A farewell to Patricia

Welcome, one and all, to another episode of… Oh Mrs. Weiblen! It’s been a sobering experience typing this out due to the fact that I only have one more class with her. Tears? Yeah, I’m kinda thinking so…



“(It) makes me sound very smart and know what I’m doing.”- On why we should all call and ask for our AP score the day they’re available

“Elbow. Elbow. Elbow”

“You know how little kids want to be stuff when they’re older… like a garbage man.” She said this unironically

“It has something to do with something but I don’t know what…” On Smoke Signals

“Yes, I really am the bomb.”- Justifying why we should really thank her for giving us a worksheet on Smoke Signals

“I snarl like a kid?!”

“Finally… It’s no longer a trick.”- Referring to the fact that the projector screen actually had something projected onto it.

“So, Tony… when you were twelve years old did you go to the mall dressed up as a girl?”

Later that day: “You can be a social butterfly when you put on the dress…”

“It’s been Pattye’s observation and, hm, it seems true.” On why she’s right

“He reads a hair ball or something he coughed up.” I think she was talking about Jim…

“I’m not really up on my dead body info” She was talking about Huck Finn. Also, this was written on my study guide. When she graded it, she saw the quote and said “EXUSE ME!?” I don’t think she realized I was quoting her.

“You may NOT use this one!” - She caught on later in the packet about me using the guide as a place to temporarily store her quotes. She scratched it out. This is endlessly amusing.

"Since I’m into name calling today, I might as well go into abuse…”- After joking Kody and yelling at some people

“You are the most pathetic laughers I’ve ever heard.”- Her review of our laughing skill while performing Death of a Salesman.

Joel Samson Berntsen (Campus-Vampire Weekend)

Glee

Damn, this show is good.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/73740/glee-pilot

On the Note of Enlarging your Bladder...

About a year ago, I concluded that I’ve become a social drinker. Not regarding alcohol per say, but in regards to consumption of liquids in the company of others. I’m pretty sure this habit developed partly due to the collective awkwardness of my early years. I’d grab a beverage and join a conversation; only I hardly talked in these conversations. I’d listen and observe, sipping away at my cup. Within a matter of minutes, the liquid would disappear and I’d feel the need to be doing something while listening to these conversations, so back to the drinking hole I’d go.

Now, it should be noted that these conversations were not particularly interesting or stimulating. I was mostly surrounded by young adolescent teenagers. Still, I felt the urge to interact with my classmates somewhere else besides the school. Unfortunately, I was bored out of my mind and eventually settled on becoming a recluse for the better part of my freshman year.

The root of the social drinker had been rooted in me though. And while the consumption went down during the recluse stage of my life, I still nursed the habit, whether it was at a holiday party or some family gathering.

I also believe that this habit was heavily influenced by my parents. Up to this day, they severely monitor the various liquids I consume, constantly rationing. So, naturally, if they weren’t with me, I was entitled to as many drinks the host would give me. This might seem a bit disrespectful or even distasteful. I completely agree, but it’s just what has become of my parents considerations.

Much to my own relief, I finally blossomed in the social aspect of my life. I actually started going out on Friday nights and, much to my astonishment, fulfilling conversations were had. People really liked me. Interesting and remarkable friends were gained. I had epiphanies of all sorts. But the cup stayed in my hand and it’s staying there until I die.
The main concern I have is what will happen I turn twenty-one. I’ll be free to have whatever beverage I like at whatever time I like. But, I’ll burn that bridge when it gets here.

Joel Samson Berntsen (Steve Earle-Billy and Bonnie)

Inconsiderate Youth Drained of Life

I’ve been having trouble finishing thoughts lately. I’ll start a post or a poem or a story and it just never ends up anywhere. This, I’ve concluded, is directly correlated to school. Not that school is giving me writer’s block; rather the establishment has me in a perpetual state of exhaustion. I suppose it’s also partly my fault though. While trying to squeeze tennis, work, AP study sessions, and various afterschool activities into my life, I’ve been stretched thin. I’m weary. And while summer offers a form of relief, I can’t help but feel that I’ll be spending most of my time cramming in one activity after the other (plus college prep stuff).

I’ve also grown weary of living at home. Even though I should count this as a blessing, I can barely stand being in my home. It’s not that it’s an intolerable hellhole. It’s just don’t want to go home after spending eight hours in school, followed by chasing after a small, green ball for several hours, then proceeding to go to work. Well, I do. But I don’t want to go “home” to a place where as soon as the side door is opened, I have to deal with twenty questions from each individual(four) before I can even put my book back down. I want to arrive to a place of silence or place where my friends are. Not people I’ve lived with my whole life. This may sound cruel and it probably is. I’m also probably just being bitter and selfish. However, it’s gotten to the point where I don’t really care. I can’t wait till college.

Joel Samson Berntsen (The White Stripes-Ball and Biscuit)