Should that be "foniks?"

I clearly remember my very first class on my very first day in college. English 111.

Not because of the standard-issue T.A. donned in the typical-for-the-time itchy wool sweater, misshapen Birks and something approaching white-man dreads.

Nope. What I remember is his determined gait as he approached the blackboard for the first time. He quickly scribbled "P A S H O N" and turned around, arms spread wide, eagerly anticipating the inspired looks on our sweet young faces.

We weren't inspired so much as confused. "Pa-shawn?" some of us attempted to sound it out under our breath. Our heads collectively cocked to our shoulders when he raised his arms to the heavens and said clear and proud, "PASSION!"

Not sure if it was the crickets that made him look back or what, but he very mildly glanced over his shoulder at the blackboard, turned back to us and said, "Did I spell that wrong? I do that a lot. My parents had me hooked on phonics."

While I did end up learning a lot from this guy, I immediately became anti-phonics. I have since rejected every misspelling trend in our nation -- to the point of a near boycott. If there's any sort of a reasonable option, we will not be choosing Kwik Trip, Kountry Korner or Klassic Motors.

So it was bittersweet for me the other night when Will and I were playing our letter-riddles game and he came out with this gem:

"OK, Mommy. I'm thinking of a word that starts with "K". It's something that becomes a butterfly -- but first it's a chrysalis."

What an amazingly brilliant clue! Will used the word "chrysalis" in a sentence! Oh. No. Katapillar?

Such a proud moment ... and so devastating at the same time.