Security

As I was packing my room, I came across a card game called "Security" that I had received for, I believe, my sixth birthday, maybe? I was (and still am) a ginormous fan of Peanuts. The game basically plays a lot like "Uno" or "Crazy Eights." The Security card is your wild card.

As I got older, the game has been close by and has taken on other meanings. I have done quite a few things involving risk in the last 20 years. I have moved far away from my family. I have taken on jobs, gotten degrees, had children. Now, here's another risk... leaving the level of child I have adored teaching for a younger level in a different school.

There are times when I would rather be Linus... curled up with my stuffed animal of choice and pretending that anything is possible as long as that animal is in my hands. An occasional thumb-sucking isn't so bad, either.

As you open the deck, the other cards convey a certain meaning, too. Snoopy, the penultimate "cool dog," is sitting back and fishing in his food bowl. The ever-frustrated Charile Brown is wearing his baseball manager's uniform and is looking, as always, downtrodden. Schroeder is chillin' on the piano. Lucy, mouth wide-open and hand on chest, is angrily arguing. Sally has her hands over her mouth and is trembling. I think I have been every one of these characters in the past several years.

I prefer Snoopy, who does not allow much to ruffle his fur. Schroeder is my second choice, as he chills to music and tunes out other distractions.

So often, however, I find myself being Lucy. Luckily, I have found only a few moments where Charlie Brown or Sally's expressions fit the situation. More often than not, I see those expressions on others.

Now, my "Security" pack will come with me to my new workplace. We will see which character this new venture brings out in me.