Tony Romo

Yeah, that Tony Romo. The quarterback for the Cowboys. He’s a bum. Wait, no he’s a hero. Well, I guess that depends on when you’re talking about it.

Last week, the Cowboys were winning pretty handily in the fourth quarter. Well, until Romo fumbled. Then threw a really bad interception. Somehow, America’s Team managed to lose that game, and Tony Romo was to blame. It became obvious that the quarterback didn’t know how to manage a game, he couldn’t make the tough decisions, he couldn’t handle pressure, and in general was just a bad leader. And while nobody actually said it, apparently he was inadequate as a human being as well.

Yesterday, it was a whole new ball game. Literallly. In this game, Tony was knocked out early with two broken ribs, and without him, the ‘Boys went behind by 10 points. But almost miraculously, Romo came back in, broken ribs and all, and guided the Cowboys to a very stirring overtime win. He was now strong, intelligent, a clutch player, and a great inspirational leader.

Really? No, of course not. I obviously don’t know Tony Romo at all, but I can guarantee he was never as bad a person, or leader, or quarterback, as they said he was last week. And he’s not as good as they say he is this week. I’m guessing Tony is just a guy who tries real hard to be good at what he does. Sometimes he succeeds, and sometimes he doesn’t. But in our world of absolutes, where someone has to be blamed for everything, there's no room for reality. And I'll admit I’m getting real tired of the way people, in all walks of life, are painted as either wonderful or terrible.

And really, I should know. Because I know I've been portrayed both ways. Some people think I'm a great guy, but I know there's at least as many that think I'm the biggest jerk around. I certainly can't be both, and I'm probably not either. Like most of you, I'm sure I'm somewhere in the middle.
You know, there are some wonderful people in this world. I know some. And there are some terrible people as well. Unfortunately, I know some of them too. But most of us are just people, trying to do our best at whatever we do, whether it’s teaching, plumbing, parenting, being a friend, or whatever.

If you know someone who you want to complain about as being horrible, or a complete idiot, or a tremendous jerk, or whatever you want to call him, think about that. Honestly, is he really that bad? Is he really the worst doctor/teacher/boss/boyfriend/person there is? Maybe. There are some that, yes, really are that bad.

But for the other 98% of us, try to cut us a little slack. Maybe we’re pretty good people who just made a mistake. Or said the wrong thing. Or had a bad day.

Or threw an interception.

Back to School!

Well, it’s started. Once again, we heard those three dreaded words: Back to School. Only an experienced teacher can truly appreciate everything involved with them.

First of all, this year set a record. It was July7 when I first saw “Back to School” items at Meijer. July 7? Really? Can’t we just enjoy our summer in peace, without bombardment from the corporate establishment reminding us of our next obligation?

Now for all you non-teachers, the ones with real jobs: No I’m not complaining. And honestly, most teachers really like what they do. I’m just saying the changing of the gears is a tough move. No, we’re not asking for sympathy. That would be pretty foolish (yes, feel sorry for us poor teachers that after 10 weeks of summer bliss we actually have to work for our living!) Somehow that just wouldn’t fly.

But honestly, unless you’re a teacher, you just can’t appreciate the emotions, as well as the practical changes, that take place. You have to relearn things all over again.

• You live your life according to bells.
• You go to the bathroom when you’re allowed, not when you have to.
• You eat in 18 minutes
• You wear real clothes
• You go extended periods under sleep deprivation (well some of us do anyway.)
• You always - always!- feel like you’re just not quite prepared for the next class
• You constantly try to reinvent the wheel, because you’re sure the last wheel is now flat!
• Your first name becomes “Mr.”
• You remember that just because you’ve said something three times, that doesn’t mean a teenager will actually have heard it.
• You remember that all children are perfect; just ask their parents. (Yes, Mrs. Manson, I’m sure that deep down inside, Charles is really a very sweet child)
• The alarm clock becomes important again.
• The book you just started in August is still, well, just started.

Now if you’re still wondering what all the noise is about from all of us over-paid underworked teachers, ask a newly retired person what they’re doing with all their free time, and you’ll most likely get an answer like this “Free time? What free time? I’m so busy, I have no idea how I survived when I was working.”  Or something like that. Now imagine it’s like that for 10 weeks, you get into the groove of being “retired,” then you have to go back to work full time. You find immediately that you have no time to do anything. Of course, after a while, you readjust to the new norm. But it takes a while.That’s kinda the situation.

Of course, if you’re not a teacher, I’m not sure how you could ever understand.