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Today I thought I'd share about the time I got seven F's on my report card.

First of all, I need to tell you that I went to catholic school for eight years.

Well, actually...it was more like seven and a half years, because my parents wisely transferred me into public school during my eighth year in fear that I would fail and be left behind. And within the first few months after attending public school, my grades improved dramatically.

I was finally in a place that not only offered a scholastic education, but also nurtured the side of my brain that was connected to creativity.

I know there are many people who went to catholic school and LOVED it. And for those people I think it's wonderful, but let me just say this as gently as I possibly can.....

"I FRIGGIN' HATED IT!!!!!!"

I felt like I was attending a boot camp for parrots; being taught everything by rote.

Catholic school teaching is all about about conforming, doing exactly as you are told, never thinking outside the box, and NEVER questioning the authority.

(I don't think so....I'm a Libra)

You're taught how to dress, how to walk, how to sit, how to stand, and even how to control your bladder, so you can pee ONLY when the authorities allow you to do so, at 2:15, right after your chocolate milk break.

I don't like being told how to think or how to do something in a specific way. I much prefer being given information and then being allowed to process that information in a way that works for me.

I like to think for myself, and I honestly don't mind making mistakes, but I want them to be MY mistakes; not mistakes because someone is standing over my shoulder telling me what to do and how to execute it.

Catholic school and I were like oil and water.

I couldn't learn the way I was being taught, therefore, I failed most of my classes. I honestly don't know how I got to the eighth grade - I barely got by on D's.

I remember my last year in catholic school; coming home with a report card that had seven red F's. And considering I only had eight classes, that meant I only passed one.

Art.

When I got home from school and showed my mother, she said, "Oh...just wait until you father gets home and see this Ronnie!"

I was shaking like a leaf waiting for him to walk through the door that night.

And the minute my father got home, my mother handed him my report card and said, "So...what do you think about THIS Frank?"

My father took the report card in his hand and looked over it a few minutes, and then said to my mother, "Yea...so what?"

"What do you mean...SO WHAT?"

"So what?...he got seven fairs and one B...that's not too bad."

"Those are not FAIRS Frank...those are F's...as in FAILED."

*blink* *blink*

..."You're kidding me?"...








Have a Faaabulous weekend everyone!
X

34 comments:

  1. Ha, loved your dad's outlook on it.

    I can not imagine having to go to Catholic school for any length of time. Same reasons I never went into the military.

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  2. Hello stranger!!! I'm soooo sorry I haven't been by all week. I read the other 2 posts and thought about some comments but then just wandered off I guess. It's hard for me to sit at the computer lately for any amount of time, I've got something going on in my neck or back and have been having tests.....
    won't bore you with all that.
    Right now, I'll try to catch up and get all my comments in!

    The Frank story reminded me of entertainers my parents liked.... Peggy Lee for Dad and Liberace for Mom and they both adored the Big Band music. I'm sure they liked Frank, just don't remember right now anything specific.
    Sex and the City I never got into. Those who watch it are really really into it!! (Probably how me and hubs are about LOST!)
    A girlfriend of mine went to see the movie when it first came out... stood in reeeaaallly long line for a ticket. Loved it. A blogger friend also just adored the movie. I haven't seen it yet. It's been playing on one of my directv stations but so far I haven't tuned in. Sometimes I look at SJP and think she's really pretty and then other times I don't see that. Strange.

    Anyhoo.....

    Thank goodness my Mom, who was a practicing Catholic for most of her life, did NOT send my sister and I to her school. We had a public and a Catholic school in town and luckily for me she chose public. Religion was always private with her and she didn't feel it would be right to try and put us on a certain path, that we should find our own way. I love that about her. She's been gone quite awhile now, but when she was dying, I got a book on Catholicism to see what she needed... you know, prayers, annointing, last rites, etc. As if the priest wouldn't know! LOL She had full Catholic mass and burial and afterwards my Dad even became a Catholic just to maybe honor that part of her. But she knew I wasn't into it. Infact, she told my sister that she would have to be the one to do the cemetary visits with flowers and grave blankets at the holidays. LOL I rarely go anymore. I visit them in my mind and heart with memories and pictures I guess.

    I have heard about Catholic school from a friend of mine who went and she also disliked it very much. Her grades were excellent but she was also one to question things. She was only put and kept in that school because her Mom was raised that way. But after awhile, her Mom did realize she was one to think for herself and probably would not stay with the church after graduation. And of course she did not.

