Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Deep Space Anomalies

This week I feel almost as if I have fulfilled a childhood dream of being launched into space, but unfortunately something has gone very, very wrong. Instead of soaring through the stars, I seem to have been propelled into a losing battle with a black hole. School started back, and, despite rumors to the contrary, teachers are just as reticent as students to return. It has been particularly stressful this year since our system is going through a number of substantial changes. Lots of rethinking and replanning, not to mention lots of paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. This week has been crazy busy, and the 175 little darlings that have wandered in and out of my room have merged into a blur of t-shirts with questionable slogans and names like Kaitlin, Katlyn, Katelynn, Catelyn, Caitlin, and . . . well you get the idea. I have spent so many hours at work that I am now making less than minimum wage--an encouraging use of my master's degree! I moved way past exhausted somewhere around 9 am on Monday. I have discovered muscles that I didn't know I had and ways to make them hurt that I didn't think were possible. Who knew that glaring over the top of your glasses could make muscles in your neck seize up? So I find myself tired, in physical and emotional pain, and adrift amidst the darkness of a deep space anomaly. What could be worse? I could have the realization that it's only Wednesday!

5 comments:

the dogs' mother said...

Our district had its bid fair for para-eds today. I live in the no-woman's land between para-eds and teachers so I don't have to participate but one of my friends does. This year, she reported, they segregated the principals and the paras with a guard on the door so they could not mingle and communicate.Not sure who was being protected from whom...

Joy said...

Oh my! Been there! I'm so sorry. Time for brainstorming how to get you through this year!

Jacqueline said...

Luckily I am a few weeks away from returning to the trenches. We do have to think of ways to get you through this year. If you're this stressed now, I worry that you won't make it through to Christmas!

Unknown said...

Not to mention 9 months of it ahead of you. I felt that way the last few years of my teaching, but not quite so early on.Where are the motivational speakers when you need them?
You have my sympathies and prayers.

Allen said...

My Mom was a teacher for a public school system. She worked with handicapped kids.

She too was tired a lot. But she all ways told me it was worth it, cause just to see one of her student learn something was exciting.