Paper Book

Friday had an early dinner under twinkle lit patios in the neighborhood. Told Puhg about the coincidences I've been having lately. The same Broadway actress showing up in my TikTok, then my thoughts, then getting an invite from her executive for a meeting, then a friend knows that exec, then this person is national news. Or how I keep seeing ads for banana-flavored treats. I hunted Spotify for a Greenday song Thursday morning only to hear it on the radio on my way to the girl group sleepover, where RC mentioned it unprompted. We watched Jawbreaker and listened to Alanis Morrisette.

After falafel I mentioned I needed to stop by the bookstore for a pick up. The streets were buzzing. I slipped in, said my name, and the worker gave me a paper-wrapped package. I honestly forgot what the book was. I read a review in the middle of the night and ordered it half-conscious. Some little surprise for later. I rarely buy books. On the sidewalk I had the thought, "I should finish Danse Macabre. I always forget because it's on my Kindle." Puhg turned to me and asked, "Have you heard of the book Danse Macabre?"

Although there was no reason for celebration the night was too fall perfect and the street buzz too inviting, so I stopped at the Midwestern ice cream chain for a pint of banana.

More City Colleges Notes

I've been writing less here because I am beyond buzzing every day. I've bitten off more than I can chew and that is only my own fault. It's a curse. The curse of believing there's more to be gained in this life and it won't happen unless you fill every crack with sand and soot.

Every day has its pleasures. The saganaki in Greek town! The new improv couple playing Bananagrams on our floor just shy of midnight. Yes, even my new cardio ball and especially the yellow leave like tiny Chaquitas. (Too many bananas lately I guess.)

I'm going to share something I notice about school. Again. Which just goes to show I am thinking about it too much--more than my writing, which is the whole point of being here. I'll get it. I'll get it. The experience is young yet.

Something I've noticed is my students' avoidance of asking for help. Many students are cautious to ask question in class, but the students I have now ask for basically nothing even when it is warranted. My students at the ol state school were grabby little freshman who were quick to ask for extra credit because they got sick and missed an assignment. I mean, get ahead however you can right? I always have the right to say now, so it was worth a try.

These kids just don't do that. They miss a huge exam and I hear nothing. They don't ask to make it up, they don't tell me when they're sick, they just do what they can and suffer the grade dips. It's refreshing but also not what I prefer. I'm here to help. It's my literal job. One girl didn't have her book for weeks and fell behind. I told her she needed to have told me much sooner. She says, "I was taught to never bother anyone with my problems. They're mine."