Ruminations from a Winding Career
Viewing comments for Chapter 15 "Not Tonight, You Won't"Thoughts from almost 50 years
10 total reviews
Comment from blondie560
I like this chapter because it took me back to my homecomings. I was in high school 72-76. We did the big float build. Farmers in the area would let a class use their barns so it was hidden from the other classes. We had to have a date to attend the dance though, so I never went to one. By time my daughter was in school, anyone could attend the dance, so you could go with a group of your friends and just have a good time.
I hope Lisa realizes how lucky she was that you were working that night. She tried to pull the family friend card to get her way, but you turned it on her and kept her safe and did one better by not telling her parents because you knew she probably had learned her lesson. I have heard one too many stories of a teen killed in a car accident coming home from a school dance. In 1965 a girl was killed in a car accident coming home from the prom. The prom has always been held at a ballroom at some venue other than the school. After her death the school board decided that kids would no longer be able to drive themselves to the Prom and were required to ride a bus to and back. Eventually it was adopted by most of the school districts in our county. Some schools rent nice coach buses, but the district that started it all, which I and my children attended, still use the school buses. Bus drivers will decorate their buses and the schools now hold a prom parade so parents can see all the kids attending. That's how we can gossip about some of the dresses that maybe weren't appropriate. LOL Kids have tried to break the rules like having their car parked at the venue thinking they can sneak away. It never works and they find out that they have to attend summer school because they are suspended. If they are a senior they are not allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. True, kids are left to their own devices after they are returned to the school, but a lot of parents I know will host an all night party so no one leaves till morning. I did it three times with my daughter's friends. I think she holds a record for amount of proms attended, 5 as a student(her boyfriend was a year behind her) and chaperoning at least 12 of the years she's been teaching!
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
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I like this chapter because it took me back to my homecomings. I was in high school 72-76. We did the big float build. Farmers in the area would let a class use their barns so it was hidden from the other classes. We had to have a date to attend the dance though, so I never went to one. By time my daughter was in school, anyone could attend the dance, so you could go with a group of your friends and just have a good time.
I hope Lisa realizes how lucky she was that you were working that night. She tried to pull the family friend card to get her way, but you turned it on her and kept her safe and did one better by not telling her parents because you knew she probably had learned her lesson. I have heard one too many stories of a teen killed in a car accident coming home from a school dance. In 1965 a girl was killed in a car accident coming home from the prom. The prom has always been held at a ballroom at some venue other than the school. After her death the school board decided that kids would no longer be able to drive themselves to the Prom and were required to ride a bus to and back. Eventually it was adopted by most of the school districts in our county. Some schools rent nice coach buses, but the district that started it all, which I and my children attended, still use the school buses. Bus drivers will decorate their buses and the schools now hold a prom parade so parents can see all the kids attending. That's how we can gossip about some of the dresses that maybe weren't appropriate. LOL Kids have tried to break the rules like having their car parked at the venue thinking they can sneak away. It never works and they find out that they have to attend summer school because they are suspended. If they are a senior they are not allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. True, kids are left to their own devices after they are returned to the school, but a lot of parents I know will host an all night party so no one leaves till morning. I did it three times with my daughter's friends. I think she holds a record for amount of proms attended, 5 as a student(her boyfriend was a year behind her) and chaperoning at least 12 of the years she's been teaching!
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
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Thank you, again, for this fantastic rating. Jan
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I do understand. Being raised in a small town, everybody knew everybody and one couldn't do anything wrong because it always got back to your parents. That was actually a good thing, looking back. LOL
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
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I do understand. Being raised in a small town, everybody knew everybody and one couldn't do anything wrong because it always got back to your parents. That was actually a good thing, looking back. LOL
Comment Written 07-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
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Yes, barbara. When my students ask me what kept me straight in school, I tell them I was scared to death of my father and everybody seemed to know him. Jan
Comment from T B Botts
Good story. I'm glad you were able to intervene and that you cared enough for Lisa to do something. So often people don't want to get involved. This was well written, I really enjoyed reading it.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Good story. I'm glad you were able to intervene and that you cared enough for Lisa to do something. So often people don't want to get involved. This was well written, I really enjoyed reading it.