    I'm glad you found your creativity through your art and have questioned things and like to think outside the box. For those that feel they need the structure of that type of teaching and if they believe those things to be true and it makes them a better person because of it, so be it. Good for them. I just don't find any of it helpful for myself.

    Oooh....
    maybe you heard, but if not I'm posting part of an article from the beginning of April from the Courier over here in Jersey:

    'The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued guidelines calling Reiki therapy 'unscientific and inappropriate for Catholic institutions.'
    'As a result of the ruling, atleast two Catholic medical centers in South Jersey - Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood and Lourdes Cancer Center in Westampton - will stop offering Reiki to patients...'
    .....
    'Announced March 26, the new guidelines used strong language to denounce Reiki, stating: "Superstition corrupts one's worship of God by turning one's religious feeling and practice in the false direction. While sometimes people fall into superstition through ignorance, it is the responsibility of all who teach in the name of the Chruch to eliminate such ignorance as much as possible."

    WOW... what do you think about THAT???

    Have a wonderful weekend. I've got lunch with a friend today, then another doctors appt., then dinner at a friends house tonight with hubby, my grandson's birthday party tomorrow to celebrate his
    2nd birthday (can you believe he is TWO already?!?) and whatever else I've forgotten.
    OMG, where's the ADVIL!!! LOL

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  3. Maybe Frank had a vision of you. Seven Fs from Catholic school means seven FANTASTICS in real life! Great post. I sometimes wonder how women who have dedicated their entire lives to God can miss the point so badly...

    EFH

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  4. *giggle* I love your Dad's optimistic outlook! He sounds like he would have been a blast to hang out with.

    I hope your weekend is filled with laughter and love.

    xoxo
    ~vk~

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  5. Howdy Mr. Jeff!

    My mother and I sometimes talk about this and still laugh!

    I mean, for some reason...he actually thought with all the plethora of F's...my school had changed the grading system and were giving out a "new thing" called FAIR!

    I remember my mother at the time, laughing at his reaction in total disbelief!?!?!

    Funny man he was!

    Thanks for stopping by, bud!

    Have an awesome weekend!

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  6. What a shame your Mum enlightened your Dad on the F's! LOL

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  7. Helloooo Crystal Chick!

    Great to see ya, neighbor!

    No worries...I totally understand.

    Sorry to hear about your back and neck. Maybe it has something to do with your Reiki attunements. Someimes after attunements, the body goes through a period of adjustment, as the energy clears blockages. But it's always a postitive thing. I had more of an emotional adjustment, than physical.

    Ahhhhh...Liberace!!! Loved him too! Mother was a HUGE fan of his. I met him while performing in Las Vegas and he was the SWEETEST man. He invited my cast into his dressing room for drinks after his show. I sat and talked to him for about 20 minutes, while he showed me all the RINGS on his fingers. He explained what each ring meant to him and when he got it.

    Sex and the City was a show that either clicked for someone or didn't, so I can totally understand it not being something that everyone got into. I never watched the show that much, but REALLY enjoyed the movie!! SJP has one of those looks that you either go, "YES!"...or...."NO!" She's different looking, so that's why I think I'm attracted to her.

    Catholic school definitely works for some people, however, for me it was dreadful. It's not the religious part that bothered me, but rather the way in which they taught. In fact, I still enjoy going into a catholic church and just sitting for a while and mediating. I'm not religious in anyway, but can find God in every spiritual belief.

    That's strange to hear about the article you mentioned on Reiki and the Catholic church, because the HIV spiritual center that I volunteer at, is run by catholic nun's and they TOTALLY welcome Reiki for their clients. Reiki has always been an issue concerning spiritual beliefs, which is odd, because it adapts itself to ALL beliefs. I've given up on trying to convince or debate how it works...it just does. And you are either open to it or not. It's not for everyone, so I don't push it.

    OMG...Alex is TWO??? WOW...how the time has flown!! I bet you'll have some great photos on you blog!

    Have a wonderful weekend, M!

    And thanks so much for stopping by today. Always feel relaxed to drop by and comment whenever you feel like it. I enjoy anytime you get here!!

    Sending you Reiki {{{{{{{{{M}}}}}}}}

    X

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  8. Howdy Expat!

    awwww...what a nice man you are!

    Thank you, sir!

    But that's FUNNY to, because I think he was so SHOCKED at the seven F's...he actually thought that it was perhaps a GOOD thing. My father was always optimistic, so it fits!

    Thanks for stopping by, bud!

    Hope you have a great day and an awesome weekend!

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  9. Good aftenoon Vixen Kitten!

