“Check the Chart”

After being told to sit down for the eighth time the student immediately jumped back up to show me his treasure of treasures that he had purchased at the book fair, a mood ring. He started out, “Here Mr. Brandon try this on and let’s see what kind of mood you’re in”. “Well,” I replied “I’ve asked you to sit down eight times, I’ve asked him to sit down eleven times and have asked his buddy to sit down ten times, just what kind of mood do you think I’m in?” He looked at me, “Try it on and let’s see”. I swallowed, “Let me save you some trouble.” “Is there anything on that color chart that says, Wants to beat every child on the bus?” He actually looked at the chart, “No, there’s one that says, stressed how about that?” “Close enough, sit down” I replied through gritted teeth.