I’m pretty sure I’m losing my marbles. Or at least I’m really, really tired. Exhausted. Wrung out. Or maybe both? All of the above? You be the judge. Here’s the evidence:
- Do you know that feeling on long drives, of being overwhelmed with fatigue? The one where you really can’t stay awake? When you’re opening windows, turning on the AC, shaking your head, pinching yourself, or just pulling over to nod off for a few minutes?
Well, on a recent Friday, I drove home from work, feeling just that way, yawning madly. Struggling to keep my eyes open. I was so, so tired. I tried all the tricks, but none were working. It’s only a 25 minute drive, but I actually considered pulling over. I was desperate to get home.
Finally, I pulled into the driveway and put the car in park….
the next thing I knew, I was opening my eyes. The car was still running (thankfully in park!) and my audiobook was well ahead of where it had been. I have no idea how long I’d been sleeping, but I had been. As my colleague said, “Well, thank God you don’t have a garage!”
Yikes. - Late last week I fell into bed exhausted. (Are you sensing a theme here?) When Kurt came upstairs, it woke me, and I got up to go to the bathroom. As I returned to the bedroom, I looked down. What?! I was still wearing my work clothes. I never even got out of them before falling into bed. I mean, I’d been wearing a comfortable outfit, but still!
- Then, I was trying to figure out what to do about last Friday afternoon’s send-off party for a co-worker moving to Spain. I really wanted to attend, as she’s a lovely person and the parent of a student in my class. I also thought it would be nice to actually socialize with some colleagues. But I really didn’t know if I could carve out time to figure out what to make and then to make it, and my in-laws had arrived days ago and I’d barely seen them, and the wedding is fast approaching and report cards are due and…you get the gist.
So, on Thursday afternoon, after a lot of agonizing and mental gymnastics, I finally realized I just couldn’t swing it. I decided I would simply explain to my co-worker and offer my apologies. I knew she’d understand.
Here’s how that went:
She happened to stop by my classroom this past Friday morning with her two kids and a gift of an iced coffee from Starbucks. (Yes, she’s an amazing, generous human being!)
After my effusive thanks, we chatted for a few minutes, and then I took a deep breath and said,
“I’m so sorry, J, but I’m not going to be able to make it to the party tonight.”
She looked at me oddly.
Crap! It wasn’t a surprise, was it?
I search my memory.
No….I distinctly remember the invite saying she knew about it. At least I think I remember that. Oh, no!
“I didn’t blow it, did I?” I asked, anxiously. “I was sure you knew about it!”
“Oh, no,” she said, still looking at me oddly,”I did know about it.”
She paused, then continued, “But, Molly, the party was last Friday.”
Oops.
So, the evidence is in. It’s pretty clear. There’s plenty more, but I didn’t want anyone to worry too much, and I think I’ve proven my case. I doubt there’s even a need to withdraw to deliberate.
In the slightly revised words of Daniel Pinkwater, I fear it’s clear that I have “gushed my mush, lost my marbles, and slipped my hawser. ” Or, perhaps I’ve “popped my cork, flipped my wig, blown my stack, and dropped my stopper.” However you put it, it doesn’t look good–the verdict seems to be a foregone conclusion.
I rest my case.
Nix the comfort zone 
Oh, Molly, I was drawn to your title of this blog: “Nix the Comfort Zone: Pushing My Limits…” This busyness sounds like it’s in your blood and bones, so now what you need is a good long rest and recuperation time. I’m so glad it’s almost summer and hopefully you can take a break! You presented your case well and with a lot of smiles and laughs along the way. Fun slice! Rest up!
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Thanks, Denise. I’m definitely looking forward toward a more forgiving schedule in the near future.
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All of this seems to fit with the strain and stress of the year. Summer is coming!
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I could so relate to the bone-weariness! I was falling asleep on the couch every night, so I thought I’d fix that by not putting my feet up…instead, I fell asleep sitting up! A good, long, no-alarm sleep is definitely on every teacher’s summer list. I’m sure the marbles will be restored then.
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Oh, I’ve done the fall-asleep-sitting-up thing more than once! Here’s hoping the marbles haven’t rolled too far away!
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There is no tired like June 2021 teacher tired! I can so relate and could tell my own stories that would convict me!
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I left a lot of stories out! lol Hang in there!
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May-fried right there with you. I made the mistake of getting an espresso drink yesterday to fight that urge to fall asleep. I couldn’t, tossed and turned to late hours. That was Not the solution. Here’s hoping you make it through these last few weeks.
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Ew…espresso insomnia! What a bummer! Also, I love/hate the expression “May-fried.”
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Oh gosh, Molly 😚. You certainly are exhausted and overwhelmed. Sending love, hugs, and good juju for the end of the year. 💕
Sent from my iPad
>
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Thanks, Patty! I’ll take all the good juju I can get!
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Summer is almost here! You totally deserve to put your feet up and relax!
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I’m torn between counting the days or not–I want to have summer here, but there’s SO much that has to happen first.
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Rest speaks its own language. Loudly. I hope you and your case receive the rest you need in good time.
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I’m hoping to become more fluent in that language 🙂
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Hang in there and rest when you can. Love you!
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Molly, before I read your post, I was thinking how tired I am. Dressed in pjs, I made it past the laundry I am still doing and onto my study. Your slice perked me up because at least now I have someone else you has lost their marbles and flipped their wig. Wedding is coming up so you must be beside yourself with all you have to do. Thanks for the humorous slice.
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Misery loves company 🙂 It’s always nice to know you’re not alone!
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Tis the season. Between end of year stuff and allergies most night asleep by 9. Thanks for sharing – I don’t feel so alone.
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I had to laugh because I always try to be asleep by 9! lol. I’m also happy to have some company in this oh-so-crazy season 🙂
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You’re in good company. This year has really pushed so many limits. Hang in there!
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People really are at their wit’s end these days. At school so many unflappable people are flapped these days.
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You’ve rested your case. Have you been resting and renewing now that school is out? Amazing all that you teachers have done!
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