Blue mood frowning at me

When I woke up this morning, I knew it was going to be one of those days. Even though I went to bed at the early hour of 9:30, I could not believe it when my alarm went off. I cracked one eye open, and the pitch blackness practically forced my eye to close again. I had heard rumor of a possible snow day, so I lay in bed hoping against hope that behind those closed blinds lay mountains of that heavenly white stuff, or at least enough for whoever decides such things to give me permission to go back to sleep. Alas, my force of will was not enough to turn the nasty, drippy weather into something more ominous. I say ominous because when it snows here, you would think it was the end of the word. People lose the ability to drive, and once again the city government wonders why they didn't buy any snowplows the last time this happened.

I finally dragged myself out of bed and stumbled to the shower, hoping that my mood would lift, but with no such luck. I went down stairs for my daily granola (pumpkin spice), yogurt (plain) and Sportscenter (Top 10 Plays). 10 minutes later I was out the door with my husband still nestled all snug in his bed. (To be fair, at least I didn't have to ride my bike to work).

I arrived at school feeling like I had been scraped off the bottom of someone's shoe. I prepared for the day on the verge of tears for no particular reason, soliciting a pep talk from our ever pragmatic academic dean. I like her for many reasons, but mainly because she never patronizes, yet finds a way to offer feedback that is helpful but not overly critical. I was hoping she would tell me to just go home, but much like my snow day, my illness was mostly in my head, so with a few wise words, she sent me on my way.

Two hours later, here I sit. Of course, if suddenly a blizzard erupted and we were all sent home and back to bed, I would not shed a single tear. However, as always, my students have picked the day when I feel the bluest to actually follow directions and (gasp) work quietly. I have big plans to leave promptly(ish) after school and go to bed at a time more fit for a toddler, but for now, thanks to my students, in the words of Miguel, "I need nothing".