Chalkboard Trumps Computer

I've been a little crazy lately, doing things like losing all perspective on what really matters in life. Practices like feeding the cat, scrubbing my toilet, and making sure I brush my teeth get thrown out the window while I whiz around the house bouncing off the walls like a rebounded basketball, all the household animals skittering around trying to find cover from my spasming gestures. I've been doing that a lot lately.

I wouldn't say it makes me proud. More confused really.

I had to ask my partner, Janette, why I was doing that. I didn't really have perspective, you know? It's like trying to study my face while staring out a window instead of into a mirror. I always think I'm just a wee bit prettier than the reality of the situation. Janette, being a creature of few words and true statements, simply chirped, "You always do that when you feel pressured."

Oh really.

"Who made you all omniscient and special?" I wanted to squawk at her. But she had a point. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I have a tendency to loose all self-control and and begin taking the formation of a Midwestern tornado hurling dirt and broken materials at whatever and whoever may be standing nearby. It's not pretty and it's fairly destructive. And generally speaking, it just doesn't work very well.

So I ordered a chalkboard. Somehow clicking, "YES! I'll take a 3 foot by 4 foot one! Have that cute UPS guy bring it on by ASAP" cured my flailing limb syndrome.

I got a black one. Just like old times. Somehow it calmed my nerves and brought me back to Mrs. VanKrevelen's second grade classroom at BigforkElementary School. The chalk stacked neatly in the corner next to the erasers, the board in all it's coal black magnificence waiting for ourmultiplication tables, our spelling bees, and our reminders of homework to be done. It's all so....organized and visually apparent. I'm in love - in a calm, peaceful, organized kind of way.

Chalkboard trumps computer any day for me.