Send 'smooth-sailing' sentiments to Spirit_Healer!

[tyme]

Nice! The nibblings went back to school today - so no student free day today. 

Good news, it's only 9 weeks this term for Vic kids! It's going to fly!

I've got camping planned for the next holidays and that's why we kept this holidays quiet. Then we are going overseas the holidays after... @MissinTooth 

Glad you feel semi-prepared!

[Spirit_Healer]

Yes, 5 sessions a week, @tyme . And they will even manage to accommodate my reduced working hours, too.

And yes, term and teaching began yesterday. 

@MissinTooth I applied for and got into a Master's degree for a different career a few years ago. In the end, I wasn't ready to leave: I had just moved to a better school and was enjoying my work again. During my recent relapse, I was considering applying for a different Master's, but realised it would take more effort than staying in teaching, so I stayed. Especially since the commute to uni would take over an hour each way. I see continuing teaching as the path of least resistance. Also, it frustrates me that my memory isn't what it used to be. 

Getting and staying well is certainly demanding my discipline! Sleep hygiene, exercise and diet have been really important for my recovery. 

[tyme]

How'd you go today @Spirit_Healer @MissinTooth ?

I'm glad you have your own class but also reduced workload to accomodate your needs. Is it still a regular clearance from the doctor that you need @Spirit_Healer ?

[MissinTooth]

The kids were chatty and excited to see their friends again @tyme @Spirit_Healer. They weren't too bad, we did lots of reminding them of the expectations and setting them up to hopefully have a good term.

[Spirit_Healer]

The last three days have been good thanks, @tyme . One of my colleagues is away this week, so I've taken one of her classes yesterday and today. The kids seem to like me, which is a bonus.

Yes, medical letters for my workplace, when I want to increase my hours, and the professional registration body, to keep my registration.

I'm really grateful to my school leadership for their flexibility to make my graduated return to work possible.

@MissinTooth expectation reminders - good thinking! I'll do that for my new class next week.

[tyme]

Sounds amazing @Spirit_Healer . And you said you take year 9? Isn't that one of the most challenging year levels?

[Spirit_Healer]

Most secondary teachers have a combination of year levels to make up their allotment/timetable. For example, last year I took 7, 10 and 11 for most of the year. The new class I'm taking is year 9. I do consider late 8 and early 9 to be most challenging, behaviourally. 11 and 12 are most challenging intellectually. @tyme 

[tyme]

Good on you @Spirit_Healer . It's such a tough gig.

[Spirit_Healer]

Hello @tyme @MissinTooth @Dreamy @Shaz51 

An update on me:

I had too much trouble with my cat, Marta, keeping me awake and then she learnt how to 'break out' of the laundry when I put her there at night. I ended up surrendering her for rehoming. 😪

And I found living on my own too lonely, even more so without Marta, so I've moved back in with my parents. My relationship with them is better than when I relapsed late last year. I think the break from them helped. It feels quite disorientating how my opinion of them changes so much when I relapse. 

I am doing everything I can to recover and stay well so that I can make wise decisions and keep my job. 

How are you all going? I hope that you all are well!

[tyme]

Wow @Spirit_Healer ,

That's a lot. How long had you had Marta for? I'm sorry you had to rehome her.

At the same time, I can see that you have now moved back in with your family which in a way it sounds like it's smoother. I know how much they have been wanting you to move back to them. Let's just say the break was good?

I guess they can cook for you and they enjoy that?

How's it all going for you? How's work?