Shaddup Already!
2005-10-14
Death and bird flu
I went back to work today and overall it went well. I was kind of overwhelmed and exhausted from the start, but the kids tried to behave as much as possible for 6th graders.I spoke to a fellow teacher on Wednesday evening and she informed me that students were concerned (hopeful) that I was dead.
So I felt the need to reassure the gossip-monger that I was indeed alive:
Me: C, I'm alive.
C: Alright.
Of course one of my team teachers offered numerous comebacks that C could have used if he had been thinking quickly on his feet. Alas, he missed his opportunity.
Then, as the kids were coming in for 7th period, a sweet, soft-spoken girl came up to me:
B: Ms. B, what was wrong? Why were you out?
Me: I was dead, didn't you hear? (okay, I didn't really say that, but I thought it)
I had a really bad stomach flu.
B: the stomach flu?
Me: Yes
B: Oh, I heard you had the bird flu.
Me: No, I don't think so.
B: good.
starts to walk away, turns back
What is the bird flu?
Me: I'm not completely sure, but it hasn't hit America yet.
B: Oh, okay.
