Conversation at Palo Alto Sol restaurant

GLORIA: So, Owen, what are you doing at recess?

OWEN (4th grader): We talk. We play games. We ran some laps today—the teacher said we could walk one lap, then run two more. I walked one, then ran 6 more. "Good pace, keep it up," he said.

THANE: Hmmm—what do I remember doing in 4th grade recess? I know I had a lot of recesses, so you'd think I remember something. OK—in the winter, after a snowplower might have made the mistake of piling up all the snow in one place on the playground, I remember epic games of King of the Hill. You'd run to the top of the hill, and try to push away kids who challenged you. You had to watch your back in that game! Even if you got knocked off the hill, everyone had on a heavy coat, so it didn't hurt. Yes—very fun.

GLORIA: I don't remember that [Gloria went to school in El Paso].

THANE: Also, races. The PE teacher posted our times—who was fastest at the 40yd dash, who could run the long course around the playground the fastest, things like that. I was never quite the fastest in anything but I followed that stuff closely. I remember at the beginning of 4th grade, a new kid came to town named Mark Harrison. He was wicked fast, and took his place at the top of the 40yd dash chart. We all had to move over for him. Everyone moved down a notch. Also—I remember some girls being almost as fast as the boys. Lynn Rosenlof, for example. She could zip right along.

GLORIA: I was one of those girls. They don't allow competitive stuff like that anymore in grade school. Owen—did you know that at Duveneck, they don't allow kids to play games that have winners and losers?

OWEN: What? How could you play kickball, with no winners or losers? Why?

GLORIA: People think that their kids shouldn't have to lose—that it makes them feel bad.

THANE: Which it does. What's the point of losing if you don't feel bad?

OWEN: Not fun—I'm glad we don't have that rule at Hays. Why no losing?

GLORIA: The parents, they don't want it. Or maybe it's the principal of the school. (Now assuming a teaching tone): But, you know, Owen, I think a person can learn something from losing.

THANE: Right—you learn that you're a loser.

OWEN: Ha, HA-HA! HA! heh HA! ha-haha-ha-ha!!!

GLORIA: Thane!! Owen, don't let your refried beans come out your nose.

OWEN: Ha-hahaha-! You learn you're a loser! Ha!

THANE: Just a little joke—sorry...

The Busycle

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Originally uploaded by christophercotton