From the mouths of babes (& other things)

I realize it has been awhile since I told a story about my hilarious students, so let me share with you this moment from my second period class (10 seventh grade boys).

Me: So A, now write your sentence using the word "consent."
A: ::about to write a sentence where I am the subject:: Are you married?
Me: No, it's M-S not M-R-S
TZ: Do you have a boyfriend?
Me: No
TV: You should be dating.
Me: Pardon?
TV: I don't mean to get in your personal life, but you should get into the dating world.
Me: ::stunned::
G: You should date Mr. Stevens (my department chair)!
Me: He is married, but thanks for thinking of me.
G: What about Mr. PJ (our behavior specialist whose last name is challenging)?
Me: Married. But again, thanks.
TV: Well, just don't meet anyone from the Internet.
TZ: Yeah, girls from Blackplanet are getting kidnapped and raped.
Me: That's why it is important to not talk with people you don't know and to never agree to meet someone.
TZ: I know. I don't talk to anyone other than my friends.
Me: That's very smart.
TV: If you do decide to date someone from the Internet, you should take karate first. Be able to protect yourself...just in case.
Me: I will keep that in mind. Thanks so much, guys. Now, today we are going to talk about forms of government...

Interestingly enough, I do indeed have a date this weekend. With someone I met on the Internet. I am pretty certain he's not going to kidnap me, but I guess if I disappear, you heard it here first. He's a clerk for a federal judge, 29, originally from Oregon, but went to law school here. He's tall and smart and funny and into a lot of the same geeky things that I'm into, so I am cautiously optimistic. We're getting coffee on Sunday - I'm going to a movie at 5pm so he suggested 2pm saying "I doubt we will run out of things to talk about." How can I not be hopeful?! I'll keep you posted.

In other news, this week marked the 10 year anniversary of Tupac's death, which was rather unsettling on several levels. I watched the BET special on his legacy while at the gym on Wednesday night and was reminded of how much I love and appreciate his music. I have lost most of his CDs in my moves, but need to prioritize those as upcoming purchases. Seriously.

I've been going to the gym a lot lately and trying to be smarter about the food I'm eating. Sadly, this means I'm going to have to pony up and start making lunches for school again. Lunch this week has been, per usual, a rotation of fried foods, salted foods and sweetened foods - none of which I should be eating. I worry about the health of our kids sometimes...a lot of the times, actually.

Finally, last night I went to the US premiere of Catch a Fire. The film stars Tim Robbins, Derek Luke and a number of South African actors and tells the story of a South African man in 1980 who is forced by the apartheid system into becoming a member of the ANC and organizing an attack against the powers that were. It is not only a moving portrayal of life under apartheid, but it is also a compelling study in humanity - why we do what we do and how we move past our mistakes and forgive. I highly recommend seeing it, if you get the chance.