Gum?

When I was in the sixth grade I had a gum business. My mom would take me to Sam's and I'd by big packages of bubblelicious gum. I'd get about 12 packs for 7 or 8 dollars. Then I'd take it to school and sell each pack for a dollar. It was quite the profitable business for a 12 year old...until I got my money stolen out of my desk and we were no longer allowed to sell gum at school. Honestly, now that I'm a teacher I'm surprised my teacher let it go on at all.

25 years later gum is still a hot commodity at school. My kids chew gum a lot. I let them. I was a gum chewer - and it doesn't bother me in the least. Every few days it seems as though there's a battle with some kids over gum. Some kid wants a piece and the kid he knows has some is lying about the fact that he does. I've even seen kids ask almost everyone in the class for a piece of gum only to turn up empty handed. I think it's funny. Buy your own gum people. Or, open up a gum business - and then you'll always have gum - and money.

So, today during my 7th block class I was starting to feel a bit hungry and sadly realized that my snack wasn't on my cart (aka - my classroom) and was actually on the lower floor in my office. Not wanting to leave my precious students, I thought, heck, I bet gum will tide me over. So, I took a chance. I asked if there was anyone who had gum. To my total surprise 5 or 6 kids raised their hands and offered me a piece of gum. (They must like me or something - I do really like this particular class). So, I decided to take a poll and see what my choices were. I had some great options - but I settled on mint. And sure enough - all those kids who offered me gum had to dole out gum to the rest of the class. Then I felt bad. Next time I should remember my snack. Or start a gum business so I always have gum and money. Do you think I could get in trouble for that? I bet I could....

P.S. I spelled 'gum' as 'gume' almost every time I typed it. I do the same thing with 'flu'. It always comes out 'flue' the first time.