Test Drive: Life in the Fast Lane

I was a music geek in high school, but not a gleek. I know my fans on the karaoke circuit will be shocked (ha), but I was not the choir girl (once choir required auditions), but I was the band geek. I always rationalized that the choir teacher just wanted me to be in orchestra, and that's why I didn't make the musical chorus. At least that's what they told me. . .

Despite my merely adequate vocal abilities (I'm not tone deaf, but I am not trying out for "Idol"), I love to take my turn at the mike. Karaoke provided a solace for my semi-shyness, that was almost extinguished by the time I graduated from high school, but was still known to creep up again in awkward social situations or around new people. Prior to my teen years, I was incredibly shy. Junior high was a time of torment that I would rather not relive. (Yes, I realize the irony as I teach middle school.) Singing allowed me to become an actress, a comedian, an imitator. I didn't have the pipes like my two best friends, but I had the charm, and I could make 'em laugh.

The "American Idol" fad never drew me in. Sure, I love Carrie, I sing along with Clarkson on the radio, but I don't even know what Kris Allen sings, and Adam Lambert can leave his gyrating to awards shows that I don't watch. I got my performance fix from occasional newer movie musicals like "Chicago", "Rent" (much better on stage, mind you), "Dreamgirls" (I do love idol Hudson in this one), and "Moulin Rouge". Then there was "Glee".

"Glee" takes every high school stereotype and blows it up, making it laughable, lovable, and. . .well, musical. How can you not love "Glee"? I am caught up in the high school age comedic drama like I am a sixteen year old band geek/choir reject again, and I find myself laughing the next day when students ask me, "Mrs. S., did you watch Glee!?" It gives me a little connection with my musical-type students that is a little cooler than singing their show choir songs with them in ninth hour. (Come on, who can resist a little Les Mis sing-along?)

I identify with Rachel's struggle to fit in, Will's wanting to do everything he possibly can for his students, Sue's annoyance with her students (ok---I am not THAT bad), Finn's choices between right and wrong--one path or another. The best part about "Glee" though is the music. I wait for every episode to see what they will sing next, their spins on some classic favorites and new tunes as well. "Glee" making Journey cool again is a gift to a whole new generation. "Glee" showcasing old school Madonna next week may just make me pull out the "Immaculate Collection".

Am I a "gleek"? I'd say so. Bring on the showtunes.

"Does anyone have a cure for apathy?"

A colleague posed this question at a meeting the other day. The question was rhetorical, but the problem is real. Indifference is becoming an epidemic. It's not just spring fever, kids. It's been there since day one, but now I think there is no figurative medicine that can stop apathy from overtaking the very core of who the lackluster individual is. Eh. I just don't care. I'm not going to do it. Why does it matter? Someone else will take care of it.

It's not just middle-schoolers though. It's adults too.

It concerns me that people go without basic necessities in this country and often die as a result. It's not always because they are apathetic and refuse to pay for care that they can afford with a little bit of cutting out the non-necessities. It's not always because they refuse to get a job. There are elderly people who have worked their whole lives and now have to decide, take my medicine or eat today? What is more important. But some adults don't care. It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect me.

It bothers me that some parents feel that once their kids start walking, they can fend for themselves. Parenting. Is. Done. Riiight. Being a parent never stops. Just ask my mom and dad. I may not need their financial or housing support anymore, but I need to hear "I am proud of you" and "I love you". It feels great when I hear it too. I don't think you can ever care too much about your kids. Sometimes it's hard to let go and let them become adults, but even when they seem like they want nothing to do with you, they really want you to care and be proud. I remember, and as a teacher, I see it every day.

If you are going to be apathetic about something, care a little less about who celebrities are sleeping with and who is cheating on who and where you shop and what brand-name shoes you are wearing. Stuff I pay attention to from time to time. Sure. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't admit that (stay tuned for the cure for hypocrisy blog). Care a little less about what religion someone else believes in. Doesn't it just matter that we are good people, whether it's Allah, Buddha, God, or nothing?

It's just about giving a crap about someone, something, and life in general. Find something to care about that matters.