It was almost funny how the ODS exclaimed "But you're supposed to be here at six o'clock tonight!!" when I called in this morning to say I wouldn't be able to work, again, due to this cold I've picked up.  When I explained to her for the second time that I DIDN'T FEEL WELL and was not going to take the chance of coming in and INFECTING EVERYONE ELSE at work she kind of didn't have much more of anything to say.  Whatta deal.  Don't blame ME, lady, if there's already been three other call-in's.  We all do what we have to do to get by.



So here I am.  Playing hooky?  Not EXACTLY... I honestly don't feel like exposing myself to the elements and feeling icky for 12 hours surrounded by a bunch of snotty-nosed kids.  I've spent most of the day so far laying in bed, feeling sort of weak, kinda having chills, a bit of a headache -- so it hasn't exactly been FUN... not EXACTLY... but it sure beats going to work and trying to manage my symptoms there (such as they are).



Do I feel ashamed for my behavior?  NOPE.  Hate to say it, but I've been screwed over again and again and AGAIN by TYC and those who run The System -- so a little turn about is fair play in my book.  If they want to call me on the carpet, chew me out, try to put me in my low self -- fine.  If they want to terminate me, well, it's their choice I suppose.  At this point, it hardly seems worth worrying about too much.  I need to do what - I - need to do, and I needed these two days off work to take care of MY health.  It won't be the end of the world for TJJD, and of course the kids won't care.



  Now... the fact that I'm scheduled off for the next two days isn't going to hurt, either.  In fact, it'll probably ensure that when I DO come back to work Sunday that I'll be feeling a LOT better, physically AND psychologically.  Oh, yeah,  I can pretty much count on it.  I've seen the schedule for over the holidays, and already know it's gonna take a LOT of lube to get through what's in store for me, but ohhh, well -- no problem.  I'm used to bending over by now.



We all know the old saying about how when one door closes, another one opens... and that's definately what's going on in my situation.  I now KNOW there are brighter days ahead -- SOON -- away from the State School, away from the "troubled youth", and away from the supervisors and managers who don't give a rat's ass about the fact the school is in meltdown mode and continue trying to convince everyone otherwise.  I'm honestly going to try and leave my employment with the State on generally good terms, and continue on like usual until my last day on the job... however and when ever that may come about.  Hard to say how I'll look back on my years here down the road, but one thing is for sure: I'll NEVER work for the State again!