Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired.

In college, I always heard professors and fellow teachers speak of how your first year teaching will be a challenge in many ways, including how you immune system handles getting used to being around all those kids. I never really grasped how serious they were until now.

I am so stinking tired of being sick! Not only have I used all 10 of my sick days this year, but one of my personal business days have been used trying to recooperate and be healthy. I've been infected with everything from H1N1 to sinus infections to just a plain ol' cold. This is getting a bit ridiculous!

I sure hope this year has helped to make my immune system solid because it has been a rough year, one I hope I won't have to repeat. It takes a lot out of someone when they are ill and I am no exception. It is hard to care about lesson planning, read alouds, and test review when all you are hoping for is to breath out of both nostrils or get a sentence out without your throat catching on fire.

But from these awful experiences, I have learned a lesson or two:
1. Always have hand sanitizer in stock.
2. Lysol those desks, chairs, counters, and door handles every day.
3. It really is necessary for 20 kids to bring in 1-2 boxes of Kleenex each year.
4. OJ is your best friend...the juice, not the person.
And finally,
5. Even if it means putting something off until tomorrow, always get proper rest. And no, falling asleep on the couch for 3 hours in the midst of grading papers doesn't count.