Talking in class!

 

 

I have this wonderful, smart, hilarious friend that I have known for my whole entire life say to me a few weeks ago while I was home visiting my family, that she was “AMAZED” that I was writing a blog. She quickly cleared her throat as her eyes were searching for the right word. Reluctantly she redirected her thoughts and said, “Well, ummm, I mean… not amazed, but you know what I mean”. What she meant was….I was  dumb. (not her words…mine)

I hated school. I hated reading, writing, and especially arithmetic. My teachers didn’t like me. For twelve long years, at least six hot summers, and four years of college I struggled through the quick sand of getting an education… trying to figure out how to get by. Passing one test, one grade, one subject, one year at a time. I suffered through several math tutors. I crammed  history, biology and geography facts into my brain until wee hours of the morning for those excruciating final exams, and sometimes I settled for the more resourceful method and sat next to the smartest kid in the class!

When I was in Jr. High school my family was having dinner with another long time family friend when my Father said, “Tracy, did you know Betty Anne has never made a B in her life on her report card?” I responded with an irritated teenagers sigh and said, “No shit! Neither have I!” (Well….except for the No shit part) My report card had more scribble to my parents under the “remarks” column than even they cared to hear. Doesn’t complete her homework. Doesn’t finish her classwork on time. Doesn’t write down her daily assignments. Gets distracted easily! Doesn’t seem to stay focused! TOO BUSY TALKING TO OTHERS! A classic case of a gregarious young girl, with a slight case of undiagnosed dyslexia, and most likely an attention deficit disorder. Or just bored. As I recall, all I was ever told over and over and over again…was that I needed to pay attention! Try harder! Listen more! And for crying out loud… PLEASE STOP talking!

WHAT  THE….? STOP WHAT? Did you say….Stop TALKING? What are YOU talking about? Why would I do that? Why should I think that is a good idea? That’s like saying stop GROWING! What is the point of  going to “a school” to be educated if I you are not suppose to talk? How am I suppose to ask all the questions I have? What about my curiosity? How do I learn? How do I communicate….For crying out loud…How do I find things out?

I love to ask questions. (not always focused on the answer due to my undiagnosed childhood disabilities) I appreciate nothing more than a one on one conversation. I’m high as a kite (of course you are) in the midst of a small gathering of chit chatty girls. I love to gossip. (Yes, I said it!) As long as I can remember I have been obsessed with conversation.  Notoriously, I have been known to conduct my very own “late night talk show”. ( anonym “porch party”!)

Recently I had a wake up call. An Oprah Winfrey AHA moment if you will. My idea was encouraged by Kelley, so I decided to see where this AHA would go. I’ m back in class! Yes ma’am …A talking class. A podcast class. I’m in heaven. I have never been so excited about learning, talking, and asking more questions than a feisty bad ass fifth grader.

I asked Haley if she would jump on board with me and she said, “Sure! I don’t have anything else to do!” (working, two toddlers, and a baby on the way) Seriously… Haley Aldridge and I are learning how to record, edit, produce, and co-host Seriouslyurkidding PODCAST!

 

We have a lot to learn, but that’s what we are talking about!

Two…almost famous podcasters! Coming soon.

Praying for a B+

 

 

 

I dedicate this blog to all the smart people that sat in front of me, beside me, or behind me in class! (I’m no dummy!)