    You said it...

    he was a TOTAL optimist!

    And I think you would have enjoyed hanging out with him. He was quite the Italian charmer!!!

    Always great seeing ya, sweet lady!

    Wishing you and Pea a great weekend!

    X

    P.S. how's the POM doing??
    Tee hee!

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  10. Afternoon Akelamalu!

    Yes...

    ...and that was one enlightenment I think he would have much rather stayed in the dark!!!

    hahahahahaahha!

    Thanks for dropping by, ma' dear!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    X

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  11. I just realized you went "green" on your layout. Yeah, I'm really observant that way.

    Anyhoodle, looks great!

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  12. what a fabulous post, ron...i am a catholic school girl too and i hated it worse than lima beans...the being like everyone else, which i most definitely wasn't, was the worst, just like you mention....

    have a great weekend, dear ronnie
    xoxoxo

    i always miss you...

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  13. I love your dad!
    what a riot!

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  14. Fair. I LOVE it! I got one fair in my life and that was in chemistry. I came close in phys ed but I think I only got a Dandy in that class.

    My mother, too, attended Catholic school. St. Anne's. She has about the same affection for it as you. I'm surprised she was never struck by lightning for the names she called the nuns.

    Have a great weekend!

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  15. Howdy again Jeff!

    Thank you!

    OMG...this blog is turning into the horse of many colors from the movie "The Wizard of Oz"!!!

    I keep finding these really cool backgrounds online, so when I see one that I really like, I use my "practice blog" to create a whole new layout and then I transfer it over to here.

    God knows what the hell else I'm going to come up with in the next few months!?!?

    Thanks for stopping back, bud!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  16. Hellooooo Dearest Linda!

    OMG...another CATHOLIC SCHOOL person!!!

    Listen, I know that YOU (being an artist) totally understand what I'm talking about here.

    This is the truth.....

    My mother had a cousin and an aunt who were catholic nun's who taught in a catholic school. And when it came time for my younger brother to go to school, even THEY told her DO NOT send him to catholic school, because he would be exposed to much more variety by going to public school.

    Thanks for stopping by, Linda!

    Have a FAAAAAAAABULOUS weekend!

    xoxoxxo

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  17. Hiya Lady Sorrow!

    My dad was a PISSER!

    I just know that you would have enjoyed him.

    He was like me...a little DEVIL.

    GREAT seeing ya, dear lady!

    Have a spectacular weekend!

    X ya!

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  18. Hellooooo Chrissy!

    Dandy....OMG that's a riot!

    The only reason why I never got an F in Phys ed, is because the high school I went to had a swimming pool, so I opted to take swimming every year (which I loved), but the other stuff...I KNOW I would have failed.

    I actually know TWO nun's here in Philly, who say TERRIBLE things about catholic school education, and they haven't been struck my lightening yet!

    HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    Thanks for dropping by Chrissy!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  19. I am soooo sorry. LOL But--had you not failed, where would you be today?!

    There.
    LOL

    Just lookin' on the bright side of life! ;-)

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  20. Evening Mel!

    YOU SAID IT!!!

    Had I NOT failed...where would I be today???

    EXACTLY.

    So thank you catholic school!

    But I still hate you!

    bwhahahahahahahaha!

    Thanks for stopping by and mentioning the "bright side" dear lady!

    Love ya!
    X

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  21. Hey Ron - Fortunately, my sister and I were not Catholic School victims (although she unwillingly teaches in one, waiting in the queue for public school openings). The nuns have slashed the budgets to the bone. Her art classes are relegated to a cafeteria!

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  22. Hey MVD!

    oooooh...you were spared!

    Thank God!

    I bet your sister is waiting with bated breath for something to open up in public school!

    The cafeteria????

    Well...at least her students can be first for lunch!

    Tee, hee!

    Great seeing ya, bud!

    Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

    Sincerely,
    Sister Sledge

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  23. Catholic school sounds like a childhood nightmare. I didn't know it was really that strict. No wonder my best friend is so messed up! Glad you made it out of there.

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  24. Hi Tina!

    Yea...it's sorta like the movie Nightmare on Elm Street!

    (only with nun's!)

    bwhahahhahaahahaha!

    Thanks for dropping by Tina!

    Hope your enjoying your weekend!

    X

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  25. haha maybe you should have showed the report card to only your dad?

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  26. Welcome Intelligence!

    BRAVO!!!

    Damn...why the hell didn't "I" think of that?!?!?!?!

    This way I could have had him sign it and no one would have been the wiser!

    hahaahahaha!

