Day 15 - UGHHHHHHHHHH :'(

Dear Rah,

You already know, because I had a MAJOR meltdown when I called you, that today was really rough for me.  I was SOOOOOOOO excited for Santa Clause Day at the Tribal College that I could hardly wait to get to work this morning!  I even brought my Santa hat just because it makes me feel happy to wear it.  Fun, fun, fun . . . not so much.

Things did not go as I had anticipated, nor did they even go a little bit like I planned.  I couldn't wait to hear all of the little kiddos talk about what they wanted for Christmas, to see their sticky little faces, and to watch all those little bundles of energy amped up on sugar.  I love kids!  I don't really get my kid fix anymore, so any opportunity that I get, I relish in!  This day is one of those days for me.  However, that was not to be my destiny today . . . sigh . . .

My morning started out on the right path, but somewhere along the way, it veered careening down a cliff plummeting to its death.  When I got to campus, I popped in to see Olivia, I will share that part of my day a tish later.  I made my way to my office and settled in to get a little bit of work done before the kiddos came.  A student came into my office and needed help with her power point presentation for her final.  We tried and tried and tried and tried to activate a link into her presentation.  Finally, we gave up and found a different mode of communicating what needed to be done for her final.  Phew!  

I scooted out to see the kiddos and discovered that they were getting ready to leave.  I made it there just in time to see them wrapping up their projects, eating their cookies, and preparing to go back to preschool.  I missed most everything.  However, there were still three more shifts of kiddos coming, so I went back to my office, and got back to work as there is so much to do this time of the year.  I would catch the next batch of kiddos, of that I was sure!

My phone rang and I had to head to Student Services as a report needed to be completed and the other Dean and I needed to map out what I would write.  What I thought would take a short amount of time ended up taking much, much, much longer.  Did I mention there is a ton to do this time of the year . . . UGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!  I closed my computer, made a couple more stops on the way out to tie up some other loose ends, and dashed off to Main Campus.  I made my way into the parking lot as the last bus of kiddos drove away.  Okay, now I am crying for the 3rd time today!!!!!

Rah, I missed it all!  I missed all the sticky fingerprints, the reindeer cookie making, the Santa visits, the coloring, the giggles, the laughs, and the joy . . . I missed everything.  I was so sad that all I really wanted to do was to go back to my office and hibernate, BUT that did not happen either.  Students needed to register for classes, to update their files, and there was writing to do for my report.  Guess what, I did not get that done either.  Homework for the evening with the Vikings . . . I swear if they LOSE and make me cry too!!!!

I called you as soon as I got into my car and I cried.  I am typically not much of a crier, but my work life is kicking my butt, and today, well . . . I just don't have words.  I am sitting in the recliner and the Vikings are on in the background.  The faux fireplace is going, and at 8:35 I have finally submitted my portion of our report submission.  I am tired and I am incredibly sad; however, I want to share something from the first part of my day where the kiddos DID impact me in an incredible way.  Olivia (Our Counselor/Faculty) and Stan (Tutor Coordinator) were watching videos when I walked in.  The first one is a total HOOT!  The second one, is so incredibly profound!  This child has an old soul and is only 6 years old!!!!  She touched my heart in a way that I just cannot describe.  Please watch them and enjoy as they are the bright spot in an otherwise cloudy day filled with some thunderstorms.

I love you most . . .
Mom

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Dear Mom,

I'm sorry but I have no time to write anything right now other than my final paper that's due tomorrow. Just wanted to add that like you, I had a bit of a crappy day. All I want to do is spend a couple nights at your place, watch Christmas movies and eat China King. Ughhh, please, can we???? 

P.S. - Your videos are adorable!

Most!

Rah