Drank a cup o' reality at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003
I have been thinking up an entry about Mr. Math.
It seems like I haven’t really said a lot about him. Probably that is because I know that he spends a lot of time on the internet and I am concerned that he might find this place. (I don’t dwell on that thought). Also, I wrote so much in here about The Farmer that it feels kind of funny jumping to a new guy.
But, Mr. Math is 1,000 times better than The Farmer could ever dream of being. He is truly a good person.
So, I have been wondering how to share more about him with out presenting a resume. Tonight I had a conversation with Mom that prompted the entry. Although, I did not share with her what I am sharing with you (for good reason). She turned on the movie One True Thing and I commented that it is not as good as the book, “Mom did you ever read the book?” She responded in like kind, saying that “Movies are never as good as the books.” This last bit, although cliché, is a bit of a family mantra.
Two stories rushed into my head about Mr. Math:
1. The first night that I knew I could really like him: We were at the bar with co-workers and he was well in the bag. After playing musical chairs for most of the night we had ended up next to each other. My 9th grade students write the school newspaper and one girl wrote a feature article about him (as he was a new teacher). In her article she asked him about hobbies, interests, etc. In addition to hockey and outdoors stuff, he mentioned that he likes to read. He went on to say that on a snowy day he would gladly curl-up and read a good book. (interesting that we just had a snow day and he spent it with me!) I was floored by this revelation. So, on the night in question, he sat there next to me as I teased him about being a Math teacher and therefore not knowing how to read. He spent 30 minutes defending that he reads. He went on and on making a point of proving to me, the English teacher, that he reads and for pleasure at that!
Later the next week I was at his house and unprovoked he went into his room to get the book that he is reading to prove the same point.
It may have seemed a bit much, but it was clear to me that he was trying to impress me as an English teacher. I wish that I could impress him the same way (I really do suck at Math). But, he tells me that I am smart all the time. And, just like Gilbert Blythe says in Anne of Green Gables, “Being smart is better than being pretty.”
2. This one is really little. I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but it was just one of those little moments at work. I passed his room on my way to get more coffee. He was standing in the hallway talking to some kids and a co-worker. The kids were talking about The Lord of the Rings movies. Mr. Math said to them, “Well, come on, the movie is never as good as the book.” It was little, but it meant a lot.
When I think about what I want in a husband, one of the little things is to have someone to read with. I know that Mr. Math reads every night before he goes to bed. I can see us being that couple who lays in bed at night reading. I like that picture.
I’m not sure how he has been spending his vacation. Mostly I have spent mine missing him and trying to sort this mess out. The bummer is that my side is all figured out. He is the one who needs to figure crap out. Hopefully his brothers kicked his ass! I wish that I had a naysayer in my bunch… everyone says good things and is so positive. Gretchen said, “When this goes, it’s gonna’ go quick… we’ll be planning your wedding next fall.” Oh, God I hope she is right.
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Old Married Lady
And now, I'm old enough for that. - Thursday, Mar. 10, 2005
I don't get it! - Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005
Stardom - Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005
many neuroses - Saturday, Feb. 05, 2005
the week of missed connections - Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005
Miss Spunky is:
a 25 year old English teacher currently on an extended adventure in Minnesota, searching for a good man with a big... truck!
I love:
My students, excessive amounts of coffee, Baja Fresh and a good hockey game.
I dislike:
Ignorance, mosquitoes, and people who write in IM and/or grammar so poor that it is clear that they are lazy. IM is LAZY, LAZY do you hear me???