TRADITION

Once again it's springtime in California. The cherry trees have blossomed, the air is clean, occasional showers have made flowers bloom, baseball is in season, and the STREAKERS have emerged from their long winter's nap. You might be wondering about that last note. Well, at my school a long-standing tradition (15 plus years) has seen each year's senior class participate in a two-week long non-contact sport (most of the time) called streaking.

For those who may not understand, this activity has fairly simple rules: 1) all body parts must be naked except for shoes (optional) and face masks to blur identities. 2) All participants must run as quickly as they can across campus through a maze of eager colleagues and frustrated administrators, into a waiting getaway vehicle idling in an undisclosed location. All of this without being apprehended. It began as a male-only venture. However that changed with the Class of 2000 when a lone female of healthy proportions journeyed across the school's quadrangle on a bicycle decorated with streamers. The young lass was quite patriotic clad in a red, white, and blue head covering with nothing else to distract from her mission. Since that symbolic journey, increasing numbers of senior females have experienced the joys and challenges of the annual endeavor.

As with any competition or personal challenge, certain obstacles can often dampen or frustrate the participants. In the "Streaking Dos and Donts" handbook, three items stand out. The first is a suggestion to run under control. Panic-sprinting can lead to physical mishaps such as taking headers on the unforgiving hard surfaces, or becoming disoriented with regard to location. One recent example saw a female competitor finish the event in nearby shrubbery, thus becoming quite vulnerable to identification. The second suggestion is to avoid administration officials and representatives. If apprehended (or identified), a three-day suspension automatically applies. Finally, it remains paramount to have excellent communication with post-streaking transportation options. The ravages of weather, not to mention public embarrassment or jail time, can mostly eliminate the enjoyment of the day. Recently, a traffic slowdown forced several participants to wander aimlessly near a busy intersection, thus attracting unwanted exposure.

As always there are goals to be reached. A year ago, thanks to a less than vigilant outgoing administration, some 55 individuals completed the competition without penalty. That stands as the so-called barometer for success with all future classes.

One possible suggestion: To avoid undue peer pressure and criticism, a modicum of tanning might enhance self esteem.

Getting ready for the onslaught.

MM

A LONG VACATION

I've always had great intentions, but as one might surmise, I'm a little tardy with the post. It's taken about 2 1/2 years to return to the blog. Why? It started to become job-like, and school took up larger chunks of my time. But recently, the urge to expound gradually returned.

Much has happened since that last post. Professionally,I'm finishing my 19th year of teaching high school English. I still enjoy the task, still enjoy the students. I'm often asked to compare students from other time periods. There really isn't much to compare. Young lads and lasses are essentially the same. Styles may change, music preferences may change, technology definitely changes, but students remain the same: filled with ambition, curiosity, fear, uncertainty, and a tiny bit of rebellion. I've often said the high school years cause great individual unrest for many.

Personally, no major changes. The occasional social outing, TV sports, countless books, cooking adventures, and financial exploration. On the down side, arthritis causes discomfort, but I've always known that would happen. At least I'm forewarned about weather alterations. Older age is real, but inevitable. It just doesn't seem that much time has passed.

My newest foray revolves around Social Media. That's a term I hadn't heard until recently. I know, my head must have been buried in the sand. But as I have demonstrated countless times, technology has NEVER been my friend. I have finally delved into FACEBOOK. I joined about a year ago, but was completely intimidated with walls, friends, possible friends, posts, pictures (how does that work?), groups etc.

On my birthday last December, my e-mail messages exploded and I had no idea why. One of my students suggested that Facebook announced the event. Since that time I have continually threatened to dive into the proverbial pool, and that day has arrived. Wish me luck.

As usual, the summer promises large clumps of slothful behavior with trips to the ocean and possibly the Northwest (Bro and Bride). There's a special dive in Seattle called Spud's Fish and Chips. I haven't been there in several years, but I can almost taste the double F&C with extra fish and a side of fried clams. It could get ugly and won't help my already-challenged waistline, but some things are just plain necessary.

That's it for now. I have no game plan except to let people know via the SOCIAL MEDIA enhancement when I throw words on the Mac.

Time to start class.