I remember my third year teaching. I taught 7th grade English back then. I remember it because it was the first year that I felt old. It has always been something I do when I would need to get students’ attention while they were doing group work. I would call out, “Stop!” Once I had their attention, I would add, “Collaborate and listen.” Also, when I would need to call the office or do something on the computer or set up the DVD player, I would put my hand out palm side down and would tell them to, “Just chill.” And then I would add, “’til the next episode.” I don’t remember what I needed to do but I told them to, “Just chill” and added, “’til the next episode.” I looked at my aide and said, “These kids don’t even know.”
A student who was seated at the front table told me, “I do!” I looked at him inquisitively and asked, “Who?” He looked back and smiled. His name was Ritchie and he had a GREAT smile! The smile usually came after he did something mischievous or not all that “good.” (Hence the seat at the front table). “It’s Snoop Dogg, Miss.” I was shocked but pleased that he knew but before I proceeded he added, “I know all the old school Snoop.” I stopped and repeated what he said a bit aghast. “Old School Snoop! I was in high school when that came out! Ritchie, you’re getting an ‘F.’ ”
I was extremely tight as Phil stretched me at the plyo boxes. My left leg kept “boing”ing up and he kept telling me to, “Just chill.” I didn’t share my memory of Ritchie with Phil because the stretch was hurting SO BADLY! I asked what we were going to do. He told me, “Stretch. Unless this relaxes.” Pointing to my left leg.
Well, it DIDN’T relax no matter how much I willed it to. My time ended and Phil pushed me out to my car. He lifted me to my feet and I helped as he sat me on the driver’s seat. He stowed my chair and we did the weird hand grabby thing for a long time. I was able to grab his hand, shake it, and yell, “Joystick.” He said it didn’t count, shut my door, and walked away. As I drove home, my legs finally began to “Just chill… ‘Til the next episode.”