The Teacher's Pet Project

And How I Just Couldn't Cut It

Background: I always wanted to be Teacher’s Pet. Some might see the title as a negative or a slam. I saw it as my destiny. In classrooms where we got to choose our seats on the first day of school, I jockeyed for as close to the teacher’s desk as possible.

I wanted to be called upon, noticed, singled out, pleasing. I wanted those recognition ribbons, handwritten awards, perfect attendance commendations, special stickers. I wanted those A’s.

I didn’t just want to be liked by my teachers. I wanted to be like my teachers.

Fifth grade: I adored Mrs. Williams, and I thought she adored me. I was, after all, the one who had claimed the seat closest to her desk on the first day of school.

She had long strawberry blond hair and that groovy 70’s style that included headbands and lots of polyester. I especially loved that she had the same matching vest and culotte outfit from Sears that I did. (My classmate Arthur-Ray also had the same outfit - an obvious fashion triumph for Sears that year. I am still jealous of Arthur-Ray’s purple version. Mine was orange.)

One day Mrs. Williams asked for volunteers to stay in from recess and help her cut construction paper strips for an upcoming project. Up shot my hand. Recess was a small sacrifice for the pleasure of cementing my teacher’s pet status.

Me and a handful of my teacher’s pet competitors happily stayed indoors and quietly provided free labor for our beloved leader while our friends played tag, swung from the monkey bars and enjoyed the fresh air. Tongue out, engrossed in my task, I startled in my seat when Mrs Williams screamed my name.

I looked up deer in headlights style to see her red in the face as she loudly berated me for not being able to cut a straight line. I weakly smiled in response as my brain short circuited and scrambled to make sense of this tirade. Surely she was playing a trick on me and would let me (her right hand helper) know she was kidding any second. But no. My anxious smile turned to devastated embarrassment as it became glaringly obvious that this woman was not joking. I had wholly disappointed her with my lack of cutting skills. My face burned and brightened in shame. Our red faces now matched even though the color-causing emotions didn’t.

After fifth grade, my teacher’s pet tendencies tapered off and eventually died. I still cared about doing well in school, and I still liked any kind of recognition or honor. But I no longer jockeyed to sit next to my teachers.

Current Update: Funny, to this day, I cannot cut a straight line to save my life. Good thing I’m not crafty. And thank God for wrapping paper that has preprinted guide lines on the backside.

Some Current Distractions

• Beginners - Forgot how much I loved this sweet 2011 movie until I recently watched it on a flight. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer star as a father and son each grappling in their own way with who they are and how they want to live after they lose their mom/wife. It’s equal parts bittersweet, beautiful and funny. And bonus - it also stars an adorable dog.

• Nest NY Indian Jasmine Candle - I’m a longtime stan of Nest’s cult fave Bamboo & Jasmine candle, but this scent is like a slightly spicier, more exotic big sister.

• I happened to snag that Indian Jasmine candle at Kuhl-Linscomb, a block-spanning, cornucopia of a luxury store in Houston. It’s kinda like if a traditional department store, Rodeo Drive and your favorite neighborhood mom-and-pop shop had a menage a trois. It’s bananas in the best way. Put it on your to-do list next time you’re in Houston.

• In case you’re one of the five people who don’t already follow The Dogist on Instagram, here’s your cue. Elias photographs dogs on the streets of New York and conducts quick on-the-spot interviews with their humans. The Dogist is the antidote to the onslaught of political vomit currently emanating from social media. It’s the Insta stop for all the warm and fuzzies.

• Leon, the new album from Fort Worth’s hometown hero Leon Bridges, is his most personal yet. It’s soothing, soulful and the perfect soundtrack for the changing of seasons - or for any random moment you want to marinate in music that feels like a gentle vibey hug. Listen here if you haven’t already.