Library [03/07]

[furnaceface]

It was just another day in the library, damn it.

Jono had heard the radio last night, yes, and he was well aware that the entire island had gone absolutely barking mad, but, come hell or high water, he was going to do his best to make certain that today was just another day in the library, damn it.

... Mostly, this involved playing Farmville.

[Open!]

Build Your Own Philosophy, Period 2, 3/8/10

[tyler_gone]

Our fathers were our models for God. And, if our fathers bailed, what does that tell us about God?

Unlike in most weeks, there's no attribution to go with the quote.

"So our theme of the week," Tyler said -- and if he seemed a little grumpy, it was the natural aftereffects of a weekend spent in diapers -- "is parental issues. How badly mommy and daddy screwed us up, and how badly we're going to screw up our own kids in turn."

"I don't need to hear about how your mommy never bought you the cool sandals, or whatever your actual issue is. I don't care if you never knew your parents. But one thing about building a philosophy is, you gotta live with it. And your children will be the most helpless beings you'll ever get to inflict your philosophy on."

"I admit, that's big. Most of you won't have to think about it -- not counting the weekend after prom -- for ten years. At least. Some of you won't have to think about it ever."

"But today, I'm asking you to think about it. Take some time and decide what you want to teach your kids. It can be a religion or the golden rule. It can be leading by example. It can be never quitting. And, statistically, for some of your kids it'll probably be what you teach them when you take off -- for divorce, for a job, because you die." A pause. "I hope you're all exceptions."

He gestured to spur the class into action. "Pair up and talk about it. If you can't talk about it, sit alone and write about it. If you don't want to talk or write, sit and stair at the ceiling."

"Also," he added as an afterthought. "Speaking from recent personal experience? Whatever else you decide today, find a philosophy that bans strained green beans. They taste like crap."