Friday, March 16, 2007

Playing Hooky

March is a tough month for JG because he has to teach on all five weekdays for five weeks in a row. I am not very sympathetic. That’s what the rest of us call the majority of the year. At the same time, I’m not about to volunteer to supervise classrooms of kids who are straining toward spring break, so I suppose I see his point. This year, I suggested that we take a day off in March together so that we can spend a free day together, and so we did – today!

I suppose it’s somewhat inaccurate to call it “playing hooky,” but that’s what it feels like. We stayed up late last night and slept in this morning. The plan for the day consists of getting subs for lunch and renting a couple of movies. JG has heard a lot of great things about The Departed and I want to see The Notebook because I never have (gasps all around!). I figure we’ll each bear the other’s movie and it’ll be even overall. Most importantly, though, I’m looking forward to hanging out with JG for an entire day without jobs or errands in the way. I feel like the daily grind makes it difficult for me to be really present after work because I’m so dog-tired, and then I feel guilty. My irritation rises faster than makes sense because – don’t I want to be home? It’s not fair to JG and we both needed a break. This week, twenty percent less time at work plus a whole day with each other is just the cure for job-related doldrums.

This long weekend is a nice midpoint on the way to spring break, when I’ll use some vacation time to spend JG’s week off with him. Until then, I plan to savor my lazing around in comfy clothes, eating a yummy sub, and being a couch potato on a rare day of leisure.

7 comments:

L Sass said...

What a great idea! When I was a kid, once a year my mom would take a "mental health day" with my sister and me. We'd all play hooky and go shopping / lunching downtown. I'm still a firm believer!

Anonymous said...

oh dear. I rarely cry when watching movies but The "Notebook" had me in tears. It's very sweet, just make sure you're clutching a big box of tissues when you watch it.

Janet said...

Great idea. SHhh don't tell but sometimes Andrew and I will coordinate a sick day together. It's for MENTAL HEALTH!

And something tells me that you might each like the other's movie. Just close your eyes at the bloody parts.

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a great plan.

Wait.. I teach five days a week ALL year straight! I must be in the wrong job.. but am teaching too!

Anonymous said...

I've got to agree, this 'take a day off together' idea is a great one!

I hope you both enjoyed the freedom and lack of "to dos" of the day.

Mikaela said...

What a perfect day! We call that (skipping work/school) "bunking" :)

Angela said...

That sounds so nice. Sigh.