On Being a Rock Star

Several years ago, while talking about the latest edition of American Idol, my friend asked this rhetorical question: "Everyone dreams of being a rock star, right?"

"Not me," I thought.  Having to hold a microphone in the middle of a spotlighted stage gives me anxiety. I've never dreamed of being a rock star or even famous in any way.

And then I became a rock star.  Except there is no microphone, stage or spotlight.  And my adoring fans are five-year-olds.  But still.

I've taught kindergarten quite a bit this year.  It's easily one of my favorite places to sub.  Magical, really.  Because I'm a substitute, the kids see me seldom enough for me to remain a novelty, but often enough to know me fairly well.  If I'm at the school on a different assignment, passing me in the hall is like a celebrity sighting.  They're gasping at the sight of me and breaking their arms to wave.  Sometimes I hear excited whispers, "There's Mrs. Hatch!"

Last week, while teaching 2nd grade, I had recess duty.  I spent most of the time greeting my young fans who came running upon seeing me.  They're little enough to fit three of them into one giant hug.

See what I mean?  A rock star.  And I've decided I love it.  Who doesn't love that kind of attention?  My status lessens the older the students get, which is why the youngest of them are my people.

I recall Jon's work Christmas party many years ago--back in the WaMu days--when after introducing me to his boss, the man said, "Jon is one of our rock star developers."  "I am married to a rock star," I thought.  How cool is that?

(Oh and if the software developer stuff doesn't work out, I'm quite sure he could make a living as the voice of Heinz Doofenschmirtz.  I mean seriously, he sounds just like him! Have him do it for you sometime.)

Even Doofenschmirtz dreams of being a rock star.

We all want to be loved and accepted, right?  Adoring fans make anyone feel good, even if they are only 5 year-olds.  So the conclusion I have come to is this: Yes, everyone does dream of being a rock star.  Maybe just not in the literal sense.