Anyone who knows me in real life should not be shocked by the title of this confession. Truly. (I’m looking at you, Dan.)
I talk. A lot. All the time in fact. My Mama says I shot from the womb talking.
In kindergarten, I was sent home with a little note that said “Miranda is a delight to have in class. But she’s quite the chatterbox.”
That note got me a spankin’ from a step-dad who didn’t understand. And a “go to your room,” too.
That spankin’ and “go to your room” didn’t stop me from talking though. Not even. And those “chatter box” notes kept coming home with me until I graduated high school.
I just kept on talking. And talking. And talking. And I didn’t stop.
Until I started teaching.
Sometimes the entire day is spent talking to my students. Discussing whatever novel we’re reading. Instructing them about thesis statements and topic sentences. Talking about upcoming assignments. Chatting with former students on their lunch about what they’re up to and where they’re planning to go to college in the fall. Calling the occasional parent, or making appointments on my lunch break.
Sometimes, when I come home in the evening, I don’t talk much. I am talked out and my throat is tired.
I do not want to do anything that requires sounds to come out of my mouth. I think this is why I turn on the television. There are words without me having to say them. (Mama Fail, right there.) Sometimes I don’t even want to read books because I don’t want to say words. (And yep, Mama Fail again.)
I’ve noticed in the past year or so that my ability to have a conversation in the evenings is getting less and less…able?…every year.
I think that’s why I love Twitter and Facebook. I can have a conversation with people without actually having to TALK.
So if you ever see me in the evenings and you try to strike up a conversation and I am less than conversational? It’s nothing personal.
I probably just used up my words for the day already.
John
Monday 25th of April 2011
I remember my sister got detention during her first week of kindergarten because she announced to the class that she was going to marry Bobby Hander & they kissed. How she's so happily married now, I have no idea, because the more I look back on her young life, I really thought she was going to play the part of "boy crazy" all of the time.
I totally hear you on the Twitter/FB thing. When I get home from work, I'm usually, simply, tired of having to speak . . . of course, I feel crappy when my wife wants to talk & I don't want to, yet I'm chatting away on Twitter. But, it's a voice & "comprehending speech" thing. Quiet is nice, even if my brain is working.
Miranda
Monday 25th of April 2011
That's what I love about Twitter/FB. My brain is occupied in conversations, but my mouth isn't. I just want to rest my voice.
Kimberly
Sunday 24th of April 2011
You were shot from the womb talking??? I die.
Miranda
Monday 25th of April 2011
Why yes, I most certainly was. :)
Cole
Sunday 24th of April 2011
Mommy is the same way! She used to enforce a strict one hour of quiet time after school, when Daddy would come and try to have long conversations... She just didn't have the focus after a long day! Everyone needs silence once in a while to regroup. :)
Miranda
Monday 25th of April 2011
That sounds so fantastic! "No Talking time!"
Kimberly
Sunday 24th of April 2011
When I was a teacher I was the same way. I'd spend the entire day talking. Then once I was home I just needed to zone out.
Miranda
Monday 25th of April 2011
I love to zone out. Love it.
Mama Fisch
Saturday 23rd of April 2011
Maybe it's a teacher thing. I talk when I shouldn't but at night it is the last thing I want to do. And then I start to beat myself up because I wonder if that is why my 18 month old is saying less than ten words because when I should be talking I am not. Sigh... is summer here yet?
Miranda
Saturday 23rd of April 2011
I do wonder if Joshua will suffer because sometimes I am talked out when I pick him up from daycare. :/