Grumpy Old Bugger

Not to be confused with GrumpyOldManReturns (The Curmudgeon)
As I've mentioned before, I'm responsible for arranging relief teachers to come in and take classes when any of our regular teachers is off-sick, or on a course, or just had enough.
I'm a methodical and systematic person.. Before I go home at night, I make sure that I've arranged everything I can.  All the planned absences have been covered, timetables and relief lessons all prepared.

In the morning when I get in, I check the phone for messages, check the email for messages from the newly sick, and I carry my cell phone, to receive urgent updates from staff stricken with unexpected illness.

Yesterday the normal routine was observed, and I did my usual bit at the morning brief explaining any special requirements (like asking a poor, tired, overworked teacher to do an extra period because i couldn't get a reliever)
Just as we finished, before we had to go and get into our class rooms, one of our younger lady teachers (S) came up and told me that she had just received a text message from C (our Head Art teacher)saying that she would not be into work today because of some family emergency.

The young lady (S) telling me this began to look apprehensive, then actually a bit scared.  I asked a few questions, nodded and went off to check C's timetable and to see what I could do to arrange cover for her first class which started in 5 or 6 minutes.  As I turned away to go to my office, I heard S give a sigh then go and sit down with some of her friends.

It was then that I realised that I had been using my "Teachers Scary Face" on the poor girl.  This is the expression I and many of my older colleagues use on kids who are stepping out of line.  It's not an expression of anger, it is devoid of emotion except for the eyes which narrow slightly, and attempt to drill through the recipients brain.  Properly used, it can be quite scary, and I had been using it on that poor young lady teacher who was just passing on a message.

As soon as I had arranged the emergency cover, I went back and found S, and apologised fully.

The Apology

But I now wonder if I have been doing this with others.  Have I turned into a Grumpy Old Bugger (GOB) without realising it?  Are other colleagues wary of talking to me in case they get the "Scary Face"?
I'll be more careful in the future, and try to be more approachable.  I don't mind being seen as "That Grumpy Old Bald Scottish Git" by the kids, but not by my friends and colleagues.
Maybe being a teacher just automatically turns you into a GOB? 
Maybe it's just life in general that turns you into a GOB?

Grumpy?  Me?

Maybe I've always been a GOB?

Ah Well, back to work.  I've just read that J-P (ManOfErrors) is a Dad again.  Welcome Rosamund, to a world full of lovely gentle guys like your Dad, and GOBs like me.


By The Way, while doing some research into grumpiness and the associated apologies, I came across this.