March 24, 2011
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The Daily News1 I had several Austrian exchange students visit my classes yesterday.
2 In a way it was great because in the morning I didn't have my keys, so we all chilled in the hallway before school. It was somewhat like a farmers' market, and my students got to relax and chill with these wonderful students from far away lands.
3 What I loved was that they were older, like seniors, and my freshmen stood astounded at the exchange.
4 What's really funny is that they didn't really talk initially about education. The first topic was the drinking age in Austria!
5 They can purchase beer and wine at the age of sixteen in Austria, and hard liquor at eighteen. So they could actually club at sixteen.
6 That was the first issue they brought up. Can you even imagine?
7 My freshmen lit up on all of this. I, naturally, was astounded when they asked how many of our students drink and smoke.
8 A whole lot of them said that they did.
9 Noooooooo! Haha, my image of my wonderful students shifted somewhat dramatically yesterday.
10 I see my freshmen in particular as sweet and innocent. I've often referred to a book I one day wish to write called Ears and Braces.
11 I guess that's just a part of the occupation.
12 Turns out that a whole bunch of them have already had their first beer, even at the quaint old age of fourteen. The Austrian students said that they begin drinking as young as the age of six!
13 Well, I guess Shakespeare did say that there is nothing new under the sun.
14 Astounding.
15 Sometimes I am so naive as a teacher that it is practically idiotic.
16 Pretty eye-opening, but pretty human, I gather.
17 Yeesh.
18 Great day though, because the Austrian students also told my students that their school day is much longer, and that grammar is of utmost importance to the Austrian culture.
19 They also are into shopping and music. Some things never change, here or there.
20 I loved that after they were done speaking, my lesson plan was the balcony scene.
21 Sometimes everything happens just the right day, and yesterday was one of them. It just fell into place.
22 I've been on a roll lately anyway, so this fit right in.
23 When life turns wonderful, it's great to realize and enjoy it.
24 Yesterday was one such day.
25 Moving on, Part One: On the Other Hand Dept. I had some difficulties with some stupid data entry boushit yesterday, adding around three extra hours to my day.
26 By the time I got home I was exhausted.
27 But when I drove up, I saw my daughters' cars in front of the house.
28 Not only was Nicoley visiting, but my wedding-bound Caitlin was home from Sac too!
29 What a wonderful surprise!
30 Both my daughters were home, and the laughs began instantly.
31 Life brings gifts when you least expect it, I swear to you.
32 AnywayZ...
33 Good times, man.
34 Well, I crashed out at around 8 p.m. last night, old fool
35 And I awoke at like 11 p.m. in order to write this nonsense.
36 So it's midnight; I've just cleaned up after the soup I made for dinner, and all seems quiet and well.
37 I'm in my usual state of disbelief and amazement, but I am also charmed by each day.
38 Hope you all enjoy a wonderful Thursday.
39 Peace.
~H~
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