Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The New Nation...A New Kale

Not only did we get a new prezzy last night, we got a new Kale today. Its fitting that on the first day of what will prove to be a very historic transition in our country, I experienced a dramatic turn of events as well.

Well I must say, having my 12 inches of hair cut off in front of about 50 eskimo people certainly ranks up there as possibly the most bizarre thing I've ever done. Yes skinny dipping in crocodile infested waters in Australia was dangerous, yes eating guinea pig in Peru was zany, yes playing in an all native country western band was fun, but becoming a public spectacle all in the name of student learning and progress was by far the oddest thing I've ever done.

3 months ago when I agreed to this deal I didn't really think it would happen. But in one quarter 9 students rose to the challenge and got a semester's worth of work done. Instead of waiting till right before Christmas I had to push judgement day forward by a lot.

So as we all gathered round in the gym to celebrate all of the student achievement so far, I became a public spectacle.

Eunice cut off my pony tail, Harvey got the first pass of the clippers, Corretta and Jason and so on and so fort until my whole head was buzzed down to 3/4 of an inch. Even the littlest of little munchkins got in on the barber fun. Whoa nelly. My head feels like 4 lbs lighter.

Its been 2 years since the last time I had short hair. In all honesty it looks okaaay. I'm gonna keep the beard but it needs a trim too.

It always reminds me when I do this how much hair can define someone. I mean its not supposed to but it does. Have you ever talked to someone with huge dreadlocks? At some point you always ask, "how long have you been growing your dreadies" or have you ever seen someone with a mohawk and thought "someone needs attention..." I mean its just this stuff that grows out of us but it has the power to change how people think about you.

My long hair isn't me, its just dead cells, and I cut em off, and I feel fine about it.

So after a hot shower and a clean up job, here I am, the new kale. I don't think its too bad, I actually kind of like it. I definitely feel like I look younger which is kind of nice since I'm about to get a year older.


In all reality I feel incredibly narcissistic even talking about myself in the shadow of the monumental national news taking place. Its been so crazy watching the blogosphere react to the news. Its very intriguing watching my internet comrades comment on the topic.

As for me, I didn't vote, couldn't due to a weather/postal snaffu with my ballot request form, and since I didn't have a say (Didn't want to vote for either all that badly...still waiting for a non christian candidate...someday), I didn't really watch the election, instead I went to the school and played 3 games of Prison Rules pick up basketball with some hard core eskimo ballers. I had to run back to my house since I had forgotten my shoes and as I popped my head in I heard CNN declare Obama the weeeener. I shrugged my shoulders, smiled a small smile (secretly a little relieved that whether it is going to be a bad change or a good one at least it will be something new) and grabbed my shoes and trotted back out the door and back to school.

As I was putting my shoes on I said, "so Obama is gonna be the next president, they just announced it on CNN," to everybody. Maybe this will surprise you, maybe it won't, but no one really gave a shat. It was surreal, people barely reacted or stopped dribbling and shooting around. There were a couple of "oh yeahs" and "really's" but over all it wasn't really that effectual on anybody. I didn't want to be the odd duck and keep talking about it, so I just joined in.

Then we held our own elections, for teams though, first 5 to make a free throw were one team one if you didn't make a shot your were on the other team. Kind of a survival of the fittest ballot. Make the shot get on the predator team, miss it, become the prey.

I of course didn't make a free throw. I was on the team that didn't make the shots. We then lost 3 games to 21 (by ones) in a row. I sucked big time as usual but it was still fun. Man, I have no game at all (and I'm so friggin sore today). Luckily the fate of the free world doesn't rest on my jump shot.

More Luckily I'm just a little fury teacher guy in the middle of nowhere and thats just fine with me.

10 comments:

Susan Iverson said...

I love seeing your eyes again! But you are right, neither your hair nor your beard (or lack thereof in your brother's case)defines who you are. I think your foray into the Alaska wilderness has helped you realize who you are no matter what. I miss you and can't wait until you get home!

Hal Iverson said...

First off...Mom, you are doing a great job cutting down my self confidence and exposing my insecurities about not being able to grow facial hair. Great job. It must make you feel much better about yourself.
Second, Kale, you look great! I really like the look on you...and your right, it does make you look considerably younger. how odd. I often think about how long I will keep my hair...you never know, it could be gone tomorrow, next month, or next year...or never! Love you bro, miss you mucho!

Erin said...

Very nice! I heard through the grapevine that you are quite the basketball player. According to her "it doesn't matter if you're a boy or girl..he just comes right for you!"

It made me laugh and broke the monotony of jury duty a bit.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I didn't even read anything I just scrolled down to see the pictures. I love it! The great thing, its hair and it grows!!!! :OP

Now I need to go back and read!!!!
Loves-
Jen

alisha said...

It looks great Kale!

Brett Ortgiesen said...

Of course your hair does not define you...unless you are Sampson.

Lookin Fresh and full of beans again, or peanut curry.

Jessie Anne said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charisse said...

omg! craziness! it looks really good, kale! i bet the kids had a ton of fun doing that!

writer said...

Nice. Can't wait to see it in person soon... And Hal, don't worry about the facial hair, you will always make a prettier statue of liberty than him.

Kayleen said...

YOU CUT YOUR HAIR!


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