Weird

So, I was back to work today for the first time in about four weeks and it was weird.

I didn't have a problem in getting up early (I didn't want to get up early but I didn't have a problem). I didn't have a problem driving to work in the dark or parking in an extremely tight space. I didn't have a problem with a class that started with two students, steadily rose to eight students and settled at seven.

What was weird was the number of teachers in the teachers' room. It was a complete madhouse when I got there! And my favourite spot had been usurped! No-one has their own desk but there are certain places within the staff room that are understood to belong to certain teachers, those teachers being the ones who teach there year-round. I am one of those teachers but another (semi-regular) teacher, who has been teaching on-and-off at the school for many years, decided to sit in my place. I didn't (and wouldn't) make a fuss about it but several eyebrows were raised. It is well known that this other teacher has little or no respect for me although I find it hard to believe she would deliberately sit in my place just to annoy me. Her action had a domino effect with me moving to someone else's accustomed spot etc. etc. We shall see what happens tomorrow (probably depends on who gets in first).

Another weird thing is that I'm teaching a split shift. Mornings till 12:20 then late afternoon 16:30 to 18:00. Good thing about this is that I get to come home in the afternoon, eat a leisurely lunch and do some odd jobs (today's was sorting out some paperwork). I haven't taught a split shift since leaving Argentina but I can see the advantages - at least I'll make use of my afternoons knowing I have to go back to work.

So, weird, yes I think that just about sums up my first day back at work.