Before I did what I’m about to tell you, I was a little worried.
I had no idea what to write about.
Did I become a TBA author and run out of things to say? Is this Murphy’s Law? Be careful what you wish for?? Do I have writer’s block? Uh oh. Oh no.
I thought about what I’m teaching this week — surely that would give me an idea.
Let’s see . . . silent letters, clusters with s . . . yawn . . . venn diagrams . . . shapes and solids in math . . . yawn . . . The Marketplace in Social Studies . . . (at which point, Super Citizen Boy allowed his face to visibly crumple in front of me and when I said, “what’s up, buttercup?” and “what’s the jist, physicist?”, he responded with “I just don’t want to do that.” He is Super Citizen Boy so I did not get on him. I just AGREED. I’m sticking to the textbook with this unit because it actually has WHOLE, ACTUAL lessons on MULTIPLE pages but . . . well . . . I just don’t want to do it, either. Instead, I’m dying to start our unit on Native Americans.) . . . what in the world could I write about???
Then I did something I don’t normally do. I checked my stats.
Uh oh. Oh no.
Guess how many page views I have had for my Halloween story?
Hubby guessed 200. He doesn’t understand blogging at all. Or teachers. He just lives with one.
Two-thousand, five hundred and thirty one. For real. 2, 531 page views. That’s crazy, people. That’s nubs nuts!
I didn’t recognize where a lot of the traffic was coming from. I don’t know the blog. Or the . . . whatever it is. I’m not really sure what it is. It’s something. So I clicked. And this person liked my story and cracked up and said she had to share. And then all of these people commented on her blog or whatchamacallit. A LOT of commenters said that I’m a great story teller (well, isn’t that nice? Thank you strange people readers that I do not know yet). But I had TWO not so nice comments. TWO. And I’m letting them bother me. I am. Hubby said not to, but I am (he tends to say this about anything that is bothering me. “Don’t let that kid bug you. Don’t let that parent get to you. Why do you care?” he always says). So now I know exactly what to write because this is BUGGING THE HAPPINESS right out of me. And I share my unhappiness with people. I am an open book. The one time I decided to hold something in, I broke out in hives. They were gross AND they itched. So here’s my question for you:
Do you think I should have put a disclaimer on the Halloween post? Something along the lines of “although this comes across funny and I hope you get a good giggle, I am SUPER SORRY that Esteban lost half his pinkie finger and I FEEL SUPER BAD that I was sort of responsible? And while I’m making light of it, I do realize that it’s a SERIOUS thing when a child loses a body part? And that it’s NO LAUGHING MATTER”?
What do you all think? Should I write an apology post? Or delete the Halloween post altogether?
And I am even MORE bummed because I do not feel that THIS post (this I Am Bothered post) is TBA worthy. {insert big sigh and dramatic Snookie “waaaaaaa!” here}
I also realize it’s only two people. But I am bothered. It is bothering me. Isn’t it bothering you??????? Aren’t you bothered??? Shouldn’t we go get a coffee and talk about how bothered we are??? Shouldn’t we??????????
i think we should toooootally go get some coffee and chat about how bothersome those 2 mean comments are. bothersome! i hate it when people say mean things to/about me.
and i know that me being the first commenter totally makes me look like i'm blog-stalking you. that's because i am. (well, i am trying to catch up on my google reader, but it's exTREMEly difficult when you follow 80 bajillion blogs.)
and in conclusion, NO! i do NOT think you should put a disclaimer OR delete the post. i freaking emailed the link to my entire staff, THAT'S how funny it was. and of course, i wasn't laughing about the poor kid losing half his finger, but the whole thing about how ridiculously crazy things like this just HAPPEN when you're a teacher. that's the funny part. and anyone who doesn't know that yes, you were sorry about what happened to pablo is dumb and needs to SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP.
ok, i'm done ranting. for the moment. and i know his name isn't pablo, but i like that name. pablo y lupita, reminds me of spanish class.
Don't be bothered! Of all the wonderfully witty things you share, someone thought that the laugh was inserted in the wrong spot~ It's ok!
You are so-o-o TBA worthy, and you pulled off a great post! Keep them coming….and a coffee sounds great!
Staci
Not bothered. Leave it. As for the two comments, forget about it. Remember the other 2,000+ people who liked this post but didn't comment.
Oh Kristin! I do not think it is necessary for you to do a disclaimer saying you were bothered. Who wouldn't be horrified when it happened? However, that was a long time ago and looking back you can see (and share) the humor. I loved the story! It is hiliarious and we can all identify in some way or another. I know it is hard, but I would try not to let it bother you. 2 out of 2531 is less that
.05%…. so not a math person, but know it isn't even a drop in the bucket!
On another note… 1- Congrats on TBA and 2- I thought I was already following you, but forgot to press save. I am following you now. 🙂
We are all laughing at the experience not the act. If I can't laugh at the past, I think I would die. Sometimes laughing at the most painful experiences of my life is what keeps me sane. Of course, in the moment it is far from funny.
I think you HAVE TO keep it posted for all of use that take life way to seriously. Promise you will keep it…pinky promise!
The Kennedy Korral
Please don't worry about those two little comments that were not so nice! Were those two people teachers? Because if they were they should realize that sometimes crazy things happen with kids and you have to find something to laugh about! I thought the story was great and I, like many others, shared it with my colleagues. Keep writing…I love reading your posts!
What I Learned in Kindergarten
I wouldn't worry about those two comments even though we all do! That could happen to any teacher! Love your blog and try not to worry about those bucket dippers!
You know….I got a mean comment on my blog once {well I thought it was} and guess what I did…I DELETED IT!!! It's my blog and I'll do what I want with it! 🙂 {It's my party and I'll cry if I want to}. So, you keep on keepin' girl! YOU CRACK ME UP!!!!!
Let's grab coffee. 🙂
-Rachelle
whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com
If the people who read the post didn't understand that you are a humorous writer and it was SUPPOSED to be funny, then they need to go back to 1st grade! Take that meanie poo-poo heads! And mean comments just mean you're famous. YOU CAN NOW GO ON A REALITY TV SHOW!!!! You know, the one where real people hang out with the celebrity they hate…I don't know I never actually watched it, but I saw a few commercials for it. {not that anyone hates you, but you know what I mean!} SEE!!! Dreams do come true!
You know we love you and everything you blog about!
I am totally the same way….one mean comment and it goes right to my heart and I play it over and over like a stuck song on an ipod….is that possible?? YOU make us laugh! Don't change, please! You just can't please everyone all the time….and that stinks, I know. Sending you huge hugs and I'd go for coffee any day! 😉 Keep smiling and being real. You are the sunshine in many of our days!
Rebecca
Teaching First
You'll have to watch Catherine Tate's skits on "I'm not Bothered" on YouTube! She's a nut! Here's one: http://youtu.be/vFWkJuPhApc
Rebecca
Teaching First
Kristin, I so want to meet you for coffee! Hmmm …could you offer that up as a giveaway? Coffee with Kristin. Yep, that would be a giveaway we would all want to win. (Except, would it be alright if I have tea? I don't really like coffee.)
Don't you think that all of us crazy bloggers are perfectionists … we want to be the best we can be? I think maybe that is why one negative comment cuts to the bone. And two negative comments, well, that is way too many for us. You did NOT deserve the negative comments. Your regret was laced throughout your story. It was obvious that you were sad about what happened. If those two fools missed that point, well then they are …fools!
Love you lots!
Camille
An Open Door
P.S. Just want to say, "I TOLD YOU SO!!!" I told you that story would go viral! Please do not remove it, being able to laugh helps us make it through the tough times.
You know the old saying, "Years from now, you'll look back and laugh." Well, this is that scenario.
I am sure you did not laugh or make jokes the day it happened. I am sure you were concerned and worried for your student. But years later…when you can look back and all has turned out fine… we can laugh.
It is a comical, crazy world teachers work in and sometimes comic relief helps keep us sane.
If your principal, the parents and your student can move on, the 2 negative commentators need to also.
So don't worry about 2 comments.
Please don't worry about those two negative nancys! They obviously have NO sense of humor!! As teachers we can be under so much stress we have to laugh and make the best of things. By the way, your blog is one of my most absolute favourites to read. Ever. (Oh and I am in Australia, so I'm not blog stalking at some weird hour of the night or morning! It's 7.15PM down here. 🙂
Haters are nubs (nuts) for sure! I mean I totally get it. I had one negative feedback on something I worked hours and days on and it ate me alive. DO NOT DELETE. DO NOT!!!! You are supposed to be writing. It is obviously your true talent. You have brought what can be a very lonely and frustrating career some MAJOR joy! Should I start singing a sappy uplifting song…cuz I will.
Don't let those two comments bother you. If those two mean people can't see from all of your other posts how much you care about teaching and the children in your classroom, that is their problem! As educators, we know that you felt guilty and remorseful for what happened because we could hear it through the "word choice" in your story. And…we would never want anything like that to happen to any of our students, just as you never want it to happen to any of your students.
Stay strong and don't let them see you sweat! You are a strong, confident teacher and your fans see it and understand you! Remember you can't please everyone all of the time.
Well, I think everyone before me has said it well, but I'm going to chime in with my two cents anyways. Don't let those two mean comments bother you – they obviously have either no sense of humor OR they're not teachers. Every one of us could write a book on the funny (or not so funny) things that happen in the classroom and we entertain our families with our stories. Don't delete your story – it's howlingly funny – but DO delete their two comments!
As for getting coffee, yeah, I'm right there with you! Name the time! Lisa quiltwoman0@gmail.com
C'mon. Seriously? Are we to the point where we can't laugh anymore? That seriously depresses me. Yes, it was a bad situation and yes, it's horrible that it happened to poor Estaban, but we.have.all.had.bad things happen in our classrooms. If we can't share a laugh with our colleagues, then who? I say if you don't like it, don't read it, don't follow it, and grow up and get over it.
One word….karma.
Delete the comments dear, we still want to hear your stories. 🙂
followingoptimism.blogger.com
Oooh, Kristin! I absolutely agree with Rachelle! It's YOUR blog and YOU can delete the not so nice comments.
It's as easy as… CLICK!
Just do it!
There are always going to be people out there who get their kicks by being negative. Don't let it bother you (easier said then done, says the worry wart of all time).
Also, your blog is what I look forward to each morning when I am having my me time before the day gets crazy. Please don't change your awesome posts because of a few Debbie Downers!
I just started following not too long ago and read your Halloween story. If they can't tell that you are a funny writer, then too bad for them!
I think what you say is great and don't let it bother you. Don't change yourself over two comments! Maybe they were grumpy or had an off day 🙂
Journey of a Substitute Teacher
The thing is, I'm sure that at the TIME, you didn't laugh. You didn't say, "Oh, haha, he lost his finger. Isn't it so funny!" But looking back at some experiences, you just HAVE to admit it's funny now.
I'm sure you still feel kind of guilty, but it's a spilt milk sort of situation. No sense crying over it when it's a done deal.
When I read it, I didn't think for a second that you were meaning to be insensitive. The pure fact that you were waiting to post it tells me that you feel super bad.
Like someone else said, a kid loses a finger at recess? Someone should have TOLD you! (Also, how in the world did YOUR ENTIRE CLASS not tell you what happened? I can't STOP them from telling me every detail of recess!) No logical person would have believed a kid who said they were holding a human finger. (At least, no logical person who spends all day with kids and hears the CRAZY things they say.)
You're in the clear. No worries 🙂
I think you're hilarious! I nominated you as a Blog on Fire just to prove it! Head over to my blog to accept it! 🙂
Miss B, Busy Bee
Oh my good gracious – I wouldn't worry one little bit. {easy for me to say} I feel really bad for those two commenters who clearly take life WAY too seriously. Could you imagine living your life unable to find the humor in things? So, so, so sad. You, me and everybody else will live nice long lives because we know how to laugh through stressful times, because quite clearly when you were in the thick of the nubbins – you were not laughing (but your principal was…God love that man)…
It's ALL good…we love you to bits and pieces (and nubs too).
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
I have to agree with others. It is very hard not to let them bother us, but hey – we're human. And like Rachelle said, it's your blog – delete the comments.
From one TBA author to another – we're still people and allowed to be bothered and vent, as long as we do it tactfully 😉 haha.
I have a confession…I emailed every teacher (6 teachers per grade level..k-4) , the nurse, secretaries, aides in our building the blog link & 3 of us laughed so hard I think we peed in our pants like a first grader. I was reading the story & I was laughing like a hyena & couldn't even read it because every time I said a line I laughed & they couldn't understand me. I know I gave you some followers at least. I am working on a blog on fire post right now & just came to your blog for a link….publishing in a bit. Don't let a few haters bother you…they are jealous!
Peace, Mel D
Oh the Places We’ll Go
Follow the four agreements and DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. Just don't. It isn't about you. End of story.
(1) Be Impeccable With Your Word.
(2) Don't Take Anything Personally.
(3) Don't Make Assumptions.
(4) Always Do Your Best.
i don't know you (though I pretend I do), but I think you follow these rules pretty closely.
Kimberly
1st in Maine
Leave it up, don't put a disclaimer. Those people are Debbie Downers. Honestly, anyone who reads your blog knows that you aren't HAPPY that a child in your class lost part of his pinkie but it DOES make for a funny story. I could tell you to stop worrying about it but you're like me and I would be the same way. You can have a million great comments but the one or two will eat at you foreverrrrrrr. So, do you best to move on, but know that there are other people out here just like you that will fixate on the negative forever.
Do not delete! You are an amazing writer and this is your blog! If they don't have anything nice to say they shouldn't say it at all! If they are true readers of your blog they should know that you are a sweet, caring person who is just plain hilarious and wanted to share a nightmare of a story and make light of it. Hater gonna hate but you keep on doing your thing!
Just discovered your blog and LOVE reading your posts ! The Halloween story is too funny, started my day with a good laugh. Thank you !! I would love to have a chat and talk about how bothered we are …..
I am bothered FOR you! You can kick back now, I'll hold the bothersomeness for a few minutes…
Do not remove the post! You changed the names!
Let's be bothered about Glee, instead. I am SOOOO disappointed; Arnie just advised Rachel and Blaine to get some real-life experience in the you-know-what arena. My 13 yr-old daughter changed the channel. (good choice!)
Congratulations on TBA ( again!) you are well deserving! Congratulations on an awesome blog too! Please do not feel guilty, or feel that you have to do a disclaimer..you were not rejoicing in someone's misery..but rather poking fun of your own! Keep writing! Keep Smiling and Keep Teaching!! (((Hugs)) and Yes let's do coffee!!
I agree…don't delete it or apologize, but maybe we can all learn from this. I too, worry over little things when there are far more better things to rejoice in. So let's turn this around and think of our students. How many times do we tell them good things, but also mention that one bad thing? Or we make them feel less than important by one comment? Can we make sure that we are more aware of their feelings when ever we work with them? I'm just thinking about what I may have done before and how I need to be sure to consider their feelings…..remember this saying: "they may forget what you said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel."
I don't know why we let the few bring down the many, but somehow those of us that care do, I guess because we care. Let me just say this, your story was hilarious and you were NOT responsible in the least. If you can't laugh about stuff like that you'd just be a debbie-downer. You never made fun of poor Esteban and anyone who thought that you were didn't read your post very well. Those two people shouldn't being teaching or haven't taught. Some people need to lighten up!
2B Honey Bunch
Don't let it bother you! The story was funny! The boy didn't die… and YOU didn't cut his finger off so don't feel responsible.
I used to work at a daycare back in the day and a little toddler put his hand in the door (where the hinges are) and almost lost the tip of his finger… I felt horrible. But, that's old news… life moves on!
Your posts are always hilarious! Those two negative comment givers need to lighten up a little!
You are soooo TBA worthy. Even when you write about nothing, I am hooked! You have such a gift!
Girlfriend, you say the word and me and you will go get pumpkin spice lattes (or some other thing that's really bad for us) and talk smack about those haters! Just remember what your mama said- Don't pay them no mind, sugar, they're just jealous!
I haven't been blogging in days and days because my hubby and me took a little vaca to the Bahamas. Come to find out I missed your posts, and someone didn't find your Halloween post funny. Of course it was sad for little"nubby", but the story was hillarious because it was your first year. If it happened any other year it may have been less funny (although with you telling it I doubt it). I am so sorry you stressed about the negativity. Chin up and keep writing 'cause we LOVE it!
Marybeth
CialiniChat