Achy

 While I'm loving the cooler temperatures, the cold air in the morning is a shock to my system. My liner was so chilly this morning it was painful to pull onto my limb. It looks like I have to start warming it up again in the mornings because that is a miserable way to wake up!

My leg has been doing okay enough. I still need a new one, but the fit of my socket is still functional. My foot still clicks occasionally when I step, but I have learned how to create a temporary patch. I hate that I keep delaying my new leg, but I honestly do not know where to go. This is the first time I am in a void of prosthetic care. I know I am going to have to drive, but making that final decision and just going with it has been difficult.

In the meantime, I am making due. My legs are exhausted by the time I come home, but it is manageable. As long as I stay ambulatory, I will keep plugging away. Right now though, my legs are so tired I just want to keep my prosthetic off and rest all day. Wish me luck, because rest is not on my agenda. 

Unwinding

 Happy Monday!

Although I'm not terribly keen to put on real pants and head out into the world this morning, I did have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. The weather was gorgeous, allowing me ample time to hang out by the fire pit and just chat with the boys. I should have tackled a list of household chores, but I opted to just totally unwind. After the professional chaos of the past few weeks, I just needed a break.

On Saturday we were surprised by a quick visit from my niece. She was driving through the area and was able to swing by for dinner. It was great seeing her! It wasn't until she saw Timmy that she realized that they haven't seen each other since Thanksgiving. That reality made me sad, and I also realized that I need to do better to make sure that doesn't happen again.

Today the weather should be gorgeous and I'm looking forward to exploring outside with my students. October is an amazing month to be an O&M instructor and I plan to soak up every outdoor opportunity. Before I know it we will be confined inside. 

Have a great day! 

Kitty Care

 Yesterday was a lot of fun. I felt like a Magic Maker, popping into classrooms with fun activities and supplies throughout the day. While the parties were fun, they were also purposeful. Teaching peers about the mobility cane and the needs of their classmates are lessons that will truly follow them for a lifetime. I have no regrets about the outreach, although it did leave me exhausted by the end of the day.

Thankfully today is Friday, which means tonight I can begin to decompress and unwind from the chaotic week.  Robby is coming home for the weekend to care for Charlie Cat. Each day I am certain it may be Charlie's last, but the skeletal remains of his childhood friend is still plugging along. I know one of these days I will be right, and my heart will be broken.  In the meantime, we will continue to provide kitty hospice care at home.

Have a good weekend! 

Cane Day

 Yesterday I slept in, lounged around the house until late morning and then headed to Virginia to meet a friend for lunch. I don't often play hooky from work, but when I do I try to make the most of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed missing the professional development training and spending the day restoring and fortifying my mental health. A battle is brewing, and I need all of my strength.

I am surprised by the number of individuals who have accused me of being unprofessional by taking a day off.  I contend that the most professional time for me to take my planned leave is for days when my absence will create as little impact as possible. No kids missed their sessions, and no teachers were inconvenienced by personal day. Being a professional transcends the ability to sit quietly through meetings for 8 hours.

Although I was off work, I spent last night working on my activities and gathering supplies for my White Cane Day celebrations. I'm excited to spend the day celebrating my students with all of their classes. It should be a fun day!

 

One More Day

 One more day before my impromptu day off. I find it odd that I am so ridiculously excited about taking a random Wednesday off simply for my own mental health. Perhaps this is a sign that I need to disconnect more often! 

Unfortunately, I am not in a position that lends itself to taking leave. I am responsible for making up all of the time I miss with my students. If I am not at work, I am committing to working twice as hard to get caught up. That pressure sucks the fun out of playing hooky. Besides, I've said it before because it is true- I really like my students. It is the adults that drain the life out of me.

Yesterday Scott took off work so that he could hang out with Timmy. The pair went to Hibachi for lunch (no doubt Hamlet's choice) and went for haircuts. Although they only ran errands, both seemed to have enjoyed their afternoon together. 

Have a great day! 

Rest

Another weekend has come and gone. I wish I could say that I spent my time studiously working on my presentation deck for my grievance hearing. Instead, I took Robby to the mall and watched Halloween movies with the boys. I still have a few weeks to prepare, but the time away from all of this nonsense was needed for my own mental health.

This is going to be a wonky week because I took off work on Wednesday. Professional Development meetings are scheduled, and as soon as I saw the presentations I immediately knew that I would prefer to submit to a pap smear by Captain Hook. I haven't taken a day off all year, so I think this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some me time without missing time with my students. 

I just need to get through today and tomorrow.... wish me luck! 

Notes

 My hearing date has been set for October 28th.  Do I expect a positive outcome to my grievance?  I do not.  After all, we are living in West Virginia and residents of this state have not proven themselves to be trustworthy or especially honest. I fully expect the establishment to win, but that doesn't mean I am not worthy of a fight.

Luckily, I take meticulous notes and maintain copious amounts of documentation. As soon as I was approached about becoming a full-time employee, I carefully noted every conversation involving promised salary etc. I know who said exactly what and when it was said. I don't think it will move the needle, but the blatant dishonesty should make the Board members uncomfortable.

Sigh.  I hate all of this. I find it demeaning and demoralizing. 

This weekend I'm going to do my best to disconnect from the work frustrations and just focus on having fun with my family. I'm thinking we need to decorate for Halloween!  Whatever I end up doing, I hope to come back on Monday in a better headspace than I feel this morning.