Me Time

As a Scorpio, my nature is characterized by passion and unpredictability. Over time, I've learned to navigate my love-it-or-hate-it attitude, known as "8 or 80" in Brazil. However, currently, I'm struggling with the latter. This usually occurs when I feel overwhelmed by the plethora of essays and reading assignments I must grade, a common challenge for teachers.

Monday through Friday, my schedule is packed with obligations. Sometimes, I yearn for the freedom to engage in adventurous activities, like exploring the Historical fiction section of the library (yes, that's adventurous for me). I miss uninterrupted phone conversations with friends, devoid of interruptions from my cranky 2-year-old. Additionally, I long to indulge in guilt-free TV time or immerse myself in a good novel without the nagging thought of ungraded essays. In essence, I miss having time for myself.

While I haven't found a permanent solution, I've devised a temporary one. Although my ideal scenario involves marrying Brad Pitt, working part-time, and keeping Freddy as my lover (Freddy is non-negotiable), I'll settle for taking a personal day off. On that day, I plan to go for a leisurely walk, catch up on episodes of "30 Rock," engage in lengthy phone conversations, delve into the novel I've been neglecting, and avoid grading a single essay. FYI: It's typically the essays that drive me to crave a personal day off.

To realize my goal, I have two options: either take a day off from work or enlist a friend to babysit Camila. Given that taking a day off isn't feasible at the moment, I've opted for the latter.

Fortunately, we have close friends whose daughter attends the same daycare as Camila. Through unplanned arrangements, we've initiated babysitting swaps, which I adore. Almost weekly, Camila enjoys playdates at their home, and vice versa. We also arrange sleepovers, dropping Camila off for dinner and picking her up later. These swaps provide me with much-needed time off, knowing that Camila is in good hands.

On a lighter note, I came across a hilarious video from The Onion, a satirical news source, titled "In the Know: Are Tests Biased Against Students who Don't Give a Shit." While it doesn't directly relate to overwhelmed teachers grading essays, it's a humorous skit worth watching. Despite its comedic nature, the title suggests a thought-provoking and informative report - or so they claim!

In the midst of my busy schedule, I often find solace in checking my daily horoscope through a reliable API. It offers a moment of reflection and guidance amidst the chaos of daily life, helping me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.