IN THE MIND

I recently was asked an interesting question by a former student who is now an adult, married, and has kids of his own. In short, he is living a great life, and it showed in his smile. I’m paraphrasing here, but he asked me how it feels when I bump into old students. For those of you who do not live in southern New Hampshire, I live in the same town where I taught. This has enhancements and drawbacks. Many parents and kids use the same grocery stores as I do, go to the same restaurants, and the same stores. Many families run small businesses in and around town, and sent their children through the school system. Good when I run into these people and my grocery cart is full of healthy food. Not so good when I’m at the sports bar with friends and I’ve had a couple of pops….In short, a lot of people in town know who I am, and sometimes I find myself saying hello to someone in public and my wife or kids will say: “Who was that?” Many times I have no idea. By my math, over 4,000 kids went through my classes (I’m sorry kids, lol) and that equals at least twice as many parents. (I’m wicked good at math). SO….what does it feel like when I see OLD students that have now grown up? Let’s peak inside my mind (if this thought brings trepidation upon you, stop reading here).

The VAST majority of the time I may not remember your name, but I remember your face, where you sat in class (weird, I know) and if you were loud (Nina), quiet (Jess Dimario), awesome (too many to mention), or annoying (Brandon Grant, and too many to mention). The first THOUGHT I have is: I hope that this kid is doing well. The second THOUGHT is: Tell me a bit of your story. See, this is how I draw people out. I ask questions, listen, and learn about your journey. Most times, I am fascinated by what you tell me, as my brain tries to square up with the current version of you vs. the ten-year-old squirrel-like-adolescent that used to sit in front of me. I guess it is what a parent of a grown child feels….times 4,000. In short; it’s wild. While interacting with you, at some point, I always tried to make a lasting connection with each and every one of you. Usually using humor, and/or a nickname (some of those wouldn’t fly today….that’s for you Mr. Creamer), some of them live on to eternity (Scovillian Nightmare, The Honorable Judge Wasson, Bell Bill Devoe, Zoo-Cows, B-Flat Barnes, Wag-Tam, Gaw-Det-T-T, and Shark Tankto name a few.) (Side note, if you had a sweet nickname that I forgot, please message me and let me know….)

A constant in my life is how many people I have little inside jokes with. It’s like a bond and when I see you, it brings a smile, because I know that you and I are going to mention it, or some positive time that we spent together. I would need a year of blogs to list them, but here are a few from my mind’s eye. Does everyone do this with everyone they know, or only a few close friends? I’m curious….I have changed no names to protect the innocent, but I will leave out any inside references that are above PG. This is a family style blog. Family style rolls. Rolls. Rolls. Cinnamon Rolls. Here’s the tape Artie…try not to eat it. (See? That’s one right there that only one person gets.) OK….ready??? Names appear on the left, and my first thought appears on the right:

My wife: What did you buy? Err. I mean…I married up!

My kids: You will never know how much I love both of you. I tell you and show you, but it’s not enough. EVER.

My sister: I am very proud of you and your work. Some of my jokes are funny, why aren’t you laughing? SHEEEEEELA.

My brother-in-law Mike: Dude, you’re going to have a stroke, let’s just fire up the grill.

Neighbor Adams: I love you both. How many projects have you got going on right now?

Sloth-O: Cheeseburgers?

Kristen pare: herrro hanz.

Jim m: Hulllllo. Let’s talk Bruins.

Falkin: Hullllo. Let’s talk war stories.

Gary Bentley: I’m going to learn about cars.

Ray G: really? 

Jeff O: I got no juice. You’re right. No juice.

Seth: Dufresne!

Mark: a giant grin with laughter. And…..fishing is life. 

Alexis: Good morning!

Fulks: it’s already judging day?

Vachon: oh yeah. Star Wars!

Jambargis: this is so stupid….

Nikki: let’s pass out Sleighride.

Joanne MC: eyes and ears!

Emma: one, two, here we go!!!

Murphenstock: Just keep swimming….

My PAAC family: Imma be your agent. Let’s do this…

Pat F: what? Why are you looking at me like I’m guilty?

Falkin: We’re guilty. 

MelDon: stop judging me.

Erika M: nature nerd. Love it. Leaf matter. Stop sending photos of your dog.

Uncle Bobby: let’s go to Browns.

Cousin John: yes I have my Tom Brady doll

Tom Samp: are we ever ever ever getting together?

Susan Morris: Jim married up

Kristen B: P$ in da house

Christian: thanks for being in my kids lives.

Uncle Remo: no more terrible jokes

Philipon: who’s a chooch?

Dan D: Donovan McNabb Darveeen

Kenny M: Mundry Math

Jake B: MOESCHENishsndicappedbuthashisowngameshowinthebandroomDOTCOM

Joe Samba: get out of my class

Jess K: #ibelieveinmyself

Brady Y: Dude. You crushed it and Luke dies in movie 8.

Michelle Chis: I can’t believe you love Rush.

Lisa T: Front lawn drinking (Sean, Kathryn).

Bob V: dude, my foot ripped off the dashboard of the taxi…

Rick and Laura: 20 yards of gravel.

Mike O: dude at that wedding, we drank your whole restaurant. 

Johnny T: McDonald’s. 

His wife: it’s all my fault. You’re welcome.

Brenda: Letters from Keene  state.

Patty B.V. : Track today?

Pat L.: So I will call your classroom phone, and when you answer I will say the code word…

Smilin’ Johny K: DEEEEEDLE LEEDLE LEE.

Gary S: What could I do??

Scotty: Hello…Guy.

Eric L.: Dude, that guitar solo was min.t

Eric L (yes I know 2): Hey brother….let’s have a protein shake!

Rowell: BA-KAWWWK.

Gerry and Dee: This conversation will descend into stupidity in 3….2…..1…..tears will flow.

Eric V.: My A bound buddy…miss you pal

Cara: The best chocolate is not from Belgium

Brian D.: Always some dark humor just around the corner.

Fosman: Read Lord of the Flies again. Also, I don’t hate your brother.

Sam S.: Of course triple ratamacue is the best rudiment.

Ross, Joel, Eddie, Matt, Kellet, Pella, et al: Practice Syncopation. It’s the book that never ends. MUHAHA. Want to look at that chart? The Zeppelin one? Also, we need to talk about Buddy Rich.

Cam-O-Flauge: For you I have “Subdivisions” Let’s go.

Becki Huss: Moeschen, you’re ridiculous.

Kelly M: Same as B. Huss and also…DEE-Na-Na

Jay Cull: Master of the bad pun. I love it.

OK everyone. My head hurts. Inside jokes and thoughts for you. That’s what I got for you today in the old charts of my mind’s eye. AYE! People think that “I” is the pirate’s favorite letter…but it’s really the “C” ba-hahahahahaha.

Stay safe, stay awesome and stay tuned. Should I start recording audio for these? Maybe I’ll be an “influencer”…NOT.