Happy birthday, Laura! You shining star, you.

Also, I hope Emmett just has a residual leg cramp.

Yup. That's all it was. Dr. Joe said it was just deep muscle cramping from the virus. His advice? "Walk it off." Also, whenever you go to Dr. Joe and he gives you "Walk it off" type advice, he always turns to the kid and says, "What's your favorite food?" and then writes a prescription for it. Emmett asked for Jolt Cola. I pleaded him down to a Vanilla Coke.

Anyway, it took all day to do that and take him to the East Bay and find his Mom (who in her slightly doped up state, completely misunderstood the timing). So I am home and I'm not going to work after all. Feh.

I think JZ has certainly gotten Emmett's flu. I probably didn't get it because I just had the flu two weeks ago.

Oof. What a FUBAR day.

I have now fallen down a grand total of 3 times at school -- once in front of my cooperating teacher, once in front of a bunch of students, and this morning, I skidded to a full-frontal flat-faced fall on the way to the classroom before classes started.

Only a few students saw but I landed knees and tits to the floor. I skinned my knee and spilled some coffee, but landed with coffee cup clutched upright and unbroken in my upraised hand. Like a caffienated, bloody-but-unbowed Lady Liberty.

At least now both of my knees have matching scabs -- I'm symmetrical.

And also known as "that teacher who falls all the time."

You know, this falling thing would be easier to take if I were at least drunk at 7:45 a.m. or something, but I'm not. I'm sure that people have started to THINK I am, and it's embarassing.

And also known as "that teacher who falls all the time."

I have to say you've earned that nickname. You know Chrissie Hynde had a period where she'd wear knee-pads over her leather pants while on tour. You know - so she could go skidding on her knees on stage. I think you should consider this as a fashion accessory.

Dude, you're like the guy I knew who grew up with an inner ear problem and had to wear a football helmet for most of his childhood. Or maybe we could get you one of those self-defense suits. It would be defense against yourself.

Hec, I am crawling over to the clinic and then home. I'm sorry it went all fucktastic on you.

But so, so glad that Emmett is fine.

eta: Please, please, please can you run to the corner and get some TheraFlu? I know it's just another 3 blocks past the apartment, but I'm pretty sure I will be totally physically incapable of getting there.

Erin, how long were you in school before you started student teaching? Also, what are you teaching? And can we run off and found a school together?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!!!!

Erin, I think you have an inner ear that spins. Like a dervish.

Please, please, please can you run to the corner and get some TheraFlu?

Yes, ma'am. Do I need to get you something like hot and sour soup too?

Yeah, school! I would love to start my own school -- except for, you know, RUNNING it.

Emily, not sure exactly what you wanted but I got my BA and Ma in English from 1990-1997, worked till 2003, when I started on my MA in Education. I started student teaching in January, and I graduate in April.

And I would look like such a HOOKER in knee pads! Really, there no way to avoid that. I always have leg bruises and cuts and scrapes -- i bet ita looks less damaged after krav testing than I do after walking around for a day.

Erin, I think you have an inner ear that spins. Like a dervish.

My brain swerves, I think.