Work and No Work

I like to work, and I like my job(s). I like that I don't always have to be at work when I'm working. In all my jobs, including teaching, my time there is usually the smallest part of the time I put in. The downside of that is it's critical that I be there when I'm scheduled to be. If I don't show up in the classroom, nothing happens. Everyone goes home; no one learns. For that reason, I don't cancel class unless I have to. Today I had to. I should be in class right now, and despite the fact that I sent out an email telling my students we wouldn't meet today -- I'm sicker than I have been, even after three days on an antibiotic, and earlier my temperature was 101 -- I feel like a guilty dog. What makes it even worse is that next week is spring break, so it will be two weeks before our class meets again.

The college admin at the Naval base is pretty relaxed. The staff hoped I felt better soon, and no one had a problem with my missing class. This should put me at ease, but instead it only makes me feel worse. In such situations, I always feel a need to overcompensate and maybe that's not a bad thing. Tomorrow I will be posting lecture notes and explanations of concepts in addition to the usual work for the week I would put up. In an eight-week class, we are already pressed for time. Missing even one day makes it worse.

Oh, well, there's no way I could have worked tonight. I have been nearly non-functional all day. The fever seems to be lower now and I just made a yummy meal of Vermont cheddar mac and cheese, ala Lean Cuisine. If I'm lucky, I can sit up long enough to eat. After that, it's back to the sofa and sleep. Maybe when I wake up it will all be better.