1965
We had the last two DAT's today - clerical and abstract. The abstract was something like this - ^^vv and you had to choose what came next in sequence, of course ^ again. The clerical was fun. I'm trying to forget V. Now who the hay is V? Hmmmm! Tomorrow we have two tests - Geometry and History.
Comment 2023
Nice job forgetting V, kiddo. Keep it up.
1979
As I sit here in the library trying to concentrate on Gene Wise’s article I am torn this way and that by other forces. Through the headphones I am listening to the Mikado overture. I glanced at my wrist and watched the small blue pulse point and said to myself, ”How can this splendidly educated man make such dross out of the spun gold of existence?”
Actually, I did no such thing. I just thought, “there is so much more…” and never finished the thought. I get more of thrill about a vibrant rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan than out of all Wise’s tortured intellectualizing. Or maybe I am projecting.
Notes from class that night:
NC is presenting his “designated expert” talk. He may well be saying something worthwhile, but he is so irritating I just want to leave. I pity his future students. His hands jiggle like mittens on a stick, and every sentence is studded with “ so to speak”. He repeats and over-explains every transparent cliche he utters. The cadence of his speech is like a horse with a tin can stuck on one hoof. My God this is awful. He may be making sense to every one else. But from the wiggling feet and glazed eyes around me, I think I am not alone. I am impressed by his memory. Why can’t I cite sources from memory like that? Gene laughed at one of his comments; a laugh of approval, I think. So maybe I am missing something. Now NC is rolling his fists around each other, like a fleshy egg beater. How he does go on! Damn! Ah! He’s done. Egad! Someone asked him a question; so maybe I am the only one who couldn’t follow him.
1997
Busy day today! Beacon House, a field trip with my students, and Girl Scouts cookies, then a potluck dinner. But I looking forward to all of it, somehow. None of it is “work”” and it all involved interrelation with people I enjoy.
Jim bought yet another Playstation game. I am doomed.
2023
Another teaching day, another anxiety nightmare. Here’s the puzzle: I say I loved teaching, and I did, and I do. So why do scary monsters keep me tossing and turning the night before I’m in the classroom?