What they told me at the interview was accurate. The position is challenging. But it’s getting easier, for the most part.

I started The Outsiders with AC 4 yesterday. I have always wanted to read it, the kids all claimed to be done with everything else, and, to my knowledge, it had not been read, yet. They actually seemed interested in it, which was great. It was the first time I’ve seen them really focus on something as a whole group. It didn’t last the entire time, but it was long enough to make an impression on me.

Maybe they just need some consistency: the same teacher everyday.

It’s hard to say how this school year will end for me. So far, I’ve had good days and less good days. But I think they are testing me right now, and I need to remind myself it gets worse before it gets better. Just say it in my head over and over. Write it on sticky notes and leave it on my furniture and wall space.

In other news, I have lost a little bit more weight. I am closing in on 25 pounds. It’s crazy how different 25 pounds can make you look and feel. All of the things I struggled to do just a month or two ago, I can do easily again, except stairs. And I think I look a lot different, too. My face isn’t so round at the bottom. I’ve gone down a cup and at least one band size. I can wear 16s and 18s in jeans. I had been in 22. I can wear size large shirts. I was in 1x and 2x.

Looking forward to the weekend, when we will celebrate Derek’s birthday and I can have more time to prep for school.