1974

8:13 a.m. homeroom. wednesday. "miss smith, where can i plug in my book?" "awesome. i'm old. ok everyone, have a seat. yes you can plug your book in right over here and let's have a little talk about how your teacher is old as dirt..." taking attendance could wait. it was one of those flippant "back in my day" talks. i was asked if there were hippies when i was born and what record players were like. "richard nixon was in big trouble," i said, "and tv's didn't have color yet. my computer in college was HUGE..." but my favorite questions (asked with complete sincerity)"what kind of horse did you drive?" and "was there electricity?" to which i mock cried and pretended to leave the room, shoulders sagging. not to worry, we brought it full-circle. "horse, eh? a mustang. i've always wanted a Ford Mustang (giggles ensue). and yes, there was power, i'm not that old and ok, it's time for chapel now and, you know, by the time we get back your book should be fully charged. let's go."