Break Down

The break down came Wednesday. I felt tears rising and finally I couldn't hold them back. I simply said, "I can't do this today." And amidst astonished stares and concerned hugs, I picked up my purse and water bottle (forgot my lunch pail) and walked out the door. Unfortunately it was too late to get a sub for the morning class, but they had one for the afternoon class.

It was nice to take a break that day and I returned renewed and ready to finish the year, if not with flourish, then at least with a bit of enthusiasm.

What led to this break down? Several things, really. A friend's son critically injured in Iraq, difficulty getting along with an assistant at work, grief over leaving these newfound friends, one student screaming at ear-drum piercing, pain threshholds 88x/class period for two days straight, logistics of moving again, just more changes and a colleague's remark that made me 'Snap out of it!' -- but only after a retreat at home with tears.

Friday, another of the preschool teachers broke down in tears. Now, granted, she has the excuse of hormonal changes during pregnancy as a good excuse, but she, too, is going through a lot of changes.

So it's going around. Only 16 class days left and 26 more actual work days. Then I'm vacationing a bit before movin' on.

Don't forget to hug your mom today.