I'm back, trying to catch up on everybody. It seems that there's lots of agitation in the air, or maybe I'm just seeing it in the threads so far. Hopefully peace will be back for everyone soon.

As for me, my brain is mush, every muscle is sore. I am back to no sleep and I can't stand it! Last night I used my own formula-massive drinking and extra klonopin. Don't judge, it worked-eight straight hours of blissful nothing, no worries, no strange dreams. Yes, I have a bit of a depression pit today, but it is manageable.

As for my class, I have interesting dynamics. I dealt with my first mini race riot yesterday. I teach about half Hispanic and the other half African American, with a couple of Caucasian kids, too. The income level in their homes is very low or nonexistent, some are even homeless. During the verbal fight, the cuss words were flying, and they are only in fifth grade. It didn't happen in my class, but I had to deal with the aftermath. One child locked herself in the bathroom and wouldn't come out. A great way to end a long workweek.

None of the work stuff really bothers me. I work with a supportive staff, and this is just the way things are. We just have to do our best to make school a supportive and loving environment.

What's really getting me down is no sleep! My mind won't turn off at night. I'm not sleepy during the day, but my body hurts. I've tried to go to bed early, but no matter what, I stay awake for at least an hour and then I only sleep for two hour increments, and I'm up for good by 4:30.

This is my world right now. I am going back to the boards to catch up on page two of what is going on with all of you.

Bluemountains