Sagerat Scribbles

• Dec. 6, 2005 - A Lot is Two Words

Not all of my public school experiences were bad. I had a couple of teachers that took an interest in my education. They loved what they did. This post is dedicated to one of those teachers, Mr. Gedrose.

I had Mr. Gedrose for English in High School. He was a typical teacher in many ways, giving us vocabulary quizzes every week, writing assignments, and of course reading assignments. I’m sure I learned quite a bit from him, but to be honest I don’t remember much of it. Rather, I just don’t remember if he was the one who taught it or someone else.

What I do remember learning from him was about two little words. A lot. Over and over and over again, Mr. Gedrose would drill it into us, “A lot is two words! Not one!” This must have been one of his pet peeves, and he made it his life mission to correct all the students he came in contact with.

Mr. Gedrose was fun, and he liked a good joke. One day he gave us an extra credit assignment. These assignments were for those students not doing so well and wanted a chance to bring their grade up. I was good in English, It was my favorite subject, but the assignment sounded fun and right away I knew what I wanted to write. It could be on anything we wanted but it had to have everyone in the classes name in it.

I wrote my paper about a ship named, “The Essay,” and the captain was Mr. Gedrose. The Essay sailed around in a bowl of alphabet soup. To fit in all the students from my class I had to name a lot of ships positions, and I made some up. Captain Gedrose had a right hand man and a left hand man.

The climax came when one day another ship showed up sailing in the soup. This ship was named, “Alot of Junk.” Not terribly creative considering the rest of my story but I couldn’t think of anything better. Captain Gedrose roared out to the other captain, “A lot is two words!” He then had The Essay fire its cannons on the offending ship.

Mr. Gedrose really liked my paper and I had to read it out loud to the class. I got an A for it. It has stuck with me all these years, a lot is two words. Whenever I see it in print as one word, I remember Mr. Gedrose, and I remember my paper on The Essay. It has caused me to want to help carry out his mission. Please help pass the words!

• Dec. 6, 2005 - Mr. Gedrose would be proud!

Posted by tn3jcarter

Now I will be more careful to make sure that I type a lot as two words. I vaguely remember someone through the years telling me that it was acceptable either way. Ugh. Now to think of all the times I've probably driven people nuts with it. One of my education teachers in college had her own pet peeve - "Done & Finished" Students finish their assignments, meat is done in the oven.

Amazing how the little things stick with us, isn't it?

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• Dec. 6, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by drewsfamilytx

Mrs. Overman said the SAME thing! Another peeve of hers was that it is libRary, not libary! Also, irregardless is NOT a word. It is regardless.

She really did care for her students.

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• Dec. 6, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaduso

Thanks, I have used it both ways. I seem to know that it is two words but often type it as one. Thanks for the reminder.
Susan

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• Dec. 7, 2005 - Wow!

Posted by Confessor

That must've really bugged these teachers alot!

I'm sorry, it was obvious, but it had to be done.

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• Dec. 7, 2005 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaduso

Oh yes, bumps galore! I'm sure i'm going to have to plan a trip to the desert to see/meet you. And if you ever get to Eugene or anywhere close, call me so we can meet up!
Susan

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• Dec. 7, 2005 - I really liked that story "A LOT."

Posted by ByHisGraceInColorado

Good for Mr. Gedrose! I think your ship story was awesome!!! And I just wanted to say "thank you" for the funny comment and for making me so happy to be back~ it is nice to be missed! And I only shot the antelope with my camera, so I am pretty sure I haven't violated any of APE-O's regulations. LOL!!

Blessings to you,
(a whole LOT of them)

Nancy

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The politically incorrect ramblings of a sage rat den mother. As well as thoughts on adoption, special needs children, and My Lord and Savior.

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