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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Angry Running

So, barfing on my way to work this morning was really just the start of the shit-sandwich that was my day today. My primary gripe? My students.

Yup, the honeymoon feeling we all shared at the start of term is now, officially, over. Yet, it's way too soon for them to be beginning some of the shit they're doing -- excessive absences, tardiness, late work, poor work, excuses, excuses -- and it would be one thing if I were just dealing with these issues in one class, but the crap seems to have infected 3 of my classes. Plus, their behavior is compounded by the fact that I have razor-thin patience right now.

See, some pregnant women get weepy and sentimental, but me? I guess I'm kind of an angry bitch because my emotions all swing toward anger, frustration, impatience, and annoyance. Just ask my husband and friends. They can confirm this.

None of those emotions are helpful to my profession, which demands infinite patience and understanding on my behalf. So, today, I literally had to take a deep breath in one of my classes because I thought I was gonna blow a gasket and actually yell at my students (and I never yell -- sure, once, years ago, I threw chalk at a student but that was years ago; I've matured). So, compound that with a few other stresses involving work, and you have the poop-pile that was my day.

So, when Jerry got home, I was more than ready for our 3 miler together, and I pushed our pace a little faster than what we've been running lately, so that we finished in 29:16. Certainly that's not as fast as I used to be able to do, but for the running as of late, that felt much faster. And it felt good.

There's nothing quite like allowing your running to be the outlet for pounding out the stress and frustration of a day. Cuz when it's done, all that stuff is gone with it!

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad the running helped!

I was a totally angry bitch for the entire 9 months I was pregnant with Shoo. I sometimes wonder how Beer Geek and Jones survived. It's good that you have an outlet for it!

Oh, and we'll be in Ft. Lauderdale the nights of April 11 and 12. I know that's Easter weekend, but hopefully we can get together.

X-Country2 said...

Glad running could provide some relief. Hopefully some of your patience returns.

teacherwoman said...

I will second your comment about the running as an outlet... damn straight, sista!

Viv said...

Trade you my shit soup for your shit sandwich. Well I am glad you were able to seriously pound it up. Sweet time!!

Unknown said...

Isn't it awesomem to have running as an outlet? Just imagine life without it. Yucky huh?

Tina Mickelson said...

I was a total raging bitch when I was preggo. So scary that I felt like I was in slow motion all the time as the mean, terrible, ugly,crazy things fell from my mouth and I couldn't stop them. I didn't have running then. Maybe I should have.

Margo said...

Your 3 miles are faster than what I can do! My best friend told a student that he was going to hell when she was teaching...The drawback to her honesty is that the student was a second grader who asked what would happen if he didn't abide by some spelling rule.

Midwest said...

Angry and bitchy are totally part of the beauty that is pregnancy.

SavvyFitChica said...

you and I lived the same day apparently... except, I was lucky enough not to barf and my needy, excuse-driven, annoying "students" are really my adult employees. Go figure.

But I cured all of that with a great workout. Cheers.

Michelle Simmons said...

nning definitely is the best therapy!!
I used to be a teacher and remember those moments. Sometimes it's good to yell. Your students know you rarely do it so it must be a big deal when you do. You can make an impact with it! Good luck tomorrow.

Marci said...

I can totally relate to this post. There is nothing like an angry run every now and then! :)

Shannon said...

That's why I love running, spinning, swimming, biking, etc. We can get ours days woes out through our activities.

BTW, I've got 40 little students that worked my nerves over yesterday too.

Erin said...

Did anyone have a good day yesterday?

Anonymous said...

i had a teacher who would throw an eraser at the students he was frustrated at...it was a dodge and duck type of class but it always kept us on our toes! i think i owe him a thank for my very quick reflexes.

Anonymous said...

Nice job. Hope you have a nice and anger free weekend.

MN Mom said...

Hormones do go crazy...Maybe you should warn your students! Nah just flunk um!

Marcy said...

LOL Betsy! And the good thing is that at least you have an excuse ;-)

Wes said...

I envy your massive reserves of patience :-)

Carolina John said...

haha, my wife also totally does the angry bitch thing when pregnant. and apparently the first couple of years after giving birth. oh wait, she is actually quite sweet and caring. but i know where you're coming from with the angry running.

Brooke said...

Ooooh. I feel your pain with the students. Four years of grad school teaching completely cured me of any warm fuzzy thoughts I had of a possible career in education. I don't know how you do it sister! And thanks for the good vibes for the marathon..I know it will be a great experience no matter what!

Marlene said...

I agree, nothing like a good run to cool off!

Agate Lake Girl said...

Ooh, I want to hear what the offense was that led to the chalk-throwing. I won't judge. I've wanted to drop kick a couple kids over the years. (We don't have chalk and those dry erase markers are kind of big...)

Jess said...

Glad you didn't blow a gasket and worked it out during the run!

Teacher Pursuits said...

Good job wrangling your frustration into something more productive. I too have that impatience adn frustration thing brewing... coupled with the emotional sap. My biggest issue has been on the road - I've never had road rage... but DAMN, I am fiesty out there these days.

Aron said...

ohhh there is nothing like taking out your anger on the road with a run. i could really use a run like that right now :)

keith said...

I love that Jerry is running with you. If I could get S.M. to start running with me I'd be a happy man.

runner26 said...

Though not pregnant, I understand the frustration you feel in the classroom. But really, your students should just quit it with the excuses and do their work. I hope they cooperate for you. At least you're getting some good runs out of it.

Kelly said...

Maybe you should PLAY the weepy emotional pregnant woman... then the kids would feel bad.

Laurel said...

Being married to a prof, I get to hear about all the wonders of dealing with students. I feel for you.

Glad you have running to help. Now that I think about it,maybe that's why J runs so much.

The Boring Runner said...

Yes! Angry running is the best. I always use it as an excuse to run as fast as I can for as long as I can.

sRod said...

I love angry running. It really does make all the hurting go away.