Letting my mind wander in class. I’d complete a spelling test and doodle in the margins, the rest of the page–any blank space.

In 3rd grade, my teacher told me to stop that, because I got so caught up in doodling that I forgot to finish my work.

I responded by completing the page of a math test with a theater’s stage, the words “Look at HOW MUCH SPACE I HAVE LEFT!” It was without malice, but her attempts at discipline were clearly lost on me.

I remember she was fat and afraid of kittens. I brought mine to class for show and tell and she shied away from it…she loved fish, though…and orcas.