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[Gilligan]

I've been sick for the past 2 days.  I had a major migraine this morning, and wasn't able to work.  Missing just those two days put me horribly behind, and made me feel like just giving up for the week.  I honestly thought of quitting (my class, my job, academia) a million times today.  I was looking at three hours of lecture that needed to be written (from scratch) with an energy budget that was severely depleted.

So, I came home, walked my dog, cried a few pity tears, and pulled it all off!  My lecture is written!  I have something to say in front of my class tomorrow, other than 'I'm sorry.  I've been sick.  I couldn't pull anything together.'  Yeah me!

I feel like I used to feel when I was a graduate student, and some sort of unexpected expense hit me.  Something as minor a parking ticket could throw my whole budget off for a few months.  Now, my limited currency is time.  Anything that cuts into my time and productivity can throw me off for a week.

Two more days and two more lectures til the weekend.

[The Professor AND MaryAnn]

Good for you, little buddy!  I think it is clear that it is often a matter of attitude that keeps us going and producing, even when our bodies or wallets say otherwise.

Keep up that positive attitude!

[Mr Howell AND Lovey]

I don't know why a parking ticket would make you cry! Just buy the meter maid... or the whole police force!

Lovey, where is that suitcase of money we saved from the shipwreck?

[The Professor]

Next time, I suggest taking a 3 hour tour and you may end up with an academic  position like mine: tenure, unlimited time for research, and no grades. Of course, publishing is also out the question...

[Professor's tenure committee]

The Professor wrote:

> Next time, I suggest taking a 3 hour tour and you may end up
> with an academic  position like mine: tenure, unlimited time
> for research, and no grades. Of course, publishing is also out
> the question...

You wanker!  What about that radio that runs on seaweed-- can't you make it 2-way?

(in reality, I believe I learned from a Trival Pursuit question that the Professor is a high school teacher-- seriously).

[Skipper]

Good, you did it.  Now get back on the electricity-generating bicycle, so Maryann and GInger can cook the radioactive carrots for dinner.  Of, yeah, and we almost got off the island, remember, but you had a headache?

[Ms. Collegiality]

I can relate to your feeling thrown off.  Teacher conference this morning; learned my 7th grader is having anxiety attacks.  Now I'm guilt-tripping myself because I've assumed home front is sailing along and I've thrown myself so completely into my work that I missed the signs.

I also cancelled classes to day to have a "quality time" day with my son.  But here I am.

[slac vap]

Ms. C.,

I'm sorry to hear that your son is having anxiety.  Please don't beat yourself about "missing the signs."  Anxiety attacks are not always apparent to the observer.  Depending on the specific symptom profile, someone could easily be having a panic attack while sitting across from you at the dinner table and you would not even notice.  They can be especially hard to pick up with middle-school age kids, whose normal erratic behavior may mask symptoms.

I hope you will find a qualified child psychologist to evaluate your son; first to confirm the presence or absence of anxiety and then to recommend treatment.  You might also consider (as the psychologist is likely to suggest) consulting your pediatrician to rule out metabolic, cardiovascular, or other physical problems that may appear to be anxiety.

I admire you for taking some time off to connect with your son!  He will notice, and he will appreciate it.

Best,
slac vap