    Thanks for stopping by and sharing a comment!

    Nice to meet you!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  27. Hello Ron,

    I too am a product of a catholic education 9 years elementary and 4 years in high school. Then I wanted to continue into the seminary. I did not go towards the LIGHT and went to a state college. This is where I came into my own person. I too thought that I would go to hell and never see God or any of his holy gang if I ate meat on Friday, touch my self in that most disgusting way. But something happened to me and it felt great SEX.
    I still love the cermonies of the Church but I feel the need for orgainized religion (any) is not needed to attatin that inner peace that is God. We are all divine in our own way and when we serve this universe with love then we are doing what will cause comfort to others and in return we will get more love. And love is all we want.
    I believe that, Because you belong to the country club does not make you a better player.
    Have to run now Sister Monica is letting go to the boys room to Pee.

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  28. HowdyMr. Dave!

    Thank you for your comment, buddy!

    It is both HYSTERICAL and ENLIGHTENING!

    WOW... so you went to catholic school for 13 years!?!

    I agree, Dave...there are still things about the some of the ceremonies within the catholic church services (benediction with frankencense) that I LOVE!!! But as you said...I don't think it's needed to know God.

    The positive thing about catholic school, is that it seems to guide many of us towards "finding our TRUE-selves" doesn't it???

    As alwasys, my friend...I thank your for stopping by and for sharing your WIT and LIGHT!

    Enjoy your Sunday!

    P.S. and listen...I'll meet you behind the school after recess for a cigarette break, ok?

    bwhahahahahaahahaha!

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  29. Hi Ron,

    Bless your Dad !
    I'm a pure product from the public school system, so I cannot relate to anything in your life experience there.
    But, I think that your parents did the right thing buy putting you in public school. When it ain't workin' then it ain't...

    I'm sure that you just bloomed after that and your creative talents were encouraged.

    It's always a pleasure to catch you online.
    Have a great Monday, my friend.
    xxx

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  30. Bonjour Barbara!

    Bless BOTH my parents for having the wisdom to place me in public school.

    YAHOOOOOO!

    I've always been the type of person who blossoms when surrounded in diversity. And the thing that really opened me up to learning within public school, was having a hearty art and theater department. Once I tapped into those things, it seemed that my mind opened to ALL learning.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by today, my Philly friend!

    I hope you enjoyed the new book you started! Can't wait to hear about it!

    Say hello to Didier for me!

    X to you both!

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  31. How funny... I always pictured Catholic school as a place where nuns cracked rulers on your wrists and stuck you in the corner with a dunce cap... hehe!!
    I went to Hebrew school in 7th grade b/c my mom didn't want me to go to the public school in our area- I received a STELLAR academic education there - I tested above my grade level and got to take cool classes like Ancient Civ., Hebrew and drama... I loved the small school atmosphere- We only had about 80 or so students in the entire school and our class was the biggest 22 kids! We got to do shabbat in the temple that was connected to the shcool... I liked the singing in Hebrew...
    Then, I went to public school the next year and all changed- they put me in dumb bell math and I never did well in math after that... I made lots of friends, though and through Facebook and Classmates, I'm still in contact with a lot of those people today!!
    That's all for now!!! See ya!
    Happy Sunday to you!

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  32. Bonjour Leesa!

    Yes...that's EXACTLY what some of the nun's did!!

    CRACK!?*!

    Oy vey...they were BIG ruler crackers, believe me!

    My brother was like you, except in reverse..

    ...he started in public shool and then my parents placed him in smaller private- type school once we moved to Florida. He loved it too!

    I haven't ever tried to contact any of my high school friends on Facebook - I should search for a few and see if they come up!

    Thanks for stopping by Leesa!

    Hope you had a wonderful weekend and are settling in to being back home. It's nice to come home after being a way for a while, isn't it??

    XOXOX

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  33. Too funny! At least both your parents were willing to admit that public school would be better for you. I never went to Catholic school but had friends that did, OMG! the HORROR stories!

    Full-habited nuns used to freak me out! Thank Gods for Sally Field! She got me over that fear. ;)

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  34. Howdy Nitebyrd!

    aahhhh...the Flying Nun!!!

    LOVED IT!

    I use to wish that I could fly like her. I thought that that was the least God could do for me, having to suffer through catholic school!

    OMG...I could only imagine YOU and I in catholic school together?!?!

    Childern of SATAN!

    bwhahahahahaha!

    Great seeing ya, Sis!

    Hope you had a BLESSED weekend!

    X

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