First week done and here is the run-down:

• I was made fun of by a guidance counselor for looking for a veggie burger at the first day barbecue.  He kept making comments about going for the meat and being just generally obnoxious.
• Those standing behind him laughed along.  Repeatedly.
• No one sat with me at the table after I got my food.  One nice secretary asked me to join her at their table. I did, ate quickly, and ran back to my room.
• One co-worker ignored me as I tried to nod and say hello.  She proceeded to stare at me and give me dirty looks during our union meeting the next day.  I know this gal does not like me, but at least we usually fake it.
• Quite a few people looked right through me when I tried greeting them in the hall.  I guess that's what you get for running for union president.
• Some kids did come by to see me and say "Hi" before their days to report to school.  That was nice.  However, considering this summer's experience, I know I will never see them after they graduate.  Well, better enjoy the love while it lasts.

I just feel incredibly used and disposable.  The kids this year seem really nice, like last year, but I no longer have any illusions.  I will give them all I have, care about them, worry about their well-being.  They might even thank me.  Then when they say they want to keep in touch, I will never hear from them and I no longer expect to or even hope to.  I think "keeping in touch" means only contacting me when I might be able to help them out with camera advice, free prints for a show, or a donation to help with a catastrophe.

Union-wise, I don't care anymore.  I will continue to work on labor and education issues with my political group outside of work, but I cannot be bothered to work for better things for greedy, nasty, social climbers.  I have no debt.  I have no children.  I can get screwed in this next contract and not be financially hurt.  The rest of my colleagues cannot say the same.  I worked so damn hard for them over the past several years only to be shit on repeatedly.  I do not have enough years in the pension system to retire - I need to work several more years - but I am not sure how much longer I can take this.  

When my political group's chair referred to one member as the lead on a project when I had taken the project over, he actually apologized to me the next day.  I was so shocked.  The people in this group are thankful, considerate of each other's time and well-being.  No one wants anyone else to be overwhelmed or over worked.  We take and give.  

My students and colleagues just take.  I am running out of anything to give.