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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I am going to write a non-school related story of getting involved in a situation that really made my daughter nervous at the time. Jan
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hello Jan.
In addition to this being a "tent peg" story in life, it's amusing in addition to being serious.
It is good that you were there to catch her at her worst time and you were able to get her home safely.
The story is well written and easily understood because of the smooth transitions. Transitions are a big part of writing but enhance readability.
Robert
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Hello Jan.
In addition to this being a "tent peg" story in life, it's amusing in addition to being serious.
It is good that you were there to catch her at her worst time and you were able to get her home safely.
The story is well written and easily understood because of the smooth transitions. Transitions are a big part of writing but enhance readability.
Robert
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much, Robert. Jan
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You're welcome Jan.
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You're welcome Jan.
Comment from Judy Lawless
You make this autobiography very interesting to read, using dialogue and description. We also see from it that you were an amazing and caring teacher and member of your community. I will continue to enjoy reading this.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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You make this autobiography very interesting to read, using dialogue and description. We also see from it that you were an amazing and caring teacher and member of your community. I will continue to enjoy reading this.
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Judy, it was due to some amazing and caring teachers/professors that I even lived to teach so I have tried to provide my students the same level of care and concern. Thanks so much, again, for this exceptional rating. Jan
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This Chapter of the Biographical Non-Fiction or Essay speaks expressively about Homecoming Week, sharing experience and feeling through organized descriptions; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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This Chapter of the Biographical Non-Fiction or Essay speaks expressively about Homecoming Week, sharing experience and feeling through organized descriptions; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
Comment Written 04-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks, Alcreator. Homecoming Week was one of my favorite weeks of the year during my 19 years working at the high school level. Jan
Comment from PENofFIRE
Lovely story. God had you where He wanted you to be at the time you needed to be there. Now that Lisa is grown, I am sure she knows He was looking after her that night. You did a great job telling this story. You kept my interest. I look forward to more of your wirtings.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Lovely story. God had you where He wanted you to be at the time you needed to be there. Now that Lisa is grown, I am sure she knows He was looking after her that night. You did a great job telling this story. You kept my interest. I look forward to more of your wirtings.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much, PenofFire. I absolutely love your pen name. I am going to be looking for some of your writings soon. Jan
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Thanks Jan.
Comment from DonandVicki
I can see this happening in a small town High School. My school was small but I wasn't one of the cool kids so I did not go to prom or homecoming. Don and Vicki.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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I can see this happening in a small town High School. My school was small but I wasn't one of the cool kids so I did not go to prom or homecoming. Don and Vicki.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Don, I went to prom as a junior - did not go to the senior prom. My husband and I went to school together from 2nd grade on and were best friends for most of that time. Unfortunately, he and I never seemed to be dating near Homecoming or Prom time. Even so, we did end up getting married and will celebrate our 48th anniversary this August. I wouldn't trade going to prom with him for my lifelong journey with him for anything. Jan
Comment from Wendy G
How wise you were! And how caring. Very understanding of teenagers. That one evening could have destroyed her life. Lovely that you are still friends. A very well written story.
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2021
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How wise you were! And how caring. Very understanding of teenagers. That one evening could have destroyed her life. Lovely that you are still friends. A very well written story.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2021
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Thanks so much, Wendy. I appreciate your support of my writing. Jan
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Thankfully you were there in her time of need whether she appreciated it or not. You did a great job, Jan, recounting this event. Hopefully, Lisa can look back on it and realize you had her best interests at heart. Thank you for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2021
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Thankfully you were there in her time of need whether she appreciated it or not. You did a great job, Jan, recounting this event. Hopefully, Lisa can look back on it and realize you had her best interests at heart. Thank you for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 04-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2021
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Well, she's still talking to me so that's something! Thanks, Jan, for this kind review. Jan