As much of the US is under attack of some cold/flu type virus, I’ve gone through winter feeling pretty good. I hoped that my teacher immune system was keeping me healthy while the rest of the country was stricken because they didn’t get sneezed on by seven-year-olds about ten times a day like I do.
Wishful thinking on my part as this weekend I came down with something…off and on sore throat, pounding headache, congested head, and worst of all I have no energy. I don’t “do nothing” very well, and that is all I seem to have the energy for.
When all of my non-teacher friends get sick, they call in sick and stay home from work. Oh, how I envy how easy that sounds. Since I can’t call my students and tell them school is canceled because I’m sick, it’s time to decide if a sick day is worth it or not. That’s because if a teacher doesn’t go in, he or she has to call for a substitute. There are some great substitutes out there, but there are also some awful ones. Regardless, when I am out, my sub plans look a lot different than my own plans. If I wake up in the morning sick, I can’t just call in for a sub and go back to bed. Instead, I have to schlep over to school, write sub plans (changing the ones that were already written), make copies, and prepare anything else needed. In addition this all has to be done before the sub shows up about 7:30 in the morning. So really, it’s just easier to suck it up, go in, get through the day, and go home right after the kids leave. Sometimes I might even mention to the kids that I’m sick and they need to do their best job so I don’t get sicker. Sometimes it works, sometimes it backfires. It would surely backfire with this year’s class, so I kept my illness to myself today.
I can’t remember the last time I was out of the classroom due to being sick. Being sick is such an inconvenience.
I worried that Rigby would not handle “doing nothing” very well. However, she must know her mama is not up to par and has taken it easy on me. 
She seems to be ok with the laziness of our day...for now anyways.
Ohhhhh! Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteThe runny nose/sinus infections/cough/sneeze has almost made its way through my classroom without getting me....and since next week is "ski week" I plan to enjoy my week without sharing those germs!
Hope Rigby stays content on her back :)
sore throat is not a lot of fun its just uncomfortable and difficult to swallow.
ReplyDeleteusually, i would take the Nim Jiom Cough Syrup (www.geocities.jp/ninjiom_hong_kong/index_e.htm ) which has a thick consistency formulation. it coats the throat and includes herbs that are particularly good for that application.
i hope it works on you as well.
Ick. I know how you feel since I have it as well. I am taking the approach of just ignoring all of it and going about my life. But, unlike you, I don't have to get up and face a classroom of kids. (Since I retired 4 years ago I have prided myself on not having a cold in all that time. Too much pride as it turns out. I have had 3 colds since August!!!!) My body is failing me.
ReplyDeleteLove Rigby's pose????? Sheila
While, of course, I'm sorry you're sick. The notion that you've gone through WINTER is a bit much. It's like the Santa in flip-flops from a few back. Winter, my arse. You're winter is like a very good summer for me.
ReplyDeleteNext time you write Winter in reference to yourself and doesn't include Minnesota or at the very least Seattle it would be far better to rub it in properly with a Cheshire Cat grin :-D.
@Vince
ReplyDeleteI stand corrected, I should say "I've gone December through part of February feeling pretty good" :)
I will have you know that yesterday I had to wear a sweater and today it is raining.
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling under the weather. I hope you feel better soon--my son seems to have a bug.
ReplyDeleteUse anything, anytime from my site...don't worry about asking. Thanks for being thoughtful though!
My husband got sick on V-day and gave it to me!
ReplyDeleteOh no Pumpkin! I hope you feel better soon! I can't imagine going to school and doing all that work before 7:30 when you are feeling awful.
ReplyDelete@Life With Kaishon
ReplyDeleteI am feeling better thank you. It has been a full blown flu like whatever is going around. Yes, doing anything before 7:30 is awful, but doing it sick is even worse!