TheDaver.net

Man, am I tired.  I’ve been keeping late nights (never asleep before midnight) and early mornings (typically up at 6:45 a.m.)  Averaging about 5 1/2 hours per night…pretty rough on a kid who likes his sleep.

Over the years my job in the summer has shifted quite a bit.  I spend much more time in the office (booo!), much less time with kids (boooo! boooo!) and much more time talking to parents about their little prides and joys (eeehhhh.)  Basically, I’ve become the vice-principal of camp.  If a kid acts up, I usually deal with it.  If little Johnny punches little Billy in the face because Billy took Johnny’s Kooky Pen, I’m called in.  If Suzie refused to clean her bunk area and throws a hissy because Sally made fun of her hat which is painted purple and has pieces of trash glued to it, I’m the fixer.

I’m not the first line of defense: that would be the cabin counselors, followed by the “top staff.”  But more often than not I get the call, the nod, the invite into the madness that is 7-year old boy social dynamics, or, worst of all, the hideous, murky, unfathomable miasma of 13-year old girls and their parallel, twilight zone universe.  Weird thing is, though, I kindof like it.  I like sitting down with little Billy or Suzie and trying to understand them, hearing them out.  Usually the misbehavior is brought on by some twisted tale involving invaded personal space, touched toys, bad looks, whispers, cutting in line and farty noises.  Sometimes, though, you get the truly sad stories, stories of neglect and anger and wrecked homes and moms and dads who hate each other.  Breaks my heart at times, but also puts me in a position to say some kind words and try to help.

Beyond being the vice-principal, I’m busy with lots of other stuff.  It is probably all too boring to lay out, so I’ll pass.  It’s hard to stay caught up on the news, but I try.  Here is what’s been happening lately, and some thoughts:

• Tim Russert died.  I liked him.  He was about the only political news guy I could stand, and seemed like a really nice guy.
• The country of Zimbabwe is descending into chaos due to rigged elections.  The story of Africa continues.
• 800 or more people died in a ferry accident in the Philippines.  What’s to say?  Tragedies, by definition, are tragic.
• George Carlin died.  And…?
• Gas prices continues to soar.  It stinks, but it is what it is.  Oil (gasoline) is “non-renewable” and we’re bound to run out someday.  (Still, over $5/gallon for diesel?  Ouch!)
  
• Barack Obama and John McCain are starting to go at it.  Please, wake me up when it’s over.  I know there’s a need for politicians, but does the process have to be so…sad?
• Roger Federer is on his way to winning Wimbledon again.  I love Roger Federer.  Really.  I do.
  
• The Celtics won the NBA championship.  And, in more exciting news, a man from Chicopee, Massachussets, won the annual World Rock, Paper, Scissors championship.  Rock beats scissors every time.

I’m sure there is more going on, but this is about all I can manage.  As I said, I’m very tired.

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