I went back to work today. For you teachers, you know the drill. Pep talks from administrators balanced with information a mile wide and an inch deep. On-line grade books, Common Core, Love and Logic, parking space numbers, and staff changes. One teacher in my department was let go and two resigned at the eleventh hour. My schedule is the opposite of what I thought it would be by which I mean I have the first two periods of the day free instead of the last two.
I’m overwhelmed, to say the least. Students start Monday and I have a lot of work to do in that short time. Odie brought Pringles to me at lunch today and she and I just pressed our faces together and breathed. I didn’t have time to miss her, which is a relief.
The teacher who used my classroom this summer walked out and left her shit everywhere. I cannot fathom being that discourteous to a fellow professional. I spent the two hours I could have used for my own prep packing up her things. I hope karma’s a bitch.
The Friendly Pedant by Mrs. Odie 
I know this must be tough, going back after your time off. I just got approved for a leave of absence, last minute-my baby is 12 weeks old. My husband is also a teacher, so we’re facing a tight financial year but I just couldn’t go back yet. Your story has kind of helped me think we could pull it off, too, because it’s what’s most important to us. Thinking of you and your family and hoping the transition is as smooth as can be…
Congratulations! Money was/is tight and our credit scores are in the crapper, but we have all our lives to make money and just this one impossibly short and irreplaceable year with our babies.
You’re a shit . . . why can’t I be??