. Congrats on 300!

    I'll be sure to come back when you have your giveaway.

    I'll be having a giveaway when I hit 200 *four away!* and will probably be to Amazon or TpT :)

    Journey of a Substitute Teacher

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  6. Hahahaha! Oh, the honesty of children. Bursting our bubbles!

    Buzzing with Ms.

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  7. Thanks for sharing...better to hear it from a student than a date I guess?! Happy 300 followers!
    Mrs. Castro's Class 2nd Grade...Spanglish Style

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  8. I think I am just going to post "Who is Don Johnson?" and "Really they had phones that big you say?" instead of admitting to the fact that I know what you are talking about and laughed when I read that thinking of my high school boyfriend trying to look "cool" by doing bicept curls with his phone.

    See... if I don't admit it. I am not that old! CONGRATS on 300! Starbucks sounds delicious and I just heard they give out free weekly apps!

    Misty
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

    ReplyDelete
  9. HiErika
    I have a teaching story like that ---not including the stache of course but similar situation my first year. So happy for you..you deserve 300 followers and more. Love ya!
    Vicky
    Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After

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  10. Hi Erika,

    I just gave you an award...come by and check it out!

    http://www.glitzyinfirstgrade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Haha, that made me laugh! Especially the part about not wanting to win the mustache stamp :) I'm assuming the phones you're talking about were similar to Zack from Saved by the Bell? That's the old phone I recognize!

    Congrats on 300 followers :)

    Bonnie
    Living A Wonderful Life

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  12. ahhh!!! lol...don't you just love kids!?

    ♥ Jen
    The Teachers' Cauldron

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  13. oh Erika, that made me laugh! I still can't believe the things say sometimes, even after all these years!

    Congrats on almost 300!!!! So close!

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  14. I love all the great stories I have gotten from teaching. Congrats on hitting 300! I looooove Starbucks so I can't wait!!! Have a great Tuesday!

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  15. Love your story! Too funny! Congrats on 300 followers.

    Krista
    stellar-students

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  16. WElp, I am number 298! Hope you get there soon! Congrats (in advance!)

    Looking forward to reading more about your experiences as a teacher! Loved the stache story!

    Come check me out sometime over at busyasahoneybee.blogspot.com

    -Simone

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  17. OH MY WORD!!!!!!
    Ha ha ha!!!!! I'm laughing with you, not at you. Soooo funny!!!
    I love that you described yourself as thin twice. Ha!
    Loved this story!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

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  18. Happy to be your 301st! Congrats
    Hilarious stories. Kids say the darndest things! :D
    Dragonflies in First

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  19. *story... apparently I can't type tonight :D

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  20. Ha ha! That was VERY funny. Thanks for being brave and sharing.
    Hey, you're at 302 now -- I just joined :)
    Take care.

    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful

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  21. LOL! Very funny story! Oh kids and their honesty, gotta love it. Makes our jobs such a great experience :) Congrats on reaching 300! Well deserved.

    -tania
    Live, Love, Laugh in 2nd Grade

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  22. I shared an award with you! Come over and grab it!
    http://read-write-sing.blogspot.com/2012/03/lovely-surprise.html

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  23. Wonderful! If you get a chance head over to my new 2nd grade blog. http://secondgradeperks.blogspot.com/

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  24. Hi Erika! Just wanted to let you know I nominated you for an award! Stop by my blog to get it. :)

    WILD About First Grade!

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  25. I love this story. I remember the brick-size cell phones that cost a fortune! I love your blog and blog design. I am a new blogger . I would love for you to visit me at firstclassteacher.blogspot.com. Have a happy week!

    Pamela

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  26. Hey sweet friend - Congrats again! I'm having a lucky 300 giveaway -- come on over and check it out...I'm hooking up with Misty and Traci. :o)
    Vicky
    Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for filling my bucket!

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