Tag Archives: health

Wednesday Afternoon Ramblings

I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but I feel like a kid most of the time.  When I’m standing in front of a class full of students, I often think, “What in the world makes me think I’ve got the right to pretend like I’m an expert in anything?”  In social circles, even if I’m not the youngest, I often feel like I’m the least in seniority of anyone there, and when around my peers, I rarely feel as if my maturity level is as well-developed as theirs.

On the plus side, I still have childlike wonder about things that I enjoy. Because I often feel young, I rarely feel old, which I’m certain is a good thing.  Despite the aches and pains in my physical self, my spirit is still vibrant and positive, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

On the down side, I often defer to others because I so often feel as if their maturity and judgment must be better than mine.  Despite having experienced and overcome a lot of obstacles in my life, I still don’t feel as if I’ve earned the right to consider myself wise.  I often wonder if I’ll ever feel like an adult, if there will ever come a day when I look at myself and see a grown man instead of a kid.  Does anyone else feel this way?  If so, please leave a comment and share your experience with this feeling.

Sunday Afternoon Ramblings

After the most grueling semester of my career, I desperately needed the break.  However, because of that crazy illness and then the week with my sons, I ended up only getting a couple of days to relax and rest.  We start back to work tomorrow, and I’m about as far from ready as I can be.  I’ve got until Thursday before I’ll be in class, so maybe I can get a jump on my prep and be somewhat prepared going in.

I’m so ready for a change.  I really can’t see myself doing this for much longer.  The toll is too great and the return is too little.  Yes, I chose this as my career, so I’m as much to blame for my situation as anyone, but I think most teachers would agree with me that we are called to this profession by a deeply rooted need to give back to our communities.  I didn’t expect to spend 13 years doing this.  I thought maybe 5-7, but here I am, exhausted and overwhelmed from the relentless wave of grading poorly written essays by apathetic students who would rather be surfing YouTube than listening to class notes.

I don’t mean to be negative, and I’m sorry for complaining, but I feel so defeated by this job.  I have to get the farm moving forward.  The illness and the weather kept me from making any progress over break, so I have get some momentum back soon.  My health and my sanity need to make this change happen, and the sooner the better.

Monday Morning Ramblings

Slowly but surely I’m on the mend.  All that’s left are some very tender, very painful sores in my mouth.  The pain has been nearly unbearable for the last couple of days, but today, it’s eased off just a little.  I haven’t eaten more than a few bites of solid food in a week, and I’m so hungry I can barely stand myself.  I keep fantasizing about eating a big greasy pizza, even though it’s not good for me.  I have imagined eating the whole thing by myself several times already.  I really, really, really, really need some food in my body.

I get the boys on Wednesday, so I’m hopeful that this will be gone by then.  I’m certain that I’m well beyond the contagious stage, but I want to be able to enjoy my time with them.  I’m going this afternoon to get their Christmas gifts, and before you judge me for waiting until the last minute, please read the previous paragraph and keep in mind that I’ve been fighting this crap for nine days.  The idea of fighting the post-Christmas crowd isn’t very appealing, but maybe I can at least get a few good deals.

That’s all for now.  Wherever you are, please eat a bite of something for me.