First Snow

This morning we woke to about 4 inches of snow on the ground and more falling.

Ugh.

At least, that's how I felt about it.

I encouraged Helena to get the car started, scrape the snow off, then get ready to go.  She left early so she could go more slowly and have a more empty parking lot at the high school.  The roads were mostly clear... meaning that if I can still see most of the asphalt on my quiet little side street (that is bottom priority for the plows), then you can be sure that all the rest of the streets will be snow-free.

She told me this afternoon that she got to school plenty early and had no problems getting there.

Will was as hard to get up as ever, until his sister told him there was 'lots' of snow on the ground.  That got him up in a hurry!  He is my skier.  He was nearly bouncing this morning and was simply beaming about the snow.

As for me, I wasn't that thrilled.  I have had a... I don't know what... cold?  sinus infection? since last Friday.  Every morning I cough up a lung before heading off to work.  Gross, I know.  I can hear you saying "why don't you stay home then?"

Hiring a sub is such a hideous process that I reserve it only for those times that I am too sick to actually DO my job.  Most people who get sick can just call in sick.  But, of course, most of them don't get paid for sick days like I do.  If I have to stay home sick, I have to find my own sub.  I work my way down a list of substitutes to try to find one who would be willing to come in tomorrow (or sometimes even today, if the illness is sudden).  Incidentally, I hate it when they say, "I think so, let me check with so-and-so and call you back this evening".  Seriously?!?  I need to know NOW so I can call the next person on the list if you can't do it, lady!  I really hate it when they cancel the morning of.  Then the office calls me wanting me to fix it.  I have had that unpleasant experience on a number of occasions.

Anyways, once I find a sub, I have to notify the office and get paperwork filled out, though the paperwork can be done when I get back if need be.  Then I have to write sub plans.  I never expect a sub to carry on with my lessons, because none of the subs has the right training to teach art.  It isn't like teaching reading, writing, and math.  Those are subjects that all subs have mastered in their own lives.  All adults (in the sub business, anyway) can read, write, and figure sums.  However, most adults still draw on an elementary school level, so you can't expect them to be able to teach it to children.  Therefore, I have to come up with lessons that the sub is capable of teaching.  Keep in mind, too, that I have several different grade levels I teach throughout the day, so it is several lesson plans, not just one.  Then, I have to make enough copies of whatever those lessons require by way of worksheets and whatnot.  Finally, I have to set up the supplies, copies, and lessons in a logical order for her to find, with notes and stickies and times and schedules all clearly labeled.

Is it any wonder I'd rather just go sick?  It is less work!

Incidentally, there is a sub file in my desk drawer at work.  The office knows where to find it.  It is only there in case of an emergency (like I've been in a car wreck on my way to work and was unable to plan ahead).  That lesson doesn't get messed with.  Ever.

So, yeah.  Got a little off track there.

Today's snow melted away by mid day and the temperatures are supposed to warm up to the sixties by the weekend.  Good thing, since it is Halloween weekend and little ghoulies and goblins like warmer weather to trick-or-treat in!