WOMEN AGES 50 + FOR DECEMBER 2019

I'm not chipper this week. I had a crazy workday on Monday - about 12h almost non stop-teaching meetings, calls, then home and another hour on work related call.

National strike on Tuesday. I participated in the strike and went to the protest and march. First I couldn't find my schools, then a college who has an ankle issue texted me and we tried to find others, but unsuccessful we had a coffee, he left then I found the others and spoke to a couple about an issue in our department- very helpful. And then I ran into this other guy in another union at one of my schools. unfortunately he alternates between working together and being rather against the other union -which mainly only helps the direction. Since we were walking together we found a more peaceful mood, thank goodness. I'm surprised how complex work relations can be at work.

Wednesday I had 3h of class only. we were to start early to make up some time, but the students take 45 min to 1h to get there by foot (there's a massive subway strike) if they are able to come. I was exhausted and went home to rest all day. Went to the doctor the next day.

Thursday went to GP. She was asking if I didn't want sick leave note? Here you can have up to 3 months sick leave in a year! I just read the average amount of sick days is around 30 per person! I've been sick 3 days in 11 years. My school -illegally-kept asking when I was going to make up sick days. Adjunct-type teachers are really poorly treated. They never ask that to admin employees (many of who are often out sick) nor full-time teachers. I went to 6h of classes. The classes were mostly quite good. Students again travel 45 min to 3h (walk, automated line, walk) to get to class. I have to feel honoured. I have some students who I have had for 5 years- 7 semesters. Though my subject is not the main subject I know their work and approach and help them to evolve, for sure. We do pre-master's thesis defences in class. it can help them get clear and prepared. Then one had a celebration of her master's thesis defence and I popped by the celebration-it was nice.

Friday-bummer I left my computer chord at work and had to return. Totally not on my agenda. It was hard for us to find the key so it took a while. I ran into the DHR and he was unpleasant and impolite. Usually he's dishonest but pleasant and repectful.

Went to counsellor (have only been 2 x and it's ok) and she suggested that I take sick leave next week. I was disappointed in the session (on my side) because I had some stressful things to deal with just before and spent the whole sessions just on blablabla, not super-useful.

Here there have been national strikes since Dec 5. The most striking strike is the transport one. Many people can't get around normally : to work, etc. Many elementary schools have been closed at least one or some days. and many other things. There were 1.5 million on strike and in the streets on the 5th. (about 2.2% of of the TOTAL population, including children, retired people etc, who weren't on strike). Half that on the 10th. Another big strike day is planned for next Tuesday.

I can usually get to work since I have a scooter. On major strike days it's more iffy but I declare myself on strike. Many colleagues manage to get to work and others just say they will make up the work later. a small number of engaged workers are on strike where I am, but in elementary schools some days were 80% strikers. The Sorbonne was totally closed and at least one art school and one architecture school have equally been totally closed. I go to work on the days that are not major protest days, but some colleagues, very engaged, (and possibly on more secure material footing) do not.

I felt carpy yesterday - having to go back to work on Friday for the charger put me in a bad mood. A colleague was accusatory - whereas actually I majorly support all colleagues in our service- much more than anyone else. It upset me. But she was just stressed. She tends to be a bit negative sometimes. I like her- she's a work-friend, but I've seen her a bit obsessed and negative before. She also just lost her brother and I'm sure it's hard for her.

Today is medium.
I awoke feeling light-headed- again and had a hard time getting up. Had to go to lab for some tests- fasting- then got an omelet and coffee at a café nearby. And a GF strawberry coconut tartlet on the way home. It hit the spot but eats up all my carbs.

My place is a mess again. For the past 3 years or so I've been unable to keep up w housework and paper work most of the time. it's super -depressing. I'm not sure if it's physical or emotional. It actually seems like a mix.

I have had low WBC for about 10 years. 2.8 this time whereas normal is 4-11. I've been 2x to specialist who never find anything but I'm feeling like they don't look deeply. My present GP was surprised they never did a bone marrow analysis. It takes months to get an appointment usually...Maybe there are some private specialists that are more expensive and faster to get an appointment with. I can look into it.

I tracked today so far after many many days of not tracking. [ /spoiler]