Just so's ya know

First, the illustrious Jimmy Guterman, who likes to tease me when I post about my bum, notes that my ass isn't really bigger than Boston. He is correct. I was using hyperbole, a literary device of exaggeration for humor or effect. My ass is, however, bigger than any reasonably-priced apartment in Boston.

Second, a clarification. I've forgotten how things like "three jobs" sound to normal people. I'm talking part-time jobs, and I still don't always have 40 hours per week. Also, a note in advance that when I bitch someday about attending school "full-time" and working "two jobs," the classes aren't exactly going to be difficult, either, despite the credit-hours. "Unchallenging" has been the kindest remark I've heard about the teaching credential program.

Next, Samara asked why I want to teach math instead of English, and she's probably not the only one wondering.
1) Nationwide, it's much easier to get a job as a math teacher, and at the age of almost-31, it's probably about time I considered my future (considering it, shuddering, and reaching for a beer doesn't count).
2, and probably more important) Teaching English, at least in the inner city, is no fun. It's teaching literacy, which is hard to do in a group. You're not the cool, tweedy prof-type introducing the kids to Great Books. You're explaining, yet again, what a noun is. Unless the kid is really driven, his reading level just isn't going to go up that much. In math, on the other hand, you can see big progress in a short period of time, and those "AHA!" lightbulb-over-the-head moments that get Ye Olde Ghetto Teacher through the day come a lot more often.

Finally, yes, Elkit and I need to meet on one of my planned San Francisco trips this year.