Arguing Semantics

[donutsweeper]

According to the advertisement the local supermarket had cantaloupes on sale, but I didn't see them anywhere.  So I asked a person working in the produce section where the cantaloupes would be.  He pointed to a large bin.  I went and looked, but the bin was empty.  I went back and said to him "there aren't any cantaloupes there!"  to which he responded, "Well, you asked where the cantaloupes would be.  That's where the cantaloupes would be if we had any, but we don't, we're all out."

I did not expect a lesson in semantics at 10 at night in the grocery store!

Comments

[rustydog.livejournal.com]

Aw, I bet you could once you got used to it. L) When it's my class, it's a structured situation that I'm in control of, so it's not too bad, but even now that I've been at it for a few years, there's still a single moment of panic before I get started every day. Keeps me on my toes, I guess. I didn't go the education track in undergrad, though, because I figured I could never do it!

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

I guess, in a way, it's like giving tours, with the structure and the idea of what you're going to say and all.

[rustydog.livejournal.com]

Yes, actually! I mean, some teachers wing it a lot, but I prepare for every minute of every class, at least until I'm comfortable with the material and the students. Once you're in the situation you can be flexible and respond to different things, but it feels better if you go into it as the expert, like when you're showing people around a place you know really well. See, you're sometimes a teacher already! (Not to mention the gajillions of ways you're a teacher to your children.)

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

I love giving tours (well, as long as they speak English and there are no screaming two year olds in tow- those tours are impossible) but put me actually IN FRONT of people and I freeze.

Kids, yeah... but then I can play the 'because I said so' card. It doesn't work, but it's usable anyway

[aeron-lanart.livejournal.com]

I have no problem with that - I just stand up, open my mouth and words fall out. If I *think* about it then I freeze.

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

oh yes- there is no better way than to completely freeze up and lose track of what you are saying than to *think* about what it was that you are saying