Hooky

Good afternoon, Amanda.

Not that I'm counting, but I didn't have a Monday morning read or a Tuesday morning read...but I have no right to complain, since my Monday entry was a post script to my quick Sunday night post.

I'm feeling a little stressed this week, as it took Monday evening to begin to catch up on weekend prep and nesting--a trip to the supermarket for lunch for the week, etc.--and even then, I didn't have it in me to wash and spin the lettuce or make lunch for today. But lunch prep was really an insignificant part of stress, which was more about the standardized testing schedule that has us all off-kilter, about mid-quarter grades being due Thursday morning and my having 50 uncorrected lab reports in my bag (that is, clearly, my decoy) and having to get everything together--including my chutzpah (sp?)--to meet with the academically eligible NHS candidates later this week. ("No, a job is not an activity." "No, that's not considered an on-going activity." "I appreciate, Mrs. Hovercraft, that it would be quite an honor for Jock, but he didn't meet the minimum academic requirement.")

I knew this was all coming, which is partly why I was a little reluctant/not so thrilled going into my auntie overnight last weekend. I think I knew that after this great time with S and C, with L and M, I'd be coming back to an even busier reality. Oh, and did I mention I really needed to sit down with my calculator and budget to make sure I'm on track for San Diego next month, and my laundry is piling up as is my junk mail and magazines? And W is coming this weekend? I know that in the grand scheme of things, I'm okay (yes, I know, at least I can pay my bills), but it's a lot for me. And it's all on me: I can't pass on grocery tasks or share the laundry or cleaning. No one can correct the lab reports besides me.

So yesterday, although in my head I had previously decided to take Friday off so that I can clean up and get ready for my weekend with W, I looked at my schedule for today and realized it was an easy day to take off...and wouldn't it be nice to not have to cram everything in on Friday? I could do some house stuff and correct a little and feel better after my silent protest of the testing schedule (by playing hooky one of the days). I left plans on my desk but waffled until last night when I remembered that I had a department meeting this afternoon and it would be glorious to miss it....

I bet I don't need to tell you that I emailed in sick after all. I slept in, then after toast and 2 cups of coffee, unloaded my dishwasher, and washed and cut and spun my lettuce dry. I made up 4 salads for the week, with carrots and cuke and celery, red onion, grape tomatoes, craisins and sunflower seeds. I sliced some chicken that is marinating in the same prep as the shrimp I made last week then went upstairs and tackled my shower and tub. I organized laundry so I don't have to wait until Friday (which I will also take off) to do it; I can get a load or two done tonight, and the same tomorrow. (Thursday I'm going out with C, and will probably get my weekend grocery shopping done after that.) Friday I can do my dusting and vacuuming, then luxuriate in a long shower during which time I'll shave my legs, and after which I'll paint my toenails.

I feel pathetic, like sometimes it takes more energy than it should to live my simple, single life. Some times I wonder if it's depression that interferes, and others I remember that I share none of the aforementioned tasks that I must perform around the taxing schedule of a teacher (despite the occasional snow day). Seriously though. It is hard to want to do anything other than sip wine and watch TV after a day in the trenches. (Although, sadly, most of my colleagues teach and raise children...God, I really am pathetic!) I'm not making excuses or looking for them, but I am saying that every once in a while I need to take a break. This week I'm taking two.

That being said, I hope all is well for you. I plan to call in a bit to check in. Should I not catch you, know that I am thinking of you.

Love,
B

PS I didn't tell W I took the day off...