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Teaching at the high school level can be a very stressful job. Unless you've been there, you wouldn't believe some of the problems teachers encounter in an ordinary day. Things I have actually uttered in front of a class: "Bert! Stop throwing that vomit!" (It was fake). "No, Tommy, it's not called poetry because it was invented by Edgar Allan Poe." "Sara, put that magazine away! You know you're not supposed to read in literature class!" "No, Chris. They weren't called Romans because they roamed around a lot." "No, class. Hannibal was not dressed that way because he crossed the Alps with ELEGANCE. He crossed the Alps with ELEPHANTS." This might give you an inkling of my work day.

And actually, the students aren't the worst of it; it's dealing with administrators, the school board, and state mandates that usually cause all the headaches. And backaches. Yep, sometimes it's a real pain in the neck - literally. When I get home from school, my shoulders are strung up like a violin, and a million thoughts are bombarding my poor brain. I'm totally sapped - emotionally, mentally, and physically.

But then as I unlock my back door and enter my home, my two wonderful dogs run to greet me, covering me with doggie kisses. They give me those happy grins like only a dog can. No matter how bad my day has been, I am forced to smile at their unconditional love and affection. and as I take them into the yard for a little game of fetch, I slowly start to unwind. Pets have this affect on their owners. Did you know that your blood pressure actually lowers just by stroking a dog or cat? My Great Danes don't care if Timmy thinks I'm a bad teacher, or if Sally didn't turn in her project, or if Susie won't graduate because she's miserably failing my class. My pooches are oblivious to the outside world. I am their world. Their entire being revolves around me, and they feel it is their duty to entertain me, make me laugh, and be my companions. They really are great stress reducers.

Whenever something is really bothering me, I usually talk it over with my husband, or I pick up the phone and call one of my best friends. Just getting it off my chest really helps. I'm not usually looking for advice or answers; I often just need a "sounding board." I don't understand how folks without close friends and confidants survive this crazy world. I guess that's how psychiatrists stay in business.

Another way I reduce stress is a nice relaxing soak in a hot tub. I mean a real hot tub, you know, a big outside

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