I’ve been having some heart problems lately. I think in part due to the daily stress, and in part from the heartaches from my kids. No, not my son. I’m talking about the teens jabbers I work with. Those insolent brats that add a hell lot of spice to my life.
On a daily basis, they’re usually NOT with me. What do I mean? Well, when I’m talking, they’re talking. When I’m giving instructions, they ignore me. And when I’m warning them sternly, they patronise me.
But on occasional basis, when they need me, they’ll resort to all sorts of emotional blackmails and say the darnest things ranging from:
“You want coffee?” “You’re the best!” to “We love you!”
I’ll be a fool to believe that they’re speaking from their hearts. Okay, maybe with a few exceptions. Sometimes.
While I’ve got a high threshold for their nonsense, I’m so afraid that one day, just one fine day, when my hormones wreak havoc and all hell break loose, I’m going to utter something unsavoury to them.
Like last week. One of the guys asked me if I’ve finished grading their assignments. When I replied that I’ve not even started yet, guess what he dare to mumble under his breath, but within my earshot?
“Aiyoh, so lazy one!”
I swear I almost blurted out a five-letter Hokkien word to him.
P/S: Due to privacy concerns, I reserve the rights to ignore any comments and or speculations addressing my occupation.
The only way is to get cynical with them hehe … take occasional jabs at them. Like … “Good god Damien, you are a fat ass. When you gonna do some exercise?”.
Personally I think it would be funny. Entertains you and shows them who is the boss. Of course you are going to have to come up with another zinger if they counter with a good comeback.
You might also have to worry about any forthcoming disciplinary action, such as calling the kid fat.
Hehe … enjoy.
Loong: Funny you should say this cos that’s exactly what I do. Pass sarcasms, but then I definitely don’t call them names.
Comment by Loong — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 @ 11:00 pm
It sounds like you’re in an energy draining situation. Ignore them and their immature attitudes, of course, but take care of yourself, okay?
ally: Maybe…especialy since I’ve been dealing with the same set of nonsence for so long. I usually ignore them, but once in a while, depending on the situation, I’ll give them a piece of my mind.
Comment by ally bean — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 1:07 am
your students are daring!
Irene: Oh ya, they are!
Comment by irene — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 3:46 am
Sometime these kids really get on our nerve…Haiz…
Ashes: You also experienced before right?
Comment by ashes — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 9:46 am
me no share ur ‘pain’, but i’m grinning away at what you’re writing. they can be quite adorable. i’m sure you’ve mastered the art of the icy stare in place of the #(%)@*#%)(* going off in ur head!
imp: You know, when I complain about them to my hubby, he’ll listen but then he always end up with this statement: “But you’re enjoying yourself right?” Well, actually, mostly yes.
Comment by imp — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 10:05 am
I’m still trying to figure out what that five-letter Hokkien word is. hmm…
Teens nowadays very daring hor… but I’m sure you know how to handle them! ms. chilli padi.
CM: Hahaha…I take Ms chilli padi as a compliment k? The 5-letter word is the most common one…starts with “N”.
Comment by crazymommy — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 10:56 am
Im not in the shoe to comment any but I really can understand how you feel…
Me making my two girls to listen to me is already such a head-pain, heart-pain, body-pain, throat-pain… not to say you, handling a class of teens jabbers…
take care… rants as much as you like here if need be…
I can understand… sigh…
wtpg: Thanks! But sometimes can really “vomit blood”.
Comment by wtpgrr — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Ahhh..kids these days, they’re so bold and daring as compared to our generation. Do take care ya!
Eileen: Ya lor…and thanks! I must eat more heart strengthening pills!
Comment by Eileen — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 @ 4:06 pm
Hee…hee…hee….I can totally relate to your experiences with those impish students !
I was inside this ” suck-blood” career for almost half a decade myself….thanks goodness I am out!
Students these days are definitely no longer the nice, innocent teenagers during our era
SSF: Ya…so sad right. They loose innocence so early…
Comment by sunshinensunflower — Thu, 1 Feb 2007 @ 1:25 am
Sesame, consider yourself lucky. A friend of mine is teaching in the East Coast and has been called all sorts of names by the students, yet there’s not much she can do.
Belle: I can imagine the students in States are more vocal and daring. At least here, they’re cheeky and mischievious, but most of them still give me due respect.
Comment by Belle — Thu, 1 Feb 2007 @ 8:51 am