For the last 15 days, I’ve been tracking my food accurately again like I had been before. I’m not necessarily crushing it everyday in terms of staying within my calorie limits, but I’m almost certainly doing better than I was, now that I’m counting again. My upper limit is supposed to be 1200 calories. Right now I’m just trying not to exceed 1500. If I can stay under 15, I’ve had a pretty good day for me.

I’ve experienced a lot of change, my friends. I have moved on from 7th grade ELA to a special education position in another district with second and third graders, and, oh, my gosh, it is so very different, but I am okay with it.

The seventh graders turned out to hold a special place in my heart, challenging though they were. Many of them inexplicably did an about face by the end of the year and became quite close with me. I had a voluntary lunch group of girls everyday and a cleaning crew. It is nothing if not a fascinating age. I do miss them. I have a giant card from the whole class, which I can’t show here. It made me cry.

I would have gone back to ELA next year. The problem was that they didn’t want me. They cited my classroom management as the reason. I said it was unfair to judge my skills based on that class, which was known for its difficulty, but it was to no avail. Frustrated with the system, I sought work elsewhere.

I was looking for next year, but the second school that interviewed me needed someone right away, and their offer was contingent on me starting immediately. It was a hard decision, but I took the job.

I explained to the kids that they were not the reason. I hope they know I was telling the truth.

I’ve been in the new school since the last week of May. The kids are darling. You have your heavies, just like anywhere, but sometimes they are the most lovable, once you get over the hump of their testing. It is much less stressful. I didn’t think it would be, but it is.

So that’s it, for now. Just treading water, waiting for another breakthrough.

You’re caught up. Thanks for reading. 🙂