Joyousroad’s Weblog

And the end of winter break pajama days…

Monday has no mercy. It’s coming toward me like a freight train, and I’m tied to the tracks! As a teacher, I always have this feeling of impending doom, especially after a long break. Hence the term “Sunday Scaries.” 

It’s not that I dislike teaching. Quite the contrary. It’s not the nature of teaching I dread; it’s the pace of it. Mondays are like jumping on a treadmill that is already going full tilt, without getting thrown off into last week.

In contrast, pajama days are the best! I make what I call my “Nest” on the couch, with reading material, my journal, my planner, my laptop, and phone all within reach. Snug in my pajamas and under a soft blanket, I can drift from doing a little work online, to reading an intriguing book, to doing a snippet of writing… 

But until I figure out how to make a living from my “nest”, I have to return to work on Mondays. I admit that during extended pajama days, I let myself go a bit. Just small things–dribbles of coffee down my front, hair sticking up, and garish pairings of stretched-out T-shirts and pajama pants.

I don’t realize how far I’ve fallen until, after four or five days, I have to put on regular clothing and a bit of makeup to go to the store, and my significant other doesn’t immediately recognize me. For a second, he looks startled–even a little frightened, thinking a strange woman is in the house. 

I am beyond middle age and have faced the fact that I am basically a lazy person. Given a choice, I would rather cuddle up with hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, or tea, chips, and guac, than venture out each day to save the world. 

I want the biggest result for the least effort. There, I said it. Did I mention that I am also an introvert? As long as I can communicate with a few humans via the internet (I love the layer of physical separation provided), and have my books and writing, I’m content. 

I am who I am. So, I’m going with it. I will face the “Sunday Scaries”, make myself venture back to the classroom, then retreat back to my “Nest” on the very next pajama day. 

Here’s to more pajama days!

© 2024 Joyce Martin. All rights reserved

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