Sunday, August 23, 2009

The August Breakdown

Ever since I was five years old, August has been a time to prepare for the upcoming school year. When I was younger I enjoyed going back to school. Sure I didn't want to sit in class or do work, but I enjoyed seeing my friends and I LOVED back to school shopping. Nothing was as awesome to me as a bunch of new pencils and a shiny new binder. Three years ago I stopped being excited about the first day of school and instead began what I have now termed, "The August Breakdown."

The first August Breakdown was particularly noteworthy. I actually managed to convince myself that my neck pain (clearly stress related) was in fact Easter Equine Encephalities, also known as Tripe E. This particular illness is passed by mosquitos, and did you know it was first discovered in Massachusetts in 1831? So, it wasn't TOO much of a stretch, I mean...I DO live in Massachusetts right.

The second August Breakdown involved several sleepless nights in a row culminating in my total breakdown at 1 am to poor Eric who had simply asked me, "are you awake?". During the third August breakdown I called my health insurance company to find out what their coverage was for seeking the help of a mental health professional (but I did never hire one, because it's only the August Breakdown, in September I can handle life haha).

Previously all August Breakdowns occurred on Labor Day Weekend so since school begins before Labor Day this year AND Labor Day is technically in September I thought I was in the clear. But no, the August Breakdown returned this weekend in the form of INSANE ANTSYness. Yup, that's right I could not sit still- the whole idea of sitting at all drove me absolutely crazy all weekend. At first I thought it was because we had some plans for the weekend that we couldn't do because the weather was not great. Then I thought maybe it was because I didn't go to the gym in the morning. But today I woke up and managed to crank out 40 minutes on the elliptical and my PT exercises and still be totally restless the whole day. Since I have gotten into running and biking outside, I really have not been able to deal with gym machines for long enough to actually get a work out. But today if my stomach had not been growling I could've probably managed to stay on that elliptical all day long. Plus I finally found an elliptical that does not bother my knee at all. Of course it was at the Cape so I hope they will have it at my home gym. Here is the beauty:

I am hoping this week I can transfer this nervous energy into some seriously good workouts and POWER dress shopping opportunities. I know once I get back into the routine I will be fine, but it's scary to go back into the insane schedule and a new class (which God only knows what that can bring!). The good news is, Eric is not reconsidering his proposal because he has his own version of the August Breakdown every year, particularly this year because he is starting football coaching tomorrow (aka have no life and not a single day off for several months). He was just stressing a few minutes ago and I said "at least you don't have Triple E..." and he said "I'll take Triple E, sorry- can't coach, I have triple E..." Haha. Anyway, I must go get ready for my tutoring kiddos tomorrow. I don't know why I think it's going to be such a big transition this year with how crazy this summer has been. But then again, fear of the unknown...

12 comments:

  1. You sound like my mom, she has the same mental breakdown each year before going back to her school nurse duties!
    I have the same mental breakdown once a month, if you know what I mean.
    The elliptical looks nice. I use an elliptical about 3-4 times a week and I really like it, as long as I have something to read. I can usually only stay on for about 30 minutes before I get bored!

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  2. I remember always getting nervous and antsy before school started up again. Maybe it's a good thing that I'm not a teacher. :)

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  3. give it some time. you'll get into a rhythm wiht training and school and such.

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  4. My daughter is also a kindergarten teacher and goes through the same thing. See, you're not alone in your craziness!! She spends a LOT of time at the gym right now. Now I understand why. As you know, once you're in a routine again, you'll be fine.

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  5. Yes, I do have those thoughts, feelings and emotions every year and I've been teaching K for a while! Your boyfriend and my husband should talk...my husband is my hero and his nobility really kicks in during this season of new kids, new class, new everything! Just think though, not everyone is entrusted with 20(?)little shiny faces each and every year. YOU CAN DO IT!

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  6. Aww, so sorry bout the August Breakdown. I've been having a bit of a rough time over here, being alone in an apartment, 2000 miles away from family, and just starting a new major and classes tomorrow.
    I hope you can utilize that nervous energy too, girl! Hang in there :)

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  7. It's great that you can at least use your anxiety and throw it into exercising! I, on the other hand, cannot remember the last time I really worked out hard. Yikes! I need to join a gym here stat. That is on the to do list this week.

    I hope that your back to school transition goes smoothly. I can totally relate to the fear of the unknown!

    PS. I do think that the program the 3rd grade teachers use here is Spell Their Way. Thanks for the reference!

    Katie

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  8. Gotta love the hypochondria. I have that all year long.
    I think I would always get stir-crazy in August. I was so excited to start school that I had trouble waiting.

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  9. I cannot stop laughing over this line:

    "The second August Breakdown involved several sleepless nights in a row culminating in my total breakdown at 1 am to poor Eric who had simply asked me, "are you awake?"."

    Hahahahaha!

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  10. ahh i used to love getting new school supplies! picking out a new trapper keeper and my love for lisa frank folders. haha.

    it sounds like the august breakdown is getting better? antsyness sounds like improvement? good luck :)

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  11. I seriously don't know how you teachers do it! Seriously.

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  12. i think August is the most hated month of the year! hope you start feeling better, girl!

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