Little Pieces From a Sick(ly) Mind
I thought I was getting over my cold. But this morning about 1 a.m. I was grabbed by an evil headache demon that began squeezing and squeezing and squeezing….and it hurt. No amount of aspirin made it better. I got only sporadic bouts of sleep between 1 and 6 a.m., when I usually get out of bed.
I got up and went to work as usual. A sleepless night all by itself is not enough to whip my butt. Apparently, however, a sleepless night on top of a cold IS enough. I was on my way back home by 11 and back in bed by noon. Every time I start to feel better, I stand up and I feel like a giant Raggedy Ann doll….can’t stand up – arms and legs flopping everywhere – bad hair! So I sink back onto the bed and wait for the next moment of insanity.
One of the reasons I got up and went today was because our annual awards ceremony was tonight and I had 2 awards to present. But I just couldn’t do it. Couldn’t hold it together that long. So imagine how guilty I felt when the young man that received one award called me just a little bit ago.
“Miss Wolf!” How come you weren’t there to give me my award? I had to get my picture taken all by myself!”
He’d been out of school most of the day on a field trip and didn’t realize I’d gone home. And he was upset that I wasn’t there! When I told him that I was sick, he got upset that I was sick.
I’ve told you guys before that I think these kids are awesome, haven’t I? Here’s a 14 year old street tough boy who is thrilled that I gave him a “home ec” award and upset that I wasn’t there – even more upset that I was sick. He cared enough to call.
Shortly after that another one of my students (and this one DID know I had gone home sick) called me to see if I am feeling better. And you know what? I am. After those 2 calls, I really am.
Tomorrow is the end of the year 8th grade dance. I have been lecturing the boys for 3 days. Are you taking a date? Yes? Then have you bought her a corsage? A corsage. Flowers that she can wear – on her wrist for you guys. Flowers. Wrist. Yes. Yes you DO have to. She’s your DATE. Be nice. No – she shouldn’t just be happy that you decided to ask her. You BE NICE. At a FLORIST. That’s where. OK – how about the grocery store near you – do they have a flower department? You better. BECAUSE I WILL BE THERE AND I WILL BE CHECKING. If your date doesn’t have a corsage I will be behind you every step of the way ALL NIGHT LONG.
You know – the florists really ought to pay me a commission. I believe that sales are going to be up drastically – cause NONE of these boys want me breathing down their uncomfy little tuxedoed necks all night!
The teachers do a skit for the kids. I am going to be one of the Temptations. Singing My Girl. (Temptations singing group – not Temptations as in tempt me to do evil things! lol) Of course I also have to help decorate, take one boy to go pick up his tux (I paid for it with another teacher or the poor kid would not have had one – and he’s getting the Mr. School Spirit award…) rehears one final time, get dressed myself and teach classes all day.
Did I mention that I am sick? I am going back to bed now. If you don’t hear from me for a while….check the papers for a headline something like TEACHER TEMPTATION PASSES OUT WHILE SNIFFING CORSAGES…….
Tell me, Sweetheart, what plans do you have for summer vacation? Do they involve Captain Morgan, tropical beaches and half-naked cabana men? Because you sure have earned it.
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So, how much will it cost me to get a picture of you as a Temptation? No price is too high….I’ll sell shoes. Sorry you’re off your feed. I know the kids calling is such a perk up, hope some hugs from your buddies help a bit too.
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You’re the woman who changes lives and doesn’t even realize it. Not one of those kids will ever forget you. I hope a boy is smart enough to bring you a corsage. You deserve one.
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Street tough kids are the best because unlike those born with a silver spoon in their mouth appreciate it greatly when someoene actually cares about them. Be well,Monica
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I hope you feel better by the dance.
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How nice of those kids to call!
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I’m with Lama, we need a picture of that Temptation. LOL 🙂
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Uck, I’m sick too. Sick, sick, you know, with a fever. Someone needs to feel sorry for me!
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You’re the best, Sunshine.
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What a great bunch of kids you’ve got there; a reflection of their wonderful teacher. Get better soon!
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Gee, Sun, as much as I truly believe that someone would want to steal your Temptation picture and set you up as their child on a website…..wait…stop….I’m killing myself here and have to go pee now. Back…whew…(rotflmbo)….okay, I’ve obviously tickled myself for a time here and will have to regroup. I need oxygen…maybe some paper towels….
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Hope you get better soon… your students are awesome, but they are responding to you {smile} ryn.. well I am a scientist after all!
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I’ll keep an eye on the papers!! Unfortunately papers don’t like good stories and you could only be in there as one of the best teachers of all time!
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feel better. have fun when you feel better.
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awww…sweet kids 🙂 What unfortunate timing for you to be sick. I hope you’re all better by party time. And I’m really hoping for a picture of Sunshine Wolf Temptation too! Your note cracked me up – thanks and hugs….
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Feel better!
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Sounds pretty much like flu to me, hon! How the hell do you catch that in FL??????? Hugz
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Oh Lord, Sunshine! Hope you are feeling better and that this evening does not result in the afore mentioned headlines. I would prefer to see something like Valiant Teacher Survives Obligatory Evening of Celebration. Big Picture of you as a Temtation, followed by, Vacation Awarded By Grateful Students Sending Teacher to Tahiti for a Week. LOL. Right.
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Oh, I do hope you made it to the dance – and didn’t crumple into a heap part-way through! Please recover quickly – and could you let us all know how you went as a Temptation?
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Sending you mucho cyber chicken soup! I agree with Whatever I Want. Maybe for the Temptations gig they can carry you in on a litter and you can do your routine and present awards from comfy cushions…. Great kids. Great you. The two are related, you know.
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I don’t suppose I can tempt you northwards for a bit of holiday. With a smile…
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you are the type of teacher that I think all of us wish there were more of. And the fact that they feel they can call just to see how you are feeling is really great.
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RYN RMN heheh more labels just saying that it’s a shame that we can’t have our little quarks and just have them be that….I know you just were being sarcastic but it got me to thinking… Sorry your sick hope the dance went well Lael
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we _do_ hope you are feeling better, did you get the dragonfly carried frog’s chicken soup (i followed real directions from my jewish mommy friend in miami). I hope they thought to get you flowers too!!! Be weller! i’m thrilled your students called to check on you. Terrific job Sunshine!
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You must mean a lot to those kids….hope you feel better soon…
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Oh, yeah, you are a teacher. one the kids will never forget. Don’t you just love playing mom too. lol Hope you feel better.
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ha. you’re teaching the boys a good thing. sorry you’re not feeling well 🙁 i’m just starting to feel human again myself. its no fun, get better soon!
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I hope that by now you’re feeling much much better. Some of your kids sound so sweet. I can see how you become attached to them. 🙂
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Awww you poor thing!!! Harley’s right, it does sound like the flu. Get some rest and take care of yourself. Those kids of yours are reflecting back the love you give them. I’m proud of you and wish there were more caring teachers like you. Bless you dear heart! *with a great big hug*
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those boys will always remember you! how refreshingly wonderful.. for all of you.. feel better..
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I want you to learn Welsh and come and teach in my school. Right now!
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