So when is a personal day not a personal day?  When you make plans to spend the day doing things for yourself and you have to cancel those plans because you must attend a scheduled-at-the-last-minute meeting.

I have spent a great deal of time taking care of and helping others - particularly in the past year or so.  I am getting tired.  Very tired.  You might think that my bitching last week about the Teacher's Appreciation Week slight was whining.  Well, if I can get no appreciation from family and friends for whom I do so much, I look forward to maybe getting a little appreciation and thanks on the job.  It hasn't come for the past three years.  I do not want anymore tchotchkes or gifts.  I want someone to thank me and then have their actions show they mean it.  The students are about the only ones who do that.  Even when they are cruel, I know they do not mean it personally.  However, when an adult is cruel, takes advantage of my generosity, is thankless....  Well, I do take that personally.  An adult should know better.  And at work, I feel taken advantage of.  Most of us do.  A meeting regarding the budget woes was a fabulous way to commemorate our week.  Never mind that these cuts have been in place since at least the beginning of March.  No, let's have the meeting in May.  Timing is everything.

I have a countdown for the end of the year.  A few kids have asked if I will miss this year's graduates.  I will.  I always miss the kids who graduate.  I will not miss this year.  Not one bit.   I cannot wait until I am on a plane to Amsterdam.  I cannot wait until I can take care of making myself happy.  I can't wait until I no longer have to be the chauffeur, entertainer, therapist, mother, nurse, proofreader, mediator, supply purchaser, poop cleaner (don't ask).   I want time to do things for myself without having to worry about anyone else.  I want time to do my art, garden, swim, explore, listen to music, read, and maybe spend time with friends for whom friendship is truly a two way street.