piles of papers

Tying to excavate stuff on the desk and counter tops around here this morning, I stumbled upon a note I sent Mason's K teacher last semester:



Ms. Watkins,

Yesterday after school, Mason told me he wanted to get you a red flower, one "that smells like perfume, and that kind of plant that makes your boo-boos feel better". One of his aunts gave him an aloe vera plant before and told him it would be good for sore spots and scrapes, etc. Anyway, he said, "Ms. Watkins had a pretty hard day today; she had to put a bunch of people on the bench. And those kids in my class are always stepping on her toes." I guess he thinks a flower and an aloe vera plant would fix everything.

I've watched Mason become a very sweet, thoughtful and caring boy over the last couple of years, and I know you have seen the same in your class this year. Anyway, I realize gifts and kind gestures don't need to be explained, but you probably have never received an aloe vera plant before either, so...

Becky Reilly



Notice the lack of "Dear..." and "sincerely...". You have to understand, I am less than fond of the woman, but just because I barely tolerate this person, I try my best to not let it come through in front of him, and I wasn't about to deny Mason the opportunity to exercise the goodness and himness of him. I even used pretty stationery. She's cold as cold can be, although I truly think she may be warming to Mason. We have only 6 weeks of school left. Too bad he won't need to repeat K because by that time he could probably get her to crack a genuine smile.

















If Watkins was a mustachioed white male, she'd look just about like this dude. Notice the probable satanic tattoo on the cheek. Hers is invisible, though.

current mental age: 6 ok 5