Strange Little Collecting Project

Why do some people think that “No offense, but…” or “I’m not trying to be rude, but…” allows them to say whatever they want? It’s almost always followed by something offensive and/or rude. I’ve run into this with my students a lot, which is somewhat acceptable (but no less annoying) because scientifically their brains are still developing. The filters that adults have, that (usually) keep us from blurting out everything that we think as soon as it comes to us, haven’t fully developed yet in the teenage brain. This is one of the things that makes working with teenagers so “exciting.” It’s also contributed to me being on a first name basis with a few local bartenders. In my classroom, I have heard things like, “I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t think you know what you’re talking about,” or “No offense, but I hate your class,” or “I’m not trying to be mean, but your outfit doesn’t match at all,” or “No offense, but the sound of your voice is starting to make me want to throw up....

Last week I decided to go dress shopping, inspired by the tan I’m starting to grow on my usually pasty-white legs, and the fact that I’ve recently lost a little weight. Nothing major because after all, slow and steady wins the race, but I have been able to go down a couple dress sizes in the last few months. (Who knew that exercising on a daily basis and changing your diet actually made you lose weight…it’s almost like it’s a science or something). I found this absolutely beautiful tuxedo-style black and white dress and it looked like we were made for each other. We both liked punk music (especially Bad Brains and Rancid), Chinese Food, expensive coffee, and how sometimes it rains when the sun is still out. When I locked eyes on this beautiful garment from across the room at Ross, Dress for Less, the song “Dream Weaver” started playing on my internal radio that soundtracks my life. I couldn’t wait to get her into my arms as I ran over with the speed of Flo Jo and the joy of that ...