twenty-two years ago as a charming, big-toothed third grader i placed third in the elementary school spelling bee. i thought i would win a prize, but i did not (unless you count the trophy with a geeky bee on top. i do not.). i made it a goal to eventually win the spelling bee so i could find out what was the prize at the end of the rainbow (also because i loved spelling and knew i'd never win honors for my athletic abilities). i don't know what happened in 4th and 5th grades, maybe spelling bees suddenly became uncool, who knows, but i didn't place at all. however, in middle school i renewed my efforts and came away with 2nd place in 6th grade (prize: $50 savings bond...only 11 more years until i can cash in that baby.), a 3rd place finish in 7th grade ($50...in 2022), and finally, in 8th grade i won, thanks to my friend, wendy, who misspelled "melba" of all words. i finally hit the mother lode: $100...when i turn 43. my trophy collection with geeky bees is unrivaled. well, it no longer exists, but i wish it did, because those things would make GREAT white elephant gifts. anyway, i have always loved spelling bees. it is probably the nerdiest thing about me (besides my intense love for trivial pursuit). i do have to say, though, the nerdiest in my family is b, with his lord of the rings chess set.
every year since my school opened i have begged my principal to have a spelling bee, but it never worked out. finally this december, she made an announcement that fulfilled all my hopes and dreams: we will be having a school spelling bee. i cheered. co-workers mocked. of course, she asked me to help her organize the event. i gladly did. all last week we conducted class and grade spelling bees. and today is the day i've been waiting for my whole life. i, sweetpagene, am the official pronouncer of the scripps national spelling bee for our school. i will have my microphone and pronunciation guide. i will have a team of judges, with whom i will consult when necessary. and finally, i will not be the bundle of nerves on the stage spelling with all my heart and soul as if my life depended on it. this is the pinnacle of my spelling career. wish me luck.
oh, and the spellers too.
3 comments:
i, too, am a lover of spelling bees. i am indeed jealous of your involvement with this program. i just wish i could be there to hear your voice in the microphone saying, "amoeba".
just one more reason to wish my kidlets (sp?) were there. best of luck at the contest. i'm sure you'll do a wonderful job.
oh WOW gina! you're amazing!! and you just rose to the level of stardom in my book.superstardom. my spell check is trying to correct that, but i think, in your honor, it should be one glorious word.
congratulations.
oh, and i'm still waiting for you to stalk me. topher's coming to visit in early april. come then and we can spend the day looking him in the eye.
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