The bright side...

So that Friday ended up being not as bad (although to be sure, I did end up with a fair amount of alcohol)  I took a deep breath and realized that I was allowing myself to see the worst in the situation - and ultimately the worst in people.  I mean granted, I do have a few genuine attitude problems that I may not be able to fix, but not as many as I thought.  Or at least - I wasn't allowing myself to see kids as multidimensional entities capable of being more than just a single attitude or behavior.  One of my shortcomings.

So I looked around my classroom each period and refocused my perspective around the kids who were trying their best - who were trying to give me the leadership I wanted, and who are and have been loyal and dedicated.  Even the jazz kids who were frustrating me - there were redeeming qualities I was overlooking.

And I felt much better.

Just one day this week.....

..... I would like to come home not wanting alcohol.  Given that tomorrow is the last day, and I already know how that is going to go..... I do not have high hopes.