I think it is safe to say that my 7th grade year was by far the most awkward year of my life. The pictures below attest to the fact. I was convinced I was the best hair stylist around, I loved my bangs, I hadn't yet discovered cross country, and my favorite shirt was a hand-me-down-oversized-boy shirt. However, the best part was that I was 99.9% unaware of my awkwardness. I really liked myself, which I think is good. It makes for some good laughs now though, since there isn't too much emotional damage associated with the awkward.
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| my favorite shirt with accessories |
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| Mary, Benny, Becca, Emma |
It is my fifth week teaching Jr. High, and I am slowly devolving back to what I was like in 7th grade. I don't know quite how to put it--I'm reliving my adolescence? The first thing that leads me to this conclusion is the fact that I've been breaking out with acne almost worse than I ever had as a teenager. Not fair.
The second experience I had this week that would lead me to this conclusion is way more exciting than acne. Perhaps the most unfortunate/iconic experience I had when I was a student in Jr. High was throwing my retainer away during lunch and having to dig through all the giant black trash bags full of gross, soggy, lunch remains to find it. You can read about that story here, if you are interested. I never got to experience the throwing up in class, or having "girl problems" though, luckily. However, the fates decided to catch up with me on Monday. On Saturday I started feeling under the weather. By Sunday night I had developed a nice cough/runny nose thing. By Monday morning I was just feeling sick. I ate a tiny bit of cereal for breakfast, and for lunch I wasn't hungry at all. All of the teachers at my school go to the faculty lounge to eat their lunches. On this day, however, I decided to turn off my lights, lock the door, and pretend to go to the lounge. Instead I went to the corner behind my desk and lay down, trying to get rid of my upset stomach. This didn't work, so I gave up and went to the faculty lounge to nibble on an apple and get some water. After lunch my class was having their weekly silent reading period, and I was passing back papers. I really, really did not feel well, so I went to my desk and sat, trying so hard not to put my head down, and keep my teacher cool. However, my stomach had other plans. I could feel the signs of throw up coming on, so I quickly stood and started moving towards the door. Just as I stepped outside of the classroom I totally lost my apple. Luckily, I made it to the garbage can, and the door to my classroom was closed. The kids would have had a heyday had I not. I stayed out there for a few minutes, trying to compose myself. When I went back in I was greeted by my 7th grade class staring worriedly at me. One student said, "What were you doing out there? Were you looking for something in the garbage can?" I said, rather sarcastically, "Ya, of course! I was dumpster diving in the middle of class. Just for kicks." I then clarified, "Let's just say I don't feel very well. You might have a sub tomorrow..."
So there you have it. My almost embarrassing pre-teen moment. I never had that experiencing of throwing up in public during those oh so important, formative years, so I guess it was something that was bound to catch up to me.
In case you are worried, I took the day off yesterday and am feeling much better today.
