Clerks II and an Introduction . . . of Sorts

How to start this . . . how to introduce myself . . . how not to sound like an idiot. These are the important questions of the day.

For those who knew me in high school, this description by Matt would seem most accurate. However, who we are as adults most often is not a reflection of who we were in high school. Witness the current incarnation of Brandon; this is definitely not the proto-slacker I remember. Every life must pass through a crucible. Impurities are burned away and the core strengthed by fire. For many the crucible takes on the identity of college for others it might be military service or maybe even marriage and the formation of a family.

My crucible experience occured during my late twenties in the city of Pocatello. Discussion and revelation about my experiences comes with some trepidation. Before starting this blog, I have spent a great deal of time contemplating the importance of anonymity. Many of the teacher blogs I follow go to great lengths to maintain their anonymity. I am not ashamed of my past nor do I fear community reactions (well maybe a little fear). My concern is student knowledge of my personal history.

Most of my students have led a very sheltered and conservative life. Like all teenagers, my kids are curious. While curiousity is a valuable asset to education, it can become an incredible hinderance when directed in unnecessary directions or enabled at inopportune times. In order to build trust in the classroom, I always speak directly and truthfully to my students. I avoid equivocating and dodging of questions. I make it a point to inform my students that I was not raised in a monestary. I am always shocked to hear student reactions when they find out bits and pieces of their teachers' lives. It is as if they think we exist only within the walls of the school. Portions of my life likely would be very entertaining for my students and very distracting to their education. So the following descriptions will be vague in the likelihood of eventual discovery of this blog by my students.

During my late twenties, I was absorbed into a network of friends that was centered around a place. That place coincidentally was called Center Street. It was and is a bar. During my relationship with the establishment, I became friends with the employees, owners and regulars. However, this place was not a Cheers or Central Perk. The community we built was made up of individuals from various walks of life; teachers, students, engineers, slackers, rugby players, rugby fans, coaches, dope smokers, dope dealers, ex-soldiers, strippers, bouncers, artists. They also came from various ethnicities; native Idahoans, Native Americans, French descendents, Irish descendents, German exchange students, hispanics, Japanese americans, African americans. We engaged in many activities; drinking, card playing, boating, fishing, drinking, dancing, bar hopping, rugby playing, drinking, road tripping, gambling, singing, drinking. Throughout it all we talked. We talked about everything and everyone including a very healthy/toxic dose of sex. We spent as much time as possible pursuing sex and when not successful, we spent the remaining time talking about it.

This then is where Clerks II enters the discussion. I thought the movie was funny. It is typical Kevin Smith, short on visuals and long on dialogue. While some may find the rantings of Dante and Randall risque or downright offensive (Good Morning America's Joel Siegel walked out), I found it nostalgic. It reminded me of a time during my life that has passed. In short, I liked it. But, my personal crucible has clearly turned me into a 'sick fuck.'