For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 11, 2010

The original version of this strip, which had slightly different dialogue, was published a few days before the “non-linear thinker” visit to Mike’s teacher, so I always wondered if this lady was supposed to be Mike’s teacher…and why Elly didn’t recognize her. Now that the strips have been reprinted in a new order, it’s made clear that this isn’t Miss Campbell.

If this was one of the storylines Lynn Johnston wanted to clear up by this new-run experiment, she has succeeded.

Oh my. Brings back my early days of teaching. The only thing more exhausting than a classroom of first graders is a classroom of kindergartners. They’re usually funny and sweet and inspiring, but oh so exhausting!

Amen!

Fish Stix, judging by the previous panels and the way she’s holding her other hand in panel 3, I’d say it’s actually a dripping, colorless lollipop.

I agree, Burgundy2. This one isn’t quite as open for debate. To me, they’re saying that mothers and teachers both work hard and are tired.

Now that I’m at home, I go right after the kids go to school. It is so quiet and peaceful, and I’m getting to know the store employees – it’s great!

I’d say it’s a lollipop…..either that or Lizzy is smoking in the first panel.

Yup it’s a lollipop and it’s now on Elly’s sleeve.

Looks like Lizzie has the lollipop(of which she SHOULDNT have!) stuck on El’s hip…

It’s a pacifier. I always liked this strip - and my daughter is exactly the same age as April (who, as of these retro strips, hasn’t been born yet.

I agree with Burgundy2.

Another possible reason for changing the words: “Worse” means that being a mother and being a teacher are “bad”, just one more so than the other. The revised version keeps the exhaustion, but doesn’t say that either is a bad thing.

Also, American readers may notice a Canadianism: You say “first grade”, we say “Grade 1”. :-)

It’s not a pacifier, and it’s stuck on Elly’s sleeve.

Anyone else want to chime in on their take of it?

Always liked my Grade A teachers best.

just when you think you got it bad…

LornaP said, about 3 hours ago

Also, American readers may notice a Canadianism: You say “first grade”, we say “Grade 1”. :-)

I changed it mentally, didnt notice it until you brought it up.

Burgundy2 said, about 5 hours ago

I like the change in dialogue from the original. It prevents any debate about which is more exhausting - being a mother or being teacher.

It might, or it might not.

My fiance is going to be a teacher. That’ll be fun.

Elly wanted to play the poor, put upon, martyr, but the teacher trumped her. HAHAHA!

The debates are pointless.

Howtheduck, it looks like Adamsfamily is trying to take your place. It was one thing when you compared the current with the old, and linked us to certain original strips, but now we have FBOFW historians trying to prove… what exactly?

Yet nobody can have their own nonconformist opinion here without being ganged up on and verbally abused.

Fish Stix no she is eating a sucker.

mrsluke….Every time you complain about being abused, you take the time to poke someone else. Today its AdamsFamily. Kick back and enjoy the strip. It’s called the FUNNIES.

“Yet nobody can have their own nonconformist opinion here without being ganged up on and verbally abused.”

Usually by you.

And there you are as usual with your caustic “rays of sunshine” lindz.coop! Like a relentless rabid dog, you and your buddy above you. It’s funny that you like to say those things about me, because you disagree with my opinion ABOUT THIS STRIP, and you feel totally justified every time you do it, but today you’ll get it back, for the first time. I don’t talk TO YOU, or attack YOU, but you never fail to start with other people, so keep your hate to yourself. Hypocrite! I don’t care what you have to say, I don’t even read your comments, but apparently you just can’t stay away from mine.

Howtheduck, I was just noticing the increasing number of FBOFW “historians”, and kidding with you about the recent competition. Nothing more, nothing less. I always enjoy and appreciate your input on the strip.

Some other people just always have to purposely misconstrue and mischaracterize whatever I say, because they never have anything of their own to say that’s worth reading.

Seems like there was a little name-calling there – isn’t that what you say you hate? And, you forget I defended you regarding the deleted animation in Calvin. I don’t think anything I’ve ever said to you is hateful, but I think both of these tirades are. And, by the way I have NEVER flagged you – I can’t be bothered.