Hug o matic

magic

“Can I have a hug?”

“Yes, You sure are huggy.” 

“I like hugs. And sometimes hugs are good for the other person too.” I have to pry her off…

“Can I have a hug? I like hugs too.”

“Sure”

My conversation with two fourth grade young ladies today after they asked for, and received, an appropriate teacher side hug from me. Well, they asked for a hug. I give a one armed side-ish hug when students want a hug. Propriety. Lunchtime and already the second request for both of them. Just call me Mr. Hug-o-matic.

This was followed by some other young ladies doing leg kicks and demonstrating how close they could come to doing the splits. I mimicked for a moment but permanent damage loomed so I stopped. 

and so I strolled off. 

Grabbed my Trader Joe’s bag and was going to do some quick lunchtime shopping. As I signed out in the office 3 of the girls from lunch came in… and then followed me out. “When are you going to teach us to juggle?” I look at them a moment. It’s sunny. No wind. “Let’s go.. I just need to sign back in” and so I go back into the office and finish logging my one minute break. Then we run across the courtyard to the Tech Lab. I grab my box of bean bags and juggling balls and we set up shop near one of the outdoor tables.

One bean bag each. I grab three of different colors and tell them to watch one color as I juggle.  What’s it doing?  “It’s making an M”  “It’s a sideways 8”.  “Okay, now watch another color. What’s it doing?”  “same thing”. “That’s right, all three are doing the same thing. It is just a pattern of throw and catch.”  And so… I get them all started throwing one bag in a sideways 8.  When patience wanes I add bag number 2. Chaos as they do a pseudo cascade or huck both into the air at the same time and chase them. Slowly but surely they gradually catch on to throw, throw-catch in the two bag scenario.  Then I add the third. More chaos.

Middle schoolers come out and one stands by. I’ve taught him before so I hand him three bags and he starts. He’s not very smooth but he can do it. I think this helped the girls because watching me can be discouraging. I’m pretty smooth. Darned smooth. It’s good for them to see a herky jerky juggle. Reality.

And the bell and we’re done. Bags in box. Awww.  Trader Joes?  ooo and a cold brew from Peet’s!

And elsewhere in this world I.

The mother with cancer from my earlier posts. The one with a fourth grade son. She died last week. Very sad, but glad her suffering did not continue unnecessarily long. She was surrounded by loved ones. Maybe her passing was the reason for the extra hug demand today. Kids are marvelous.

And elsewhere in this world II

Two deer. Just hanging out in the driveway one day. Yo. Not too concerned with me. They may be wondering when I’ll teach them to juggle.