Sometimes I don’t know what gets into me… Maybe it’s some pent up or unused energy that sometimes wells up within me. At times, I get so much satisfaction from teasing people that I’m almost ashamed of myself.
I had a meeting today with some of my fellow OISE philosophy students to discuss the planning of a North American graduate student conference for philosophy of education (GSCOPE). I’ve not seen these friends in quite some time since I haven’t been hanging out at OISE much this semester. But just barely 10 mins into the meeting, I couldn’t resist…
Francine: How many philed students are there in TPS?
Graham: About 60.
Francine, Helen & Ann: *stunned silence*
Graham: I mean, there are about 60 bodies…
Ann: ‘Bodies’?
Graham: erm…
Ann: Hmmm. That explains why we haven’t been seeing any of them…
Graham: No, I meant…
Ann: Where have you buried them, Graham?
Graham *mute look of anguish*: … …
(Graham actually meant to say that there were 60 registered students, but many of which are part-time or who are working long-distance…so we never see them)
I smile when I remember how intimidated I used to be by Graham in my first year at OISE. He’s this unflappable 6’6” giant who crosses every ‘t’ and dots all his ‘i’s. And he’s one of those people whose sense of humour I don’t understand and I never knew when he was joking or serious. I don’t remember when it began, but at some point a couple of years ago, I suddenly realized that I could actually tease him and get away with it. Everytime it happens, there’s something ‘David & Goliath’ about it…and it’s absolutely enjoyable to see Graham-Unflappable McDonough…well…’flapped’ :P.
Maybe because I had such satisfaction from teasing Graham this afternoon, I’ve decided to be uncharacteristically agreeable for the rest of the evening. I’m abstaining from suanning, teasing and baiting of any sort for the rest of the night (ha ha which ends in less than an hour). To whom it may concern: Enjoy the peace while it lasts!
Journey of the Heart 