Back to School

Jules, baby Brooke and Me, circa...a long time ago. And yes, I've come a long way.

Ever since I signed up for school I've felt excited and nervous. I can't wait to see what school has in store for me, but can't help but wonder how it's all going to pan out. One day while emailing Erica back and forth I mentioned a funny 4th grade story that I thought for sure she had heard. After being friends with someone for over 10 years you pretty much assume they know it all. After telling the story and both of us dying of laughter, it led me to think of the days of old. So, I thought it only be right for me to share with you the days of old.

2nd Grade Ms. Phillippe-Our classroom and the adjoining 2 got together in an empty classroom for story time. I sat crossed legged with my small, but distinguished group of girlfriends. I don't remember how I got from point A to point B, but point B was me dragging one of my best friends Tracie Payne by the hair in a circle. I laughed and returned to my cross legged position with a smile. Within seconds Tracie was bawling and Ms. Phillippe was grabbing me by the arm to promptly change my green card to a DOUBLE RED LIGHT! I sat in my empty classroom as I wrote in my second grade best something to the effect of "Dear Mom & Dad...today I got a double red light, I pulled Tracie Payne's hair..." I was directed to retrieve one of my parents signatures and return it the next day.

4th Grade Mr. Quie-I sat down to a generic brand of Rice Krispies and my stomach was in knots. I wasn't sure how I felt about the 4th grade, and my first male teacher. Porter Elementary had just built 4 new portables and my class was one of them. As our single file line was ushered into the classroom I felt sick to my stomach. Mr. Quie quickly went into the house rules with everyone intently watching. I was going to throw up, and I didn't have a lot of time to think. I quickly assessed my surroundings and looking down at the floor I thought "I don't want to throw up on the new carpet." So I opened my shirt and barfed. I promptly raised my hand and said "I just threw up in my shirt."

Same year, same class. I had made the decision that I wanted to be in orchestra, and the cello seemed to be the right fit. As always me and about 10 others sat in a small classroom just off of the music room. Our normal teacher wasn't present that day and in his place was a well respected older lady from the Phoenix Symphony. The class was winding down and we were finishing up with a familiar tune, "Orchestra will Rock You." Other students got creative and changed the wording, so I thought I would join in. While chuckling I yelled "Orchestra will F- You!" Heads snapped in my direction, and I couldn't believe what had just happened. I covered my mouth as the substitute teacher gasped and said "I hope you didn't mean that!" I shook my head from side to side and said "I didn't". Throughout the year Sean Fowler would walk behind me in the hall and say "Orchestra will beep you."

7th Grade Mrs. Farnsworth-It was the last period before the day was over. I sat next to Samir Patel and we couldn't stop laughing. Mrs. Farnsworth was trying to get the class in order and this wasn't helping. After a few times of "alright Malia, that's enough" and stern looks...she snapped. She said "I'm sick of this bologna!" But she didn't say it the way most do, she pronounced it bolo-G-na, and I burst into laughter. That's when she picked up a desk as if to launch it in my direction, and then slammed it down and said "I'm not going to throw this desk because I'm not a violent person, get out of here!" Lucky for me when I stepped outside it started to pour rain.

August 26th I'll be back to school, wish me luck.