Monday, January 21, 2013

Teacher’s Pet


Deb: Colin and I attended a seminar on Saturday to better inform us of my Dad’s medical issues. It was two-and-a-half hours of information. It was fabulous and it transformed me. I thought I had a good handle on things, but this class just upped my game and reminded-slash-taught me that there is always more to learn and more to conquer.

We left the seminar after signing up together for three more seminars on different but related subjects. It empowered us and humbled us and delivered to us good solid usable skills.

But here is the funny part. For some reason the gal who was running the seminar (beautifully and casually, I might add) kind of picked me out as teacher’s pet. And I do confess that I did contribute when asked, but so did many others. Oh God, it was embarrassing. I was just trying to share my concerns and experiences as were others, but she just, you know ... took to me! At one point—I kid you not—she said, “Deb, you should be up here teaching this!”  Deb. She called me Deb. I felt like a plant in the audience. I grabbed my husband’s leg and turned crimson and from the very back seat in the room muttered, “Oh, I ... just, oh no, dear God, no ... I’m just here like everyone trying to ... oh dear.”

And then I realized. I WAS MONICA! For those who don’t already know who I mean: Monica from Friends. But I swear to you, I was NOT being a know-it-all, I was just contributing. But teacher promoted me on my first class!

Int. Classroom Setting:
Monica is sitting at a desk frantically waving her hand.

                                 MONICA
Oh, I know!!! I know!!! I know!!!!

                                 TEACHER
(exasperated)
Monica, you ASKED the question.





Barbara: Was it a classic teacher’s pet thing where all the other kids hated you for it, or did they love you as much as Teacher for being so forthright and thoughtful and for covering so many important questions? Because I, for one, would totally, openly and gratefully love someone like you in my medical information classes—it’s the bane of my existence that I only think of the relevant questions AFTER the classes (or doctor’s appointments or seminars, etc). You would have been like a human crib sheet for someone like me!

48 comments:

  1. And, here I am just chuckling thinking of dear, sweet, quiet, reserved Colin sitting there beside you... lololol

    If I may ask, what are the subjects of the classes? (But, I understand if answering is too much a violation of your dad's privacy.) I think it's great that stuff like this is offered for families.

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    1. Colin was actually speaking up during the break with the teacher and it was great but Rigel you are right, he's not going to be the "I KNOW" guy. REgards the subject, I so appreciate your sincere concern but I don't feel that it is my place to tell people my Dad's medical business which I can see that you get. I just feel comfortable telling my side.

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  2. Oh this is so cute Deb! It is so great that you are going to these seminars to learn more about how to best help your Dad. You are so proactive in their well being. I think the teacher just hooked in to your enthusiasm and openness to learning more. Indeed, a teacher's pet!

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  3. I would like to think that's what the teacher saw Jo! The thought of being Monica in the class would be too too embarrassing!

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  4. LOL OHH DEB!!! When you said "I was Monica" I went "OHHH!!! I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW!!!!!" I knew you were going there....I'M LMAO here!!

    There was one time when I was inquiring about my Animation course and the counsellor was like "ya know its the first time an aspiring student is explaining us what animation is" (and there are soo many times this has happened) So I know how you feel! Sooo cool that you signed up for more seminars... Seminars are so informative. It must feel good to know things so you can help your dad!! Aww and I can totally imagine you, sitting there like me very keen to know things and Colin is sitting next to you. All quiet and cute. LOL I would LOVE to know his reaction to the "teacher's pet" comment and the leg grabbing.

    P.S. I think about your parents all the time. I hope they are feeling better. And coping after the recent transition in your family. I'm sending lots of love and healing light and big big hugs!!! :) xoxo

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    1. Thanks Shalaka for the good wishes. My parents are great right now. We are all going out tonight for dinner, my Dad's treat. It will be fun! Colin actually laughed along with me regards teacher's pet. Neither of us could believe it was happening!

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    2. Soooo good to know that your parents are feeling great!!! I bet it will be so much fun!!! Tell us about it afterwards! xo

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  5. I feel you Deb same thing (sort've) happend to me in my Writing about Literature class. I do not like attention drawn to me but sometimes my mouth takes over. Professor was talking about a short essay we read about leaving home and the line "Marriage is the ultimate betrayal." We got into talking about leaving you parents home and marrying and all that when Prof said anyone familiar with the Book of Ruth in the bible and the passage about Naomi and Ruth. Entreat me left my mouth just above a whisper before I could stop it and the Prof shouted "Yes that's it do you know it and can you share?
    I was trapped, cold sweats and all eyes were on me, thousands (well it seemed like it) of people looking at me,daring me to make them look bad for not knowing. I did it I recited the whole thing and my face stayed red throughout the rest of the class. Worst possible scenario for me : (

    I am happy that you and Colin are finding these seminars helpful and I think you will be able to find the support you need from people who can relate to what you're going through. I will always advocate finding people you can talk things through with, they are most valuable.

    Unrelated but I recently got my enhanced license so this summer I will get to visit Canada for the first time ever!!! So excited for summer!

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    1. Oh Mary I can feel your cringing pain. But I am sure what you had to say was helpful. The red face is a tough one. I hate when I feel the pink coming up past my chin! How wonderful for you regards the licence and your trip! Keep us posted!!!

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    2. Thank you Deb I'm so excited so many places I'd love to see but since I'll be traveling with my little sister and her family she gets to choose the itinerary. I know we're going to Niagara Falls my sister is horrified that I have never been. And then a couple parks for the kids but very excited.

      This is what I recited, I do love this qoute which is why I knew it; Entreat me not to leave thee, nor to return from following after thee. For whither thou goest I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge. And thy people will be my people, and thy God, my God. I think it's beautiful! Yes once my face, starting with burning ears, turns red it takes 24 hrs to go back to normal : )

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    3. The quote is so beautiful Mary! I think I have heard it before. Who's is it?

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    4. It's from the bible Deb, the book of Ruth. The story of when Naomi had to leave her two daughter in laws behind. It is what Ruth said to Naomi. Always loved it.

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    5. The quote is soooo very beautiful, Mary!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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    6. I've had similar experiences in my Literature courses. I've learned that I needn't be embarrassed that I know something that the rest of the class doesn't. It's not my fault they don't know. Myabe they can learn it from me rather than from a perhaps a more boring explanation given by the instructor. I've worked hard to learn what I've learned and I'm not going to pretend I don't know this stuff!

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  6. Well, actually I agree with Barb too. I would feel the same way! Because Ive had people hate me for being a teacher's pet. The girl who was the teacher's pet in high school ended up being my best friend because I loved her that much for that. But after being the teacher;s pet myself I realized how much others mustve hated her. But recently I met this girl in my entrance exam lectures. She was pretty shy and she couldnt talk very confidently and some jerks in the class always laughed if she hesitated while talking. One day the professor told me she loved how confidently I spoke and that I inspired her. I felt sooo honoured and warm. Everybody else in the class hated me. But I always comforted her, bless her heart. Since then she started talking more confidently and I felt sooo happy and honoured to have played a part in that.

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    1. been there too shalaka . as an only child of much older parents i found it easier to talk to the teachers then i did to the other girls in my year. that , among other things , did'nt do much for my popularity .

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  7. How funny! I would've turned bright red, too. And you were in the very back seat...did everyone turn around to look at you when she said that?

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  8. AWW!!! I think we've all been Monica at some point in our lives. But yeah. I would react the same way. I do not like having attention drawn to myself. :S I love that there are seminars like that! Was there a good turn out?

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  9. Kelly I agree. I have certainly been Monica! Just not at this seminar! Huge turn out. Full.

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  10. I would have been mortified, too, Deb, if I was the chosen pet, but I suspect if I'd been one of your classmates, I'd have felt like Barbara - glad to hear your input and experiences. I'm always glad when other people talk so I don't have to.

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    1. Thanks, I must say I had some good tips to pass on and I think people were pleased. We also learned something from them too.

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  11. Deb, Having been an instructor during my time in the Air Force, I sought out people like you. Made class more fun and somehow I found it got more people to participate.
    The only thing that ever drove me crazy was the repeaters.

    Me: So inflight it is important to always check the patient's IV lines.
    Student: So you are saying, it is important to always check the patient's IV lines.

    Also, as someone with an older parent, it is sometimes difficult to hear and learn more about our parents conditions, but knowledge is not only power, sometimes it can be comforting.

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    1. Heidi that is so funny! The repeaters. I promise you I did not do that. If I did do that, this response would have started with "so you are saying that when you were an instructor in the AF you sought out people like me?" :-)

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    2. Typically, I say, "I just want to clarify (repeat/paraphrase)." or "Let me see if I understand what you're saying ... "

      That's called reflective listening. It's a good tool to have (at times).

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  12. I ask questions and many times I am the only one asking. So of course I am sure some sitting with me are happy and others wish they could leave and go home. You learn more when people ask questions, I think. Or maybe you were her favorite because of your wonderfulness or your spirit or your notoriety.

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    1. You are sweet Madge. I asked questions because I thought if no one else is asking this, I am. And I gave tips because just as you say, I was looking for all the tips I could get too! Thought, might as well share mine!

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  13. Souzan from Vancouver, BCJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Aww, she could have just liked you best cause you're great ;)

    I can completely relate to this, Deb. I have definitely been to events or classes where I felt and was singled out in the same teachers-pet-y way, and I imagine it was because you were so present and prepared. I think a lot of people go to things like seminars in a non-active way, where they want to just be and observe and then go home to digest all that they've been given (which is totally fine!), so when an audience member comes in committed to being there and present and focused, it's noticeably different for the presenter.
    Aaannd kinda super embarrassing for the Monica... I can't imagine anyone who was there felt negatively about you, though, and if they did, you point them out to us. I feel I can speak for the blog when I say, we'll set those suckers straight...

    (p.s. on a completely different note, I just bought my ticket for Colin's theatresports show (which I could afford! Unlike the Kay Meek incident that I'm not bitter about at all...) Can't express my utter ecstatic joy!!!!EeeeeEEEE<-- literally, the sound I'm making RIGHT NOW)
    XO

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    1. You would be singled out Souzan but you would deserve to be!!! So glad you got tickets to Colin's show. Where is it?

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  14. I haven't been in a similar situation as I usually prefer to let others speak first. Of course when I was a little kid you could not stop me from talking. But back to the point, the teachers new after awhile that I would have an opinion to almost anything. So when there were no-one who wanted to talk or be the first one to do the presentation I would be asked to start. I prefer to be the second or in the middle in the presentations so that I will be able to modify my own after the teachers feedback on the first one. But in the end I don't care when I do it as long as it is done. Luckily now my courses are online, so there is not that many chances to talk. I also like when others ask questions as usually they are something that I haven't even though of myself.

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    1. It would be hilarious Kasku if you were Monica in your online courses, yelling I KNOW I KNOW, at the computer!

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  15. Glad you two are learning as much as you possibly can. :)
    Also, I love the Friends reference. I can tell that you've seen your fair share of episodes. :)

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    1. I've seen them all Garrett many many times.

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    3. Lol. Well, it is a good show. :)

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  16. Oh Deb! Well, let me start out by saying that you and Colin should be proud of yourselves for even going. So many people don't try to become informed about what is going on with their loved ones. They rely on others to take control. I'm very proud of you. I understand what it's like to be that person. When my grandmother was in and out of the hospital, I was there as much as possible and I listened to everything. I was in the background for it all, just observing and listening. Sometimes I would ask the nurses or doctors questions that shocked them. They would look at me and ask me if I was a nurse or studying to go into the medical field. Then, after my grandmother went home from a visit, I was the one that got asked about what the doctors said. Mind you, I was 17 when this all started.
    Now time for me to get back to working on homework. The life of a university student...

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    1. Steph what a load to take on at 17! fantastic. Don't think I could have done that at 17. Good luck with the homework!

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  17. Good for you nothing bad about being teachers pet, I'd take it as a compliment. I think you tend to learn a lot more when not only are you paying attention to the instructor but they're paying attention to you. Glad to hear the seminar was a hit and that you're taking more. I've always found that knowledge really is your best ally.

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    1. Yes Erin it was so informative and we are looking forward to more!

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  18. speaking as someone who has always been a teachers pet i can understand what you are talking about . although i did'nt go through any seminars on either mom or dads illness when they both first got ill i looked up a lot of information on their conditions form reliable sources on the net . that left me with 1001 questions when they went into hospital at various times . i am sure i drove the nurses and doctors round the twist asking them things . they would try and answer me and i would end up saying o yes i read that on the net ! i can imagine i also am more like Monica then i want to be !

    my best regards to your Dad Deb .

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    1. I know it might have seemed like you were being a pain to the nurses but I can tell you from experience Linda that they appreciate when family is informed and acting as advocate. I am sure they respected you more than you know!

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  19. Mrs. Deb,
    I know how you feel, when I was in high school I was deemed the teachers pet. I never did anything to make me teachers pet but I was. I loved how you incorporated one of my favorite TV shows as well. I would just like to thank you for everything you and Barbara have done with this blog. I just found your blog recently but as I sit and read all and I do mean all of your post I realized one thing, even though I may be a young lady I have learned so much from you stories. When I needed a laugh you provided me with a laugh, when I was sad, mad or angry you gave me advice. So thank you.
    Now this last part of my comment may not make any sense but if I was ever down your husband the great Colin Mochrie also helped me smile.
    So all I guess I wanted to say was thank you for every thing you have done and can't wait to hear what you have to say tomorrow the next day and forever. Thank You!!
    Tara

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    1. Tara this is the loveliest note. Thanks so much. I am glad we have all helped you and I have to say, you guys on this end help us more than you know!

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  20. While I was never a teacher's pet, I was always kind of a teachers favorite. I was kind and polite to my teachers. I was helpful and hard working. Teachers liked me (most of the time, but if you ever want a story, ask me about my senior English teacher....) But I never really drew attention to myself. We had respect for each other and I was always happy with that. My brother on the other hand was funny, charming and a show off. If anyone else had acted like that, they would have gotten into trouble, but with my brother, it was charming and the teachers LOVED him.

    I don't really have a point to all that.... sorry. :)

    I can't imagine that it would be easy for you and Colin to attend such kinds of classes given your celeb status. It must always be a little difficult to just be an attendee. Be true to yourself and your personality. I can't imagine you are at all like Monica. Also, I love the Doris Day clip!

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    1. Thanks Molly. It was a good story. Gave us some insight to that part of you. I guess your brother was Monica! :-)

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  21. I missed the Doris Day video earlier but just wanted to share a little story if I may. My mom used to play her records while she cleaned or puttered around the house. When I was little I used to go around the house singing very loudly the Doris Day Kay said I, said I.

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  22. Kay said I said I, is the cutest thing ever Mary!

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  23. My little sister Nicole sang the Alka Selzer commercial Plop Plop Piss Piss oh what a relief it is. It must be genetic haha.

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