DON'T TRY TO HIDE THAT TIE-DYE T-SHIRT!

Man. Teaching is scary. I had my first class entirely on my own tonight, and it got a little out of hand for a while. I made the mistake of asking them what they wanted to get a little more of, and I got a ten-minute suggestion fest. Of course, it's good to know what they want to learn more of, but still important to remember that they, being 17, don't know as much about what they should be learning as I do. Still, I think they realized that they were being a little bit harsh (and a little inaccurate), and eventually chilled out a little. In the end, everything was roses because I gave them a tricky assignment that they were all excited about, and I think they got a little more of my point. Still. Yikes.

I have another week of this job left. Basically, I'll be driving home next Sunday. Imagine that. We have a few classes left, but largely we're going to be wrapping up what we've done here.

I've carried my acceptance letters around with me all week. Isn't that sweet, and kind of crazy? I guess you can't blame me.

YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT AFTER ALL
 
I got published.
 
I got fucking published.
 
I got fucking published twice.
 
I got motherfucking published in two journals: Swink and the Beloit Poetry Journal.
 
My life can begin. Sarah Smith, first published at age 20. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Fuck. Oh my god.
 
 

HELP ME, RHONDA
 
Here's the 411: the other writing ATTRA has been sick for a week, and today went back to Pittsburgh to see her family doctor because she hasn't been getting any better. The fiction teacher's fiancee had an accident and he had to go back to Pittsburgh to be with her. We have our first department reading today. The kicker? It's my day off. And I'm here in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center, sneaking some computer time between consoling nearly hysterical students and telling the bad ones to get the fuck to work unless they want me to adjust their attitudes personally.
 
Yesterday, my parents said that this might be the most difficult job I've ever had, and I was all "Yeah, I guess so," but now I'm all "Oh my god." Well, I'm fine really, but it is a little tricky. Tricky, tricky, tricky.
 
In other news, TGI Friday's potato skin potato chips are my new crush. Also, Zazz brand flavored seltzer. Also, I have a pack of Pall Malls in my pocket. Pittsburgh, I miss you. I kind of miss you for yourself (bridges, etc. etc.), but I really miss the people you house. Especially those in Squirrel Hill and Bloomfield. You know where my heart is. Goodnight, nurse.