Balance

Last week was crazy with kids wanting to stay after school for make ups and tutoring and such. Also, as seems to happen frequently, as the week went on, I got less and less sleep. I'd mentioned earlier in the week to one student that I'd be able to stay REALLY late on Friday (6pm? 8pm? jokingly 10pm). Well, as the week went on, I got more burnt out and tired and just wanted to leave at 5pm on Friday to visit with my friend over a cup of tea.

As the kid starts to stay after school on Friday at 4:15, I mention this. He gets this hang dog look on his face, "but you said you could stay until 6 or 8 or 10". I didn't cave. I just said plans had changed and I could only stay until 5. It was like kicking a puppy dog. I felt like a heel, but I still was firm and practically pulled the makeup exam out of his hands at 5pm and rushed off and felt bad about it.

Then on Monday, I had to leave about 5pm to get to yoga on time (again, that gives them 45 minutes). But one kids comment was, "yes, she has to go to tap". Blach! Guilt, or was he just being funny?

I don't think I should feel bad. I get to work at 7:30 in the morning, and usually help kids at 8 if they ask and I don't have meetings. So I leave at 5 or 6. I think I'm just being my own worst critic. Yes. That's it. My own worst critic.