The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Monday, November 24, 2014

This School is On Fire...and How My Chickens Never Did Hatch

      On Friday I almost set my school on fire. For the last week, I had been storing a few pencils in the microwave in my classroom. Before you call me "crazy," I did have a semi-logical reason for it.  Our pencils are communal, and my students have been going through 913 sharpened pencils every day.  A week ago, when I was collecting pencils at the end of the day, a student had 3 pencils in their desk instead of the normal 1. When they claimed the two extra pencils were from home--all three were different brands--I explained that pencils are always sold in multi-pencil packs, so if they would bring the "matching" pencils from home, I would gladly return the pencils to them. They never did, and the incident was forgotten...and so were the pencils. In the microwave.

      Flying into my classroom on Friday morning, the only thing was on my brain was a whole bunch of popcorn I had to microwave for the two 3rd grade classes...and it needed to be done by 10, so I was in a hurry. Shoving the first bag in, I started to sharpen the first of 913 pencils when I smelled something burning.

      It's only been a minute. That popcorn can't be burning already.

       I looked through the door, and saw a fire--a real fire--going on in my microwave. All trace of the pencils (with those accompanying pesky metal ends) were gone. I carefully carried the glass plate--the plate holding the bonfire--into the teachers' lounge (it's thankfully right next to my classroom) so I could immerse the whole mess in the sink. As I transported the pyromaniac's paradise along the hall, only one fiery bit floated up into air but I was fortunate...it fell down onto the floor instead of igniting something on a bulletin board. All of the teachers in my building are desperate for a day off, but igniting the school? Not the best way to get a break...

      So that's lesson # 1 for you. Don't microwave pencils. They don't end up being a tasty treat. But there's more in store from Sioux's School today. Here comes lesson # 2 ladled onto your plate:

       Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Let me go back a couple of weeks.

       Getting to school extra early one morning, I checked my email. The Chicken Soup people were wondering if I would be interested in going to New York. To be on the Dr. Oz show. The taping would be done on December 4--prime time for craziness when it comes to elementary school kids. Someone--Chicken Soup or Dr. Oz--would pick up the transportation and hotel bill. Was I interested? If I was, I should let them know and they would put me in touch with the PR people.

       I most definitely was interested...

       The horse donkey was out of the barn at that point--too late to rein her in. By the time the PR department emailed me late in the afternoon, I had told a few colleagues at work, my principal, my husband and my sister. My husband galloped out of the barn, too, prancing around the pasture with the news.

        The cavorting ended when the reins were pulled back with firm, reasonable hands. Things were still in the preliminary stages... The PR rep would need a head shot from me, and I'd have to interview over the phone. Then they would relay the information to Dr. Oz's production people, who would then make a decision.

          At that point, I figured it was not going to work out favorably for me. But I tried my hardest and hoped for the best.

          A head shot? Yikes. They were probably trying to ensure I was not a Cyclops...I'd have to turn my head to make it appear I had two eyes. An interview? Shudder. What were they looking for?

        For the last week and a half I sat on pins and needles. Late Friday afternoon (the same day as the fire, by the way) I got the news. Unless someone breaks both their legs and develops a horribly disfiguring--but curable--disease, they probably would not have a need for me. (Look for a show that features some of the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Touched by an Angel authors sometime in December. If I find out the exact air date, I'll include it in a post.)

       For the few hours when I thought a trip to New York was a sure thing, this is what was happening:

  • Yahoo! I was going to get my hair and make-up done by a TV stylist. Oh, I know, panel guests probably don't get that kind of star treatment, but once they got one look at me, a dozen make-over experts would converge, create a plan, and work furiously to make me semi-presentable.

  • Since bundt cake is not allowed on Dr. Oz's show, I'd probably get fitted with a foundation garment, too. I'm way past the muffin-top. It's a full-blown bundt cake now...


  •   I was going to get a change of pace--a day or two off work!

         And that's your bonus lessons today. Fantasizing--even if it's fleeting--is a good thing and prepare for the worst, so if it's good news, you're pleasantly surprised.
   
            

      






23 comments:

  1. I think that is so awesome!! I hope I get to see you on the show! Please let us know when it is aired!

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    1. Well, unless someone gets a disfiguring disease (one that IS curable) and breaks BOTH legs, you won't see me. But it was a nice fantasy for the few hours it lasted...

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  2. OMG that is amazing and deflating news about CS. OMG! Sioux. Why didn't you share with the WWWPs?

    Bill says the PR folks probably got wind of your pencil torching.

    Seriously, very excited and sad at the same time for you!

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  3. Well, after letting the horse out of the barn too early, I didn't want to say anything to you ladies until I heard...which didn't happen until AFTER critique night.

    I think Bill is right. That is easier to swallow than they are prejudiced against Cyclops...

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  4. That pencil episode is scary! But sometimes I store things in there temporairly too. Then sometimes, like Friday, I cook carrots and then find them on Saturday! Going to Dr. Oz show...how great you were even asked...it isn't over until it's over so maybe we will see you yet!!!

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    1. Claudia--Perhaps I could write a book on microwave safety? I think I'm an expert now...

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  5. Dr. Oz's loss, now I know why I hate his show!

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    1. Joeh--Perhaps it's all for the best. I might have burned down New York City...with just a few pencils and a hotel microwave.

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  6. Everyone who knows you at all knows that Dr. Oz missed out on this one. You would've really lit things up on that show, and I'm not talking about pencils. Exciting that you were considered, disappointing that they don't know a hot tamale when they talk to one!

    Glad you didn't burn your school down. Really, REALLY glad you didn't get hurt.

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    1. Lisa--A hot tamale. Tamales are thin, right? (I'll take it.)

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  7. They must have checked your permanent record and discovered that you were observed taking reconnaissance photos at the gas station chicken store this summer.

    I can't believe you use your microwave as a pencil box. My old custodian would never have stood for that behavior!

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    1. I should have known--when I saw that shifty-eyed cashier at the gas station as I was busy snapping photos--that karma would bite me in the rear end at some point.

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  8. Well I'll keep my fingers crossed. Maybe they're saving you for an appearance on Ellen's show...during her holiday giveaway episode. How about that for fantasizing?

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. Pat--I love that fantasy. Thanks...But I won't hold my breath...;)

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  9. Well, I was all SUPER excited there--and honestly, I've been in the middle school trenches and we ALWAYS enjoyed a good pencil fire...:-) But then I was SUPER excited AGAIN, imagining you on Dr. Oz.

    But you know, it probably would've been a huge hassle and you'd have hated it and Dr. Oz has bad breath, I hear...anyway, that's what I would tell myself if it didn't work out. (And then I would sulk.)

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    1. Cathy--Well, I WOULD have had to board my puppy AND beg my mother-in-law to watch my other two dogs (both of them are seniors) since hubby was going to be out of town then as well.

      Thanks. I'll work on whipping up some sour grapes...

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  10. Dr. Oz's loss, definitely. Someone will probably get fired when they realize their mistake!

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    1. Mary--Yes, I'm sure the whole show will be canceled due to this horribly wrong decision. Just kidding...

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  11. You would have been great - though I really have no use for Oz or his show. You can do better. But how exciting to be penciled in! At least it would have been a trip to the city.

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    1. Marcia--Perhaps you would volunteer to be my agent? After your remarks I will set my sights higher. Does Geraldo Rivera still have his own show?

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  12. Oh wow. Don't forget us little people after you're a media personality! I would write more, but I am keen to start "Dickinstein"!

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  13. ps--Ugh, see, this is what happens when i hurry...I miss something! Sorry you didn't get selected. I never liked Oprah's little doctor bitch anyway. ;-)

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    1. Maybe Marcia will sign as my agent and you can act as my...uh, my junkyard dog? You hurried, but you missed nothing... ;